FAR AHEAD.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 54, 5 March 1937, Page 15

FAR AHEAD.

N.Z. LEGISLATION.

PROGRESS OF DOMINION.

ENGLISHMAN IMPRESSED

Three times in 35 years Captain R. G. England, veteran of three Antarctic expeditions, who told a story of his adventures in yesterday's "Star," Irks visited New Zealand. He has watched with keen interest the progress of the Dominion during that period, and his brief comments are therefore of value and interest. "It sometimes strikes me that New Zealand is further ahead than should be expected for its age and population," commented Captain England, who last visited the Dominion on a health trip 1> years ago. "You are putting into practical effect immediately what other countries are coming to. The only difference i.s that you have gone a little quicker than the others. Evervthing appears to be going smoothly at the moment. We can only watch and hope that all goes well. There may be mistakes, but you can only learn through mistakes.

"Before 1 go I would like to thank the people of New Zealand for the happiness they have given me," continued Captain "England. "The friendly hospitality and the kindness I have received in every part of the Dominion has been extraordinary."

Captain England thought the New Zealand hotels were marvellous. There uas an atmosphere about them that struck the visitor as soon as he walked in the door. Everybody eager to help and make the visitor comfortable. Nothing appeared a trouble. The visitor <li<l not have a chance to ask for anything. Everything needed by him was anticipated. It was the same in the New Zealand shops. Assistants went out of their way to please. Huge Transport Service. Captain England's four months' stay in New Zealand has been devoted mainlv to business. When he gave up his adventurous sea life in 1900 he went into commerce, and is now managing director of England's, the shipping branch of Carter, Paterson and Co., Ltd., the biggest transport service in (ircat Uiitain. A fleet of 2000 vans is concentrated in London alone.

Until 193.') Captain England's business was purely shipping. He had many contacts in New Zealand. In 193."> his business was amalgamated with Carter, Paterson, and is now used for all overseas transport. After the scheme had been working satisfactorily for a year, the directors of the new combine suggested that Captain England should come to New Zealand, where he has many connections and friends, to give them first hand information of the new transport service. He has toured the Dominion with Mr. C. L. MeredithKave, of Christchurch, who lias been New Zealand representative of the company for the past ten years. He leaves by the Wanganella for Sydney to-night to make similar appointments in Australia. He has enjoyed his New Zealand tour so much that he has

"overstayed his leave," and will now have to curtail the Australian part of his trip, lie is expected back in England in June. He is c«tning back to Auckland to connect with the Reniuera in about two months' time.