INSULAR NEW ZEALANDERS.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 292, 10 December 1925, Page 12

INSULAR NEW ZEALANDERS.

. (To the Editor.) Sir, —May I, as an Australian, who lias lived in both the North and' South Islands of this country for the past! 4 years, join "Disgusted" in commenting on the petty jealousy and spite showered by New Zealanders on those of other countries who are unfortunate enough to have to speriu" most of their life in this land? It appears to mc to be more apparent in this island than in the South. I was disgusted at hearing a leading citizen in Wellington during the war dare to refer to Australians as "Austraaliens," yet he never raised a finger to do anything to help in the war. When 'three transports spent" two days there en route , through ; Panama Canal not a bite or sup was given to these Australian soldiers by the New Zealanders. What, a contrast to the liberal hospitality showered on New Zealanders passing through Australia. A member of Parliament here is very fond 'of referring to them as foreigners. Then there was the outcry against "foreign stone"-being used for the War from the Hawkesbury. What the Americans thought of New Zealand and- the New Zealanders we will hear in.the future, and if much mud-throwing is done it will not be unjust, for what disparaging remarks have been made about America ariifl" Americans on various occasions in public and in the papers here. The longer I live in this land, the more I thank God that I ;belong to a country of large-hearted, generous-minded people who -are not above criticism if fairly given, whiGh is good.for all. of us, and who are not always looking, for praise and soft soaping from lany leading people from overseas who visit these shores. Fancy a country" describing its soldiers as "second to none on eartli," as was done several times in Wellington. In justice to my country I ask you to publish this.—l am, etc.," . .. •■ > PROUD VICTORIAN.