MODERN ENGLAND.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXV, Issue 198, 19 August 1904, Page 3

MODERN ENGLAND.

A REVIEW. Wγ. J. W. Joynt, M.A., Registrar of the N.Z. University, has just returned from a trip to England, and in a conversation with a "Star" interviewer he made reference to the progress of England in these latest days. "As far ac London is concerned."' said he. 'the congestion of street traffic is a more serious problem than ever. The County Council has been spending enormous sums in widening streets, and the system of tubes has been largely extended; but little relief appears "to be afforded. There is a movement in the direction of -what are called 'Garden Cities,' that ia, largs tracts of country land acquired in the neighbourhood of London for the settlement of the poorer residents of London and the consequent relief of slum life. It is partly voluntary work and partly commercial enterprise. "In the country," he went on, "I wag, greatly struck by the diminution of the amount of land under cultivation and the increased pasture land. It is, no doubt, mainly due to the succession of two or three bad seasons, but the present season has been extremely fine, ana may have a beneficial effect upon English agriculture. In the manufacturing towns there didn't seem to be any diminution of activity except that iri the great cotton-spinning towns most of the mills were working in an irregular fashion on account of the price and supply of the raw material. Very good results are (vcpected from the work of the British Cotton-Growing Association, which is evidently serious and determined to do something to secure a more suitable market within the Brrtish Emp're in which to obtain their material. They are endeavouring to start cotton planting in Zululand, and the possibilities of Queensland are also under discussion."

"Was there any noticeable movement in the Preference question while you were at Home?" "Not very much. As far as I observed it, the gravitation of sober opinion, away from party influences, is decidedly in the direction of Mr. Chamberlain's movement. The latter has been well organised, and such circumstances as the recent serious drop In the revenue have awakened the minds of serious men to the perils of the present situation. On the other hand, Mr. Balfour's scheme of retaliation finds much support. Many people -who see the difficulties of preferential trade think that some such scheme would meet the requirements of the situation. The general feeling towards the colonies 1 found to be very warm, but not always based on accurate information, although m this latter respect, there has been a marked improvement. I have little foar that the nation will overcome this present danger, for I m is much struck with the enormous amount of reserve energy and determination in inquiring into the present state jf English feeling."'