THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 1908. "LESSONS FROM NEW ZEALAND."

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9114, 13 June 1908, Page 4

THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 1908. "LESSONS FROM NEW ZEALAND."

The Toowoomba "Chronicle," of May 26th, ult., conUins a leading article, which should be read by everyuiie interested in New Zealand —not Queensland—and it would be well if copies of the article were beautifully framed, and respectfully presented to the Premier, and the Minister for Lands. Perhaps when our Government realise that keenwitted Australians are truly gauginc the position of affairs in this country they may drop some of their Socialistic humbug, esp&cially designed Jto catch votes at general elections, and endeavour to settle the country in a progressive manner. We are suffer-

ing from slight depression now; we shall be suffering keenly from severe depression in the near future if the Government will but continue administering on the lines they have follor/ed during the past ten years. The article in question is headed "Lessons from New Zealand," and is very lengthv. We quote from it as follows:—"We are indebted to New Zealand for many other things besides the hundreds of splendid colonists—man with brains, energy and in many instances, capital, full of resourcefulness, probably the finest type of colonist in the world to-day —that have come, and are coming, over to Queensland. They come here, not because their country cannot in the majority of respects compare favourably with any part of the British Empire, not because it is mis-governed—inasmuch as in progressive legislation and sound administration it sets an example to all Constitutional countries—not be-

cause it is over-populated, or anything like it—but simply because, owing to an era of prosperity during the last dozen or fifteen yeai-3, in which sound government has been no inconsiderable factor, the values of land have reachel such a height that pioneering New Zealanders consider that Queensland at present offers superior attractions for settlement in consequence of her large expanse of magnificent territory available for close settlement at about one-fifth or less of the price. New Zealanders are not leaving New Zealand for Queensland because they are dissatisfied with their country, but because they think uhey can do even better over here. And the very same reason that is impelling New Zealanders has impelled, and is, impelling hundreds of New South Wales, Victorians and South Australians to come to Queensland .also. There is a tendency in human life to try and better itself, especially as regards material conditions! Of course, there are exceptions, but, as a general rule, man, no matter what position he occupies, is prepared to better himself. He may have uti excellent billet—one with which he is thoroughly satisfied—but if he is offered a position at a much larger salary he invariably accepts it. And in thi same way, if he has a comfortable home or farm in one country, and he discovers that he can have a farm equally as good five times that size for th 3 same money in another country, h. 3 generally makes his mind up to do what tha South Africans express in that brief word, 'trek.' It is the law of colonisation, and its operation is particularly manifest in tha British race. Hence the exodus to-day from New Zealand to Queensland, and not only from New Zealand but from New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. But, as we hive said, we are receiving other things besides splendid colonists from New Zealand. We are receiving, and have received during the past decade, valuable lessons in the art of government in New Zealand." Is there not a gentle touch of satire in the last two sentences particularly? It must, indeed be a valuable system of Government chat induces "sph n lid colonists" to leave our shores, when our total population is considerably under one million! It is very natural that every patriotic paper in Queensland should not adversely criticise thu action of Zealanders settling in that countr}'. "Of course, my line fellows," say the Queensland Press, "your country is a very good one, it is excellently governed, but our country is a better one —we offer you better advantages." To quote aerain from the Toowoomba "Chronicle," which quite excels itself in the following paragraph: -"The fact is that neither Auckland or any other district in New Zealand has been neglected in any respect, and especially in connection with any measures having for their object the promotion of close settlement." There is surely food for reflection in the fact that Queensland papers are sj anxious to belaud our non-progressive Government.