AN AMERICAN PILGRIMAGE.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 10, 12 January 1929, Page 1 (Supplement)

AN AMERICAN PILGRIMAGE.

"Three New Englanders," rich in the fine quality of their appreciation if not in dollars, have just completed a happy visit to England—their first pilgrimage to the land of their fathers—and on the eve of their return voyage write an interesting letter to "The Times" telling of their experiences (says the "Christian Science Monitor"). In six weeks they saw and admired "the well-kept countryside, the fertile fields and picturesque roads," and noticed especially the English people's universal love for flowers. Deeply impressed by the age and preservation of famous buildings and institutions, they "bowed in admiration and reverence before England's magnificent cathedrals," and listened to many comforting religious services within their walls. A verger amused them on one occasion by saying that the pulpit in his church was "comparatively modern," having been built in 1650!

They praised the impartiality and erudition of "The Times" in its editorial treatment of international affairs and, especially, of United States politics. Courtesy, they declared, is übiquitous with the English, however much they may be reticent. The departing guests, touching lightly on England's "faults," kindly advise her innkeepers to study more to provide those little attentions and comforts so dear to the heart of the American abroad and express concern that so little attention is paid to the refrigeration of food, especially in homes and shops. "Finally," say the trio, "we are sorry that so many of your people think that because we Americans are here at all we must necessarily be rich. You can have no idea how many of us have planned and saved for years in order that we might make a trip to your shores. We have done it because we have known that it would broaden our minds, enrich our memories and enable us to learn from you to whom we are already so greatly indebted. , ?