Windows Of The World

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 17, 21 January 1939, Page 16

Windows Of The World

International Scenes And Affairs THE NEWS BEHIND THE NEWS.

MAINLY COMMERCIAL.

FOREIGN ACTIVITIES. MTAIIiS IN* HONDURAS. I Mil < IGAI.PA, Honduras. I licrc iH 1111 it« a (*l'rmaii colony in ♦ his capital, hut resident * M „y jlint the activities of foreign countries arc confined entirely to driving ii commercial wedge rather than political. .Inpan recently, in an effort to raise Wiir funds, sold Honduras considerable goods on easy terms. Collections, however, have been difficult. Ilie political situation here is similar to that of Honduras' neighbours Guatemala and hi Salvador—a strong man has Ills own way. Dr. Tiburclo Curias Andino became President on February 1. MM. At that tiftie the constitution provided for a four-year term. However, before his term was up Dr. Audino had his term extended six years to January J, IM3. But ho Is getting old and his admirers assert that in 1042 he will yield the office to another. Honduras is one of the larger of the Central American republics with an area of about 4.1,000 square miles and population of IIH2,08"i. It ha« a J..ug northern eoastllne on the Caribbean Sea with several good ports, and a tiny wedge on the Pacific with a single seaport, Ama pa la. The international highway from the United States to Panama Is passable through Honduras, but In not improved. Labourers are working oil it. Industriea of Country. The chief industries of the country are banana growing along the Caribbean coast, gold and silver mining, coflTec growing, and cuttle raising. Cane sugar, maize, and beans aro raised for loeal consumption. Fruit# arc plentiful, but • little higher than in other Central American countries. For instance, oranges at 12 ccnta a dozen are twice as high us In Guatemala. Canned soup Is four times as high as In tho I. nitod States and American tohacpo seven times as high. European goods, however, are cheaper. Common labour here receives about s/o per day plus rations, but living conditions seem higher than in neigh noticing countries. One can a«e many pack trains composed of three ip-- a dose ii- little mnngy horses, mulea-aihd burros. Ox carts ami a few small truefca haul the heavy freight. f * Kv»ry one here Is polite and a policeman walked two blocks with this writer to point out a placo of Interest. The city's, most attractive spot fa» » tiny park, such as a rich man might have for ii bnck yard. It was built in 10.14 and has many flower*, palms and other trees, There are miniature lakes, islands and rock bridges. The presidential palace, a ma salve structure, has a beautiful Interior courtyard. Most of the foreign diplomat* here live In attractive houses on a hill back of the city. The hill gives a good view of the city and the valley to the south. Duildings In the business section' arc one storey, made of atueco, mud. bricks or wood. All have red roofs. Few have display windows, mid all are email and dark.