THE OPTIMIST

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 799, 21 October 1929, Page 10

THE OPTIMIST

Droughts and Politicians Can’t Kill Australia NEW ZEALAND PRAISED Mr. Harold Meggitt, governingdirector of the firm of Harold Jleggitt, Ltd., of Sydney, arrived by the Niagara this morning 10 spend a holiday motoring through the Dominion. “The Labour Party has gone into power with a sweeping majority, and I’ve come to New Zealand tor a holiday.” That is his answer to the pessimists who have spent the last few weeks proclaiming to the world that Australia and Australians are tottering to ruin. “I happen to be an optimist." he remarked. “Of course you’ll find dozens of people, some of them on this boat, who will contradict everything I say about Australia and the conditions prevailing there." Here are some of Mr. Meggitt’s reasons for his optimistic outlook: “Neither droughts nor politicians can kill Australia —it is such a wonderful country that it can stand the onslaughts of both. “Politicians don’t matter, anyhow. “I have been in Australia for 3t> years and for 30 years I’ve listened to people saying they were ruined every time a new Government took over.

“Every time a Labour Government bas been elected I’ve listened to people saying that it was the ruiu of the country, but the fact remains that there is still pleuty of money in Australia. “For 30 years I’ve seen the same thing, heard the same old cry, ‘The country is ruined,’ and yet when any party has been in power for two or three years people have wakened to the fact that they are richer than ever.” Mr. Meggitt considers that, next to New Zealand. Australia is the best country in the world. “You have a wonderful country here,” he remarked, “but you don’t use your natural resources. Look at the millions of pounds worth of water-power which is going to waste every year.” The reporter mentioned briefly that a few millions had been spent in harnessing the Waikato at Arapuni to supply Auckland with power. Manga hao to give Wellington light, heat and power, and a few of the other enterprises in providing electrical energy for New Zealand. “Oh. well.” replied Australia's optimist brightly, “I'm jolly glad te hear it: you wanted it badly.” Mr. Meggitt, in company with his wife and daughter, will make a comprehensive tour of New Zealand.