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New Zealand Listener, Volume 13, Issue 321, 17 August 1945, Page 5

Sir-lI am English to the backbone and proud of it, but I have lived in and loved New Zealand for 21 years, and criticisms such as that of J.M. (Rotorua) make my blood boil. From my experience of the few such "Homies" I have met, they are the type of people who also grumbled at many things at home; and if people come to a new and not fully developed country without having the sense to find out possible disadvantages, and are not prepared to adapt themselves to the new conditions, they cannot expect to be very welcome. As to the refusal of a Government official to give her husband preferential treatment over a New Zealander, why should he do so, unless the Englishman’s qualifications were superior to those of the native applicant for the post? J.M.’s husband had been here only a week, and had yet to prove his worth. The accusation that an "anti-Home" feeling exists here is quite contrary to the experience of myself and other friends, From the day we landed, We almost invariably found that we had only to mention that we were English to have every imaginable kindness and thoughtful help extended to us. The whole attitude was symbolised by the lovely friendly name "New Chums," given to us, Finally, New Zealanders’ are not mere passing or fair-weather friends, but surely some of the most loyal. In places ranging from Hokianga to Tauranga and Hawke’s Bay I have made friendships which have stood the test, through good fortune and bad, of from 14 to 21 years, and from my heart I say "God Bless New Zealand," On one point only I agree with J.M. The British people regard most animals as friends, cats and dogs almost as members of the family, and are most humane in the treatment of all animals, and New Zealanders do seem callous in our eyes. It is only fair to add that much of the harsh treatment of farm animals is due very largely to unavoidable cire

cumstances.

D.

SPRAGUE

(Auckland),