ENGLISH TOURISTS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 21 January 1931, Page 2

ENGLISH TOURISTS

PRAISE FOR NEW ZEALAND A COURTEOUS PEOPLE After visiting a number of the more important show places of the country, in the course of an informal tour carried out to satisfy what they themselves describe as an “inveterate wanderlust,” two English business men, Mr James Morrison, an estate agent, of Sheffield, Yorkshire, and Mr A. W. Clark, a flourmiller, of Northampton, have nothing but praise for New. Zealand and its institutions. Interviewed by a representative of “Tlie Press” they were careful to draw attention, to what they described as the essential courtesy of the New Zealander. “We came here without any letters of introduction,” said Mr Morrison, “but that has made little difference. . Everywhere we have been treated with the same courtesy, and this has greatly added to our enjoyment of your many scenic attractions. At the same time, whenever we have desired to visit any of your factories, refrigerating works, or flour mills, the proprietors have gone out of their way to give us every facility.” Both Mr Morrison and Mr Clark went on to express admiration for the lay-out of New Zealand cities and towns. . They were surprised to see so many fine public buildings, . and the many open spaces in the cities attracted their attention. VISIT TO THE SOUNDS During the last fortnight Mr Morrison and Mr Clark have been visiting the Sounds. The only thing that adversely impressed them was the rainfall, which they had not expected, and which caused them no little discomfort. They made the trip by the Hinemoa to Milford, and after staying at the hostel there, came back by way of the other Sounds. The potentialities of the Sounds as a tourist resort appealed to them, but they were of the opinion that to "fetch the crowds” better means of access were necessary. Unfortunately they had only two really fine days on the whole trip, and the voyage to Milford was very rough. Fourteen inches of rain were registered at the Hostel in eight days they were told, and . they came to the conclusion that in the future the district will achieve greater fame as a winter resort, for in July, August, and .September, the rainfall is considerably less. Then perhaps more motor tracks would he constructed, and a larger steamer would be commissioned to make the sea journey. While on the subject of tourist resorts, Mr Morrison mentioned the astonishment he had felt at seeing so. many young men and women engaging in climbing and trekking at Mt. Cook. 1 have had a lot of experience myself, he explained, “and I have visited Norway, the Tyrol, and the Himalayas; hut never before have I come across the particular class of climber that I met at the Hermitage. Most of them encountered risks and endured hardships that made me feel quite sorry for them. Of course, if they take risks.it is their own affair, but I would like to see some of them go better prepared for emergencies. TRADE CONDITIONS “I do not want to say much about the relative positions of England and New Zealand in the economic world, Mr Morrison concluded, “but I would like to hint gently that out here, where business interests are more unified and there are not so many industries, the efforts of Englishmen to put their house in order, and the success of their efforts, have not been regarded with quite the toleration they might. Life is so much more complex at Home; there are so many different aspects to he considered when any economic question comes up, and the‘depression has been felt there for such a greater space of time, that it is difficult to realise here in New Zealand what problems are being faced. Nevertheless, the countries are very close together in other things, and I admit that many difficulties are being experienced here, too.”