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New Zealand Listener, Volume 13, Issue 317, 20 July 1945, Page 5

Sir,-Referring to the question of the British Council and the suggested closer relationship between England’ and her colonies, I wonder if the people responsible for this council realise the very strong "anti-Home" feeling that exists here, in Australia, in Canada, and in South Africa? In regard to New Zea-

land there is, of course, strong loyalty to Britain, but chiefly from the monied class, which, as in every country, is in the minority. My husband and-I had only been in this land one week when on his applying for a possible Government vacancy he was bluntly informed by the interviewer that he saw no reason for giv-. ing my husband preferential treatment before a New Zealander. My husband walked out in disgust, as one can’t argue with a person of, that mentality! In the following week another Government. Official-a woman "Homie" told us not to go on a farm, as it would break our hearts to see the callous behaviour towards defenceless animals that goes on. A good introduction to one’s adopted country! We have been here six years and have discovered that most New Zealanders resent the way we walk, talk, dress (and I nearly said "eat" as well!) and any desire for privacy in our private lives, and we don’t like their ignorance and immaturity, their petty and persistent persecution in various subtle ways. Indeed, we find it difficult to remember at times that we all come from the same British stock! New Zealand has not time to populate the land from her own people, and if we English are not wanted, neither, I, presume, are Chinese, Japanese. Jews, Hindoos, Indians, etc.,in any great quantity, so in order to survive a country of

the white race she will have to cast adrift from Mother England and transfer her allegiance to Foster-Mother America. This appears to be the direction New Zealand, Australia, and Canada are travelling. This would mean the possible disintegration of the British Empire, but the United Kingdom might be a healthier and happier country as a second or third rate "power." We are hoping and aiming to return to England, even should another "Ruline-Class Governe

ment" be elected.

J.

M.

(Rotorua)_

[We print this letter at the earnest request of its writer who suggests, in a covering note, that "‘a lot of 1 g might be cleared up by a general discussion the matter.’Ed.)