AN AMERICAN TOUR

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 July 1939, Page 9

AN AMERICAN TOUR

IMPRESSIONS OF WAIRARAPA VISITOR. ROTARY CLUB ADDRESS. “I was greatly impressed with the well-educated pedestrian traffic in the U.5.A.,” stated Mr L. A. Campbell, of Martinborough, in the course of a summary of his experiences when touring the United States, given at the weekly luncheon of the Rotary Club yesterday. Mr Campbell added that at first sight the traffic appeared generally to be going considerably faster than it: did in New Zealand. That, hovt’cver, was not the case. Although on some roadways, there were 13 lanes of traffic, and cars went by at the rate of 158 a minute, day and night, at intersections even, if the road was clear, drivers always stopped. Motorists who wished to turn and go back on their tracks could do so, but had to drive on until an underground passage was reached connecting with the traffic lane desired.

Los Angeles, with its population of 11 millions, impressed the visitor by its apparent scarcity of pedestrians. Owing to the immense area embraced by the city, a car was a necessity. Beverley Hills, the modern suburb of Hollywood was noted for its splendid homes, no two designs being alike. In Hollywood itself the art of floodlighting was skilfully employed with wonderful effects.

San Francisco, with its beautiful blue harbour, not unlike Wellington—was a wonderful sight, said Mr Campbell. Golden Gate, the East Bay bridge miles long with one span, and the Open Bay bridge were marvellous engineering feats. Cars crossing the Open Bay bridge generated static electricity. While crossing the bridge. Mr Campbell said he noticed pieces of No. 8 fencing wire projecting from the decking to brush against the undercarriage of the car. Puzzled, he enquired from the toll-keeper at the other encl, and was informed that every time he took money, before the wire was used, he received a slight shock of static electricity. The wire insulated the car and prevented this experience. From Los Angeles Mr Campbell went to the Yosemite Valley, a beauty spot very popular in America. The famous Sequoia Forest, which contained specimens of Redwood trees up to 29 feet in diameter, was well worth visiting. The Grand Canyon, 217 miles long, from 12 to 20 miles wide, and a mile deep, through which roared the Colorado River, was so awe inspiring as to be indescribable. New Orleans, built below the Mississippi river level, was surrounded by levees, and as a result, storm and drainage water had to be pumped to the river. Washington, the White House, Washington's and Lincoln’s Memorials were all visited by Mr Campbell. New York, with its seven millions population, and huge skyscrapers was bewildering to the visitor, said Mr Campbell. The Empire State building of 202 stories, dominated the skyline. Radio City, with half a million people, possessed marvellous buildings, one of which, with a huge portico and a series of lifts, which shot one up GO stories in a breath-taking instant gave a wonderful view of the city.

The World Fair at Long Island, was on a silo which was formerly a swam); and rubbish dump. The fair cost 169 million dollars to construct, covered a square mile. Several months were necessary to see the complete fair. Mr Campbell was present when President Roosevelt officially opened the Fair and Dr Einstein delivered an intricate address on the cosmic ray, after which he moved a switch, causing the electrification of the whole Fair. Wonderful fountain displays and fireworks of all descriptions added to the variety offering. Mr Campbell dealt in detail with various attractions at the Fair. He was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for his address.