OPTIMIST CLUB

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 August 1938, Page 6

OPTIMIST CLUB

ASPECTS OF AMERICAN LIFE. ADDRESS BY MR KEMNITZ. Mr Kemnitz, continuing his address on American life at the weekly tea of the Optimist Club last night, referred to certain aspects of the commercialisation of sport. This often entered into college life. It was quite the custom for young fellows to work their way through college and positions were often found in some colleges for anyone having desirable athletic or sports ability. Sit-down strikes were all over the land during his visit, said Mr Kemnitz, and industrial unrest was everywhere present. From his observation and from talks with the people there, he felt sure that it was only a matter of years when America would cease to be the democratic country if claimed to be and some form of mild socialism would take its place. About ten great corporations frequently dictated the policy of the Government and graft was rampant. Interference in politics was a considerable factor that greatly affected the well-being of the nation. Strikes were not confined to industry, however, and children in schools had been known to strike to have a desired teacher, and banners and processions were the rule. The climate of the United States, said Mr Kemnitz, was of course extreme from North to South. The trains and buses were all air conditioned but in the winter the temperature of the carriages was often up to 80deg„ making it very trying when the carriage had to be left. Similarly, air conditioned restaurants in summer time were so cool and pleasant that, on stepping into the sun-scorched street, it seemed like stepping into a furnace. In the cities transport difficulties were tremendous. Reference was made to the lifts in tne huge skyscrapers, the underground systems of various kinds and the tremendous bridges such as those at San Francisco. Mr Kemnitz concluded his talk by throwing some sidelights on American character and business methods. In these, as in other matters, Mr Kemnitz was most interesting and informative.

He was cordially thanked for his addresses.