A NEW ZEALANDER IN SAN FRANCISCO.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 60, 31 August 1907, Page 3

A NEW ZEALANDER IN SAN FRANCISCO.

o— ——— "NEW ZEALAND FOK EVEK." A New Zealander, Mr. Alfred L. Euff, who concludes his letter, 'Not Zealand For Ever,'' writes to us Iroin San Francisco as follows:—"Being a resident of I'alinerston for a number of years, and being deeply interested is the welfare oi New Zealand, I thought it just as well to enlighten those contemplating coming over. First of all, the shipping companies do not teli the passengers they have to show £lO before they can land, and next they have to pass a very strict doctor. On the boat I came over in there were twenty-four rejected on account of either not having enough money or else not passing the doctor, so you see the trouble they are put to through not knowing, and they have to return to New Zealand. The next thing to do is to get rooms, which cost about 12s u'd a week, and get your meals out, which cost about 13 O'd to (is each. Clothes are very dear. Before you can get a job you have to join a union, which costs £G. Of course, wages are very high, ranging from 15s to 30s a day, and so unless a man has friends to stay with his expenses are about the same as his wages. There is always some strike or other which affects all the unions, who go out on strike in sympathy for each other. I know a young fellow who came over with me who has only earned about £1 in six weeks on account of strikes. 11' a man has friends here he is all right, as his living does not cost him near so much. In my case, I am with friends, and I can manage to save about £i a week, but it would be impossible to do it if I did not have friends. There is plenty of work here for all trades and good wages, but, taking into consideration strikes, cost of living, etc., a man is best olf in New Zealand. I Know of several who came over with me who would gladly go hack to Australia if they, could only get their fare. One thing I must say—any tradesman other than an American is thought a lot of, because lie is smart and neat and clean, while the Americans are slovenly and dirty and awful thieves. It is really wonderful to watch the progress of rebuilding 'Frisco. Great high buildings in all directions. San Francisco is indeed a big city, and yet it is only the third biggest city in the States. There are many nice places round about 'Frisco, and travelling is cheap, so I have been looking round a bit. The climate here is just beautiful. 'Frisco can also boast of a very nice harl>om\ We do not hear much of the outside world in .the papers. They are very selfish and think there is only one country in the world, and that is the United States. One tiling New Zealand can boast of, and that is a good Government. The labour laws are recognised as the best in the world. In this country there is one law for the rich and one for the poor. The people here do not value life at all. Train and tram accidents and murders happen every day, and no effort whatever is made to stop them. I think travelling is an- education. Since I have been here I have seen things New Zealand lacks, and yet in many things New Zealand is miles ahead of this country. When work eases oh" here I am going to Chicago, New York', and other cities. There is nothing like travelling while yuu are young. I could write a book on the city, but I have just given a few details so that anyone coming over will not be disappointed. I do not want to influence them one way or the other, but I consider a man best off in New Zealand."— ralmcrston Standard.