BUSINESS BRISK.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 138, 13 June 1932, Page 5

BUSINESS BRISK.

BETTER DAYS IN AUSTRALIA.

NEW ZEALANDER'S IMPRESSION.

Mr. Walter J. Watson, a well-known Christchurch business man, brings back from a recent trip to Sydney and Brisbane a story refreshingly different from those of the people who can see nothing but gloom on the other side of the Tasman (states the "Christchurch Star")._ "Business is brisk in Brisbane," said Mr. Watson. They did not feel the depression there to the same extent as it was felt in Sydney. But even in Sydney now the outlook is decidedly optimistic. The Stevens Ministry has been in office only a short time, but already it has built up a favourable record of service to the State. Work is being found for 30,000 men immediately. A good indication of recovery is furnished by the fact that the Standard Portland Cement Corporation is reopening its works straight away, and will absorb another 250 men. Shopping concessions have been restored on the trams, and notices ordering retirement to 900 civil servants who have reached the age of 60 have been withdrawn."

Mrs. Watson, who is an ex-student of the Royal Academy of Music, London, made a visit to the State Consrrvatorium of Music while in Sydney. The number of students there had kept up wonderfully well through the difficult times, she said, and the standard of music was as high as ever. Mr. and Mrs. Watson attended a pianoforte recital by Miss Marjorie Heese, an accomplished young Australian, who included in her programme a toccata in B minor by Frank Hutchens, a Christehurch musician who now holds a professorship at the Conecrvatorium. Mrs. Watson described Mr. Hutefrens' composition as a fine work that called for the greatest musicianship, and was worthy of inclusion in any pianist's repertoire.