IMPRESSIONS OF SYDNEY.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 279, 24 November 1928, Page 7 (Supplement)

IMPRESSIONS OF SYDNEY.

(By M. J. SHEAHAN.)

Entering the comparatively narrow entrance from the turbulent Tasman Sea to Sydney Harbour, a splendid panorama opens out to one's view. On starboard and port side and right ahead inlets, numerous and expansive, unfold themselves. It is a glorious panorama, and the patriotic Sydneyite must be pardoned for the repeated inquiry, "What do you think of our harbour?" As you proceed up to Darling Harbour you realise that over a million inhabitants are here domiciled and carry on their daily avocations. It is marvellous and inspiring. This reflection forces itself upon you. In the vast territory of the mother State nearly one half of its population congregates in Sydney.. It is not to the benefit of the State. The stupendous undertaking of the bridge across the harbour to Milson's Point rivets your attention as you steam between the massive concrete and steel erections on both sides of the harbour. To the disembarking passengers the waterfront is far from attractive. It is old Sydney. The buildings in the business area are high and commodious, with many more in course of erection. You arc not long parading the streets before you feel the discomfort of dust which permeates the atmosphere. In the narrow streets all is bustle, and pedestrians are bumped indiscriminately. The churches which did service in old Sydney are now overshadowed by skyscrapers, while their - adherents are domiciled miles away from them. Places of amusement are plentiful and do a thriving business. Most of them are exquisitely decorated. Many give continuous performances; a striking feature is the large number of men who patronise them throughout the day in working hours. In the parks, too, you see them in numbers lolling on the grass reading or resting. The beaches, too, are filled all day, and the conclusion is formed that many are so comfortably circumstanced that they "need not bother about the morrow." Old Sydney is ever present

in the humbler dwellings of long rows of red brick tenements huddled together flush with the roadway. In the suburbs a welcome change presents itself, notably at Randwick, Waverley, Coogec and the watering places fronting the harbour, and out at Strathrield, where nicely built cottages and villas in brick with tiled roofs abound. Public reserves are extensive.

The Blue Mountains lack the beauty of the New Zealand forests. A feature is the number and size of the towns upon these mountains, and how it is that on such barren soil they flourish. The Jenolan Caves are magnificent and extensive, but AYaitomo need not fear a comparison.

I attended tlio State Parliament several times, and with neither the conduct of business nor the precincts was I enamoured. Personalities were hurled by both sides, and one wished for a Sir Maurice O'Rorke in command. I listened to the Federal Prime Minister, Mr. Bruce, who opened the Federal election campaign in the Town Hall, over which the State Premier, Mr. Bavin, presided. The hall was packed to capacity by ticket holders. Mr. Bruce spoke for over two hours, without reference to a note, though he concluded his speech with a maze of figures. Taking into consideration the many interjections, it was a, masterly performance. Sydney was not troubled with what the Sydney "Morning Herald" designated "the annual strike," which was a blessing for Sydney. Of. the Congress, much has been written. It is safe to say that Sydney in its chequered history has not witnessed, nor in the years to come is it likely to witness, a gathering of peoples as widely apart as the poles in every essential but one: "The Faith of our Fathers."

Authorities are trying to dissuade would-be suicides from jumping into the Thames from Blackfriars Bridge by psychology. Alarmed at the increasing number of persons taking their lives at this old Roman'river landing, they have painted the former sombre, "sad" black in a "happy" combination of light green, trimmed with, bright yellow.