Principal Grant on New Zealand.

Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 302, 26 September 1888, Page 3

Principal Grant on New Zealand.

Principal Grant, of Canada, while in Melbourne, was interviewed by a reporter, and, in the course of his remarks, said :—: — ' What think you of New Zealand ?' ' I was charmed with it,' said the visitor, and there was that in his tones which denoted that he meant all he said — ' was delighted with its scenery, its climate, its resources, its prospects, the general health of the people, and their warm hospitality. I know that both New Zealand and Queensland are burdened most heavily with public debts, but I see no reason for doubting the future of either colony. Their debts are to a great extent investments, and the value of these investments is certain to increase with the development of each colony. I met several of the politicians, but politics there, as in every other isolated colony, are naturally confined to local questions in which visitors are not much interested. There are some striking personalities in the Legislature, and men who understand the condition of the country, and are determined to equalise

revenue and expenditure.' ' Very Scotch, New Zealand ?' was suggested. There was a smile, and the answer : ' I found a great many Scotch there. In fact, Otago is more Scotch than Scotland, Dunedin more hilly than Edinburgh, and the Doric of the people absolutely pure. New Zealand seems divided into four geographical parts, each ot which is distinct from the other. Hence there never will be one great centre to absorb all the life of the colony to itself. Which is the more healthful for the country it is not for me to say. No doubt there will be differences of opinion on the subject.