N.Z. TOPICS.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18549, 26 November 1925, Page 15

N.Z. TOPICS.

OYERSEAS SETTLEMENT. ; WHY LAND IS DEAR. (noif OF* OWJT COBRESfOSTIXT.) LONDON", October 1". Provincial newspapers continue to publish letters regarding New Zealand as a place for settlement. No sooner does some disappointed correspondent point out the vicissitudes and drawbacks of the country than some New Zealander in England replies contradicting or corecting the srtatement. A correspondent to "The Scotsman" complains that land in the Dominion is very much dearer than in Great Britain. "Another Palmerstonian" points out that New Zealand is one of the greatest exporters of dairy produce in the world, and her butter and cheese command prices here little short- of those of tho Home product. "Together with these facts must, be considered the fact, also, that farming is considerably cheaper there, because there is no expense as here of winter stabling of stock and winter feeding; that machinery has largely been introduced and labour costs reduced; that farm wages are very little more than here, that most, farmer-owners themselves work on their properties; that the majority of the farms are freehold; that rates and taxes are lower; and, by no means the least factor, the system of co-operation prevailing right through to the marketing of the produce considerably lessens costs.

"New Zealand," the correspondent goes on to say, "has had a war debt to face, and to fund not so very far short, per capita, of Great Britain's. Yet she has got oyer the worst of her difficulties. Her income-tax has been reduced by more than 33 1-3 per cent, since 1922, penny postage has been reinstated, telegraph rates have been reduced, her national debt has been reduced, a sum of two millions sterling has been provided to help ex-soldiers who suffered in their land purchases from inflated values, and yet she has had substantial budget balances since the 'slump' year. I could tell of other achievements were there the space. Her trade per capita is tho greatest in the world, her purchases of British gocls are, per individual, a world's Record; living, standard for standard, is cheaper there than in Britain. And yet this is the country that your correspondent disparages and warns people against. I really think that lie is posing as a humorist."

Them and Now. A. Yorkshireman, writing : from the Waikato, tells of a visit to a friend who, a few years ago, was struggling and battling against the world and the elements on a small farm in Yorkshire. "Thanks to his grit and determination, lie is now the proud possessor of rolling acres of rich, well-drained soil, where winter and summer alike one can see close upon a hundred cows grazing upon the paddocks. Every morning, and then again in the evening these cows are milked in a huge milking shed by the latest device for machine milking. All is worked by electricity, and thus are-the labours of the milkers reduced to a minimum. He owns his own house, and during the years of tenancy has gradually improved upon and added to. it, so that to-day, what with the clean concrete paths, evenly clipped hedgerows, along with a well-laid-out tennis, court and gardens, the house is worthy of the tenancy of even any of the war rich, purse-proud, self-satisfied mill owners who happen to be rolling about in your midst. Besides possessing his own touring model, our worthy Fon frojii 'Yorkshire eats'his own homefed anil cured bacon, eggs, veal, and eheese and butter from his factory, so that he is pretty well independent of outside sources." ...., Bugby League Tour. ! Dr. H. T. J. Thicker,'who has been touring in Ireland and the North of England, -has made: a, striking statement to a newspaper representative regarding the merits of the New Zealand Bugby League team which will meet England next season. He says it will be the. best side that has ever left the Dominion. If any members of the last All Blacks team, which gained so many.victories in England, were to turn professional, it. is doubtful whether they would gain a place in the League touring team. , ''Keep to the Left." A citizen of Coventry writes to the local paper upholding New Zealand as an example of a country where the "Keep, to the Left" rule for pedestrians is in successful operation. "I have recently returned from a trip to New Zealand," says the writer, "and to see the manner in whieh the rule is obeyed would be an eye-opener to the average Coventry resident. In the' Dominion at the present time offenders are few, although there, are few notices to be seen. Of course, a few do. get on the wrong side even now, but when the officer reminds them of the fact the reply is, 'l'm sorry,' or 'Oh, I forgot,' and immediate compliance." It may be added that Coventry seems to be one of the few towns in England in which an Attempt is made to enforce the rule. A year or two ago it was decided to make the rule of "Keep to the Bight" in London, but the attempt was a fiasco. People still wander along the footpaths just as it pleases them.