AN EX-WAIKATOITE ON TOUR.

Waikato Argus, Volume IV, Issue 292, 24 May 1898, Page 2

AN EX-WAIKATOITE ON TOUR.

Mr E. Darby, who for some time so energetically managed the Hamilton branch of the Northern Drapery Company, and who has recently returned from a tour of the world extending over two and a-half years, is at present on a visit to Hamilton. It will be remembered Mr Darby, prior to leaving New Zealand, was seriously ill, and the trip he has just returned from was undertaken with a view of regaining his health. His many friends will be pleased to learn that he has fully recovered his strength, and is as " chirpy " as ever. Mr Darby says he found great interest taken in New Zealand and its affairs in England, and even on the Continent. During his stay in London he was quartered at the Hotel Cecil, and was waited upon there by a representative of one of the big dailies, with a view of obtaining information concerning this colony; whilst at Hamburg—very much to his surprise, indeed—he was interviewevl by a reporter representing the Japan Times, and also at the same place by a representative of a Copenhagen journal, seeking information regarding the dairying industry in New Zealand. As he happened to have in his possession a Guide Book containing the information desired, he was able to supplement his own opinions and experiences, and to " fix them up " in a very satisfactory manner. A copy of the Japan Times (which is printed in English), containing the report of the interview was forwarded to him, and he thus had the gratification of seeing it in print. During his travels Mr Darby has been all over the United Kingdom, Norway ami Sweden (the scenery of the latter countries putting him very much in mind of that of New Zealand), and through all the Continental countries, and also visited a few of the seaport towns of Russia. In the South of Europe he spent a most pleasant time, visiting Rome, Naples, the Pompeiian ruins, and Athens. He also subsequently visited the South American Republics, and ho says the fears of those colonists who dread competition from South America are only two well grounded. The land, he says, is first-class and vast areas still remain in a state of nature. When these aiv developed competition from that quarter will be much keener. At the time of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations Mr Darby was sojourning in Scotland and, as showing the great consideration extended by the Home authorities to colonials, he meutioned the fact that tickets tor seits to witness the procession were even forwarded to Scotland for him. He had a splendid view of the proceedings from a stand in St. Paul's churchyard, and notwithstanding seats were fetching six and eight guineas each, he said he could have had half-a-dozen, and they would not have cost him " a red cent." After having visited most of the civilised countries in the world, Mr Darby is strongly of opinion that in all the essentials that make for happiness and greatness, Great Britain immeasurably surpasses all other nations on the face of the globe.