BOTH BEGIUM AND AUSTRIA “DOWN AND OUT” COUNTRIES

Manawatu Times, Volume LIII, Issue 6545, 29 February 1928, Page 7

BOTH BEGIUM AND AUSTRIA “DOWN AND OUT” COUNTRIES

Germany, However, Has Made Great Recovery PEW CRIPPLED SOLDIERS THERE ("Times” Special.) AUCKLAND, Last Night. ■ Many countires not usually visited by a New Zealander abroad were included in the itinerary of Mr. J. A. Peacock, of Auckland, who with Mrs Peacock, returned by the Marama from Sydney to-day. Mr. Peacock was greatly impressed with the recovery of Germany. Ho saw more luxury, more well-dressed people and fewer crippled soldiers and beggar* there than in any other European country. " Germany was indeed a revelation,” he said. "Everybody seemed to have ’Work and everyone works long hours. I am convinced the • German people do not want any more wars.” . - His impression of Germany was a pleahant .one. A notable feature was ■that all kinds ox sport were being'encouraged, many of the Germans proving very fine athletes. Apart from, physical benefits ho believed this would help to create a better understanding between Germany and other* nations. ' , ." Of all the count.ries we visited which took part in tho war Austria and Belgium seemed most down and ■out,” said Mr. Peacock. " There was a very bad state of affairs in Austria when I was there and it seemed inevitable that' much of tho fertile land taken away from tho nation after the war will have to be restored to enable the Austrians to carry on.”