COMMENTS ON NEW ZEALAND

Auckland Star, Volume LXXVI, Issue 147, 23 June 1945, Page 4

COMMENTS ON NEW ZEALAND

I was very interested to read Mr. W. J. r Plowden-Wardlaw's impressions of New Zealand and to note that such an eminent visitor commented so favourably on our hotels, when recent newspaper reports would have us believe' these are nothing but archaic. Regarding the cost of living, in view of the Government's stringent stabilisation policy operating throughout the war years, it hardly seems credible that this should have risen by 50 per cent. Also, for what reason are many Gcivernment - supported local industries "not worthy" of protection by import control? Surely some balance should be struck between our primary and secondary industries, if only for the development of our cities and the employment of our townspeople. STAUNCH COLONIAL.

It seems that we have to suffer periodically visitors who take a delight in telling us all about our cultural, economic and political conditions and presuming to know far more about them than we do ourselves. I suppose there is nothing we can do about it. However, it may not be amiss to remind sunh visitors that it is not considered good taste for a guest to criticise his host, neither is it good taste for a host to criticise his guest; but it may not be amiss to draw attention to an old adage, "Mind your own business." I am an Englishman, but exceedingly proud of my adopted country. B. C. CHILWELL.