"ALL'S WELL"

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 179, 13 May 1935, Page 8

"ALL'S WELL"

SOUTH AFRICA TO-DAY.

GOLD PRICES AND PROSPERITY. A SLUMP-TIME BOOM.

The New Zealand pressmen who attended the recent Imperial Press Conference in South Africa went there on a mission of goodwill, and, returning with vivid memories of a pleasurable seven weeks' tour and the recipients of wonderful friendship and hospitality, thev were drawn to the conclusion that in recent years a definite change has come over' the scene and all is well with our sister-Dominion. Nevertheless, there remain many* difficulties and problems for solution, but with the unification of the leading political forces as represented by General Hertzog and General Smuts for the first time in many years a combined effort is being made to concentrate on placing the country on a sound basis. The delegates were assured by ehe Minister of Defence (Mr 0. Pirow) that to-day practically no anti-British sentiment exists, although republican ideals are still upheld by a small minority in Parliament. Under General Hertzog and General Smuts the country is thus enjoying a wonderful era of progressive development, which, in a few years, must accomplish much for this young nation. Wonderful Prosperity.

Coming from a Dominion where the effects of the world-wide depression have been so severely felt, it was refreshing for the New Zealanders .to find themselves in an atmosphere oi 'such wonderful prosperity. With high prices for gold, all sections of the community appear to have benefited. As in other countries, primary production lias been adversely affected, but as all agricultural products are being, heavily subsidised byl the taxpayers—and the taxpayers are largely the goldminesone could fully appreciate the fortunate position in winch South Africans find themselves to-day. Johannesburg is booming. Mines not worked for years, because of their unremunerative output, have been reopened, and are being operated at high pressure. Some of the larger mines are putting out enormous yields, and even many of the dumps placed there before the introduction of what is known as the cyanide process are now being put through this process and are returning handsome returns. Consequently, in Johannesburg collossal building programmes are in hand, whole streets of six to seventeen storied buildings are being erected, while on every hand the delegates saw examples of marked activity and development, even in the opening up of new streets in the suburbs, with rows of modern houses and palatial flats. How Long Will It Last?

In a lesser degree this aame progress and prosperity waa reflected throughout Southern Africa, and when it is realised that the Government receives from the mines in direct taxation over £13,000,000 annually,, it can readily be understood how it is that South Africa is enjoying a period which many other countries less fortunate will envy. The visitor naturally asks: How long will' it last ? Everywhere there is an air of optimism, and he was told that gold production on an enormous scale will continue for a hundred years or more. Johannesburg is already the largest city of tbe Union, and with the programme in hand one would imagine that preparations are in train for a population at least twice the size. What the position will be when the price of gold returns to normal only events of the future will reveal. The South Africans are not worrying. They are gambling on the future, and one can only trust that their optimism is as well-founded as it is enthusiastic. A Basis of Equality. The introduction of bi-linqualism, the teaching of both English and Afrikaans in the schools, and its use in the Government service, though not appreciated by some sections of the community, has, nevertheless, provided a basis of equality—a bridge to more peaceful and happier times, and in a few years must further cement the ties binding the two white races of this progressive young Dominion. The European people of South Africa are very similar to the people of New Zealand and of other parts of the British Commonwealth of Nations. The only outstanding difference is that two languages are spoken. Outwardly there is very little to distinguish the ' two sections. The Afrikaans-speaking people whom the delegates met were most likeable, and practically all spoke good English. For some reason, perhaps best known to themselves, the English adults do not learn Afrikaans and rather resent the suggestion that they should, which, if anything, leaves the English at a disadvantage. Time, however, must bridge the gulf. Bilinqualism is compulsory in all schools, and the rising generation will thus be at no disadvantage. Everywhere they travelled the pressmen were met with overwhelming hospitality. They had the opportunity of meeting many Dutch people in their homes and were immensely impressed by their homeliness and geniality and a desire to brighten the stay in their interesting country. There was ever present, also, in many parts a friendly feeling between English and Dutch, and rowing, incidents of past years are buried in he supreme effort which South Africans are making to establish this nation amongst the foremost in the commonwealth of British communities. Thus one felt that the hatchet has been buried and that the two gnat people are developing along friendly and peaceful lines. There appears no racial distinction. Socially they are one and they have all a deepseated pride in. South Africa.. South Africans have certainly developed a strong sense of educational values, and they have made great strides in recent years. The keenness with which young South Africans prosecute their studies and tbe high standards set must produce results of a permanent and far-reaching character. In every centre of reasonable size the schools and colleges are elaborately equipped and the buildings are outstanding in both size and architecture. It surprised the delegates to learn of the large num-

bers—of both English and Dutch parentage—who are sent Home to complete courses at English Universities. This appears to be the ambition of most parents, and the result is a generation of fine, athlete young men and women whose educational attainments must establish a high level in both the commercial and professional activities in which they become engaged. Modern transport has minimised distance. With a network of modern railways, excellent roads, motor transport and aerial services, the "wide open spaces" of South Africa are becoming a thing of the past. Travel is so comfortable and so easy that the man far out on the veldt h no longer cut off from civilisation. South Africa is proud of its achievements, and justly so. The rest of the world may well envy it its gold boom and the accompanying prosperity. As a nation it is getting a firm footing. Its continued wealth and progressive velopment will be the wish of every New Zealander.