CHRISTCHURCH TRAVELLERS.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 19675, 19 July 1929, Page 2

CHRISTCHURCH TRAVELLERS.

AN INTERESTING TOUR. (FBOJI OUB OW7» COSRESPOKOEUt.) LONDON, June 14. Mr and Mrs E. M. Sandston (Christchurch) have added many interesting experiences to their travel record since they left New Zealand for Europe. After leaving Australia they spent two months in Ceylon, and had the opportunity of forming various conclusions regarding the native races and problems relating to them. While m a certain section there is a strong movement to break loose from British rule, the more intelligent and better classes recognise the advantage of allegiance to the Crown, and they recognise, too, that any endeavour of the Cingalese to govern themselves would end in chaos. There were many features of life in Ceylon that pleased the New Zealanders, and they are very enthusiastic about its beauty. Duping a visit to Egypt Mr and Mrs Sandston went to Cairo, and their verdict about the Tutankhamen relics is that it would be worth the while of all New Zealanders to travel if onry to see these wonders and nothing else. Europe was reached at the beginning of January, during a period of the worst winter on record. All the time tfiey were in Italy the weather was cold, and there was much snow, and the same conditions prevailed while on the French Riviera. Onething that struck Mr Sandston forcibly in Italy was the wonderful improvements inder the regime of Mussolini, and no one appreciates these differences more than the Italians themselves. Everywhere there is law and order, where previously it was lacking. Every train moves off to the minute, streets and towns are clean, public buildings are well looked after, while there is a marked decrease in the number of beggars in the streets. While they were in Rome, the historic Pact between the State and the Vatican was signed, and there was naturally intense excitement. The people have great admiration for the ability of such outstanding men as the Pope and Mussolini, who have smoothed away the difficulties and differences of centuries. Mr and Mrs Sandston were privileged to have a special audience with the Pope, through the good offices of the Rev. Father Jarrett, Padre in charge of the Paulist Brothers, at the American Catholic Cathedral established in Rome. They were intensely interested in the ceremony, and greatly appreciated the opportunity of being present. From Rome. Mr and Mrs Sandston went to other interesting Italian cities, and from Genoa they worked along the Italian Riviera to the French Riviera. On May Dav they were in Paris and were greatly impressed by the masterlv way the military authorities kept the Bolshevist community outside the city gates. It wns reckoned the 130.000 round Paris had planned to get in and make trouble. Mr and Mrs Sandston will be in the Mother Country for some time. and they think of going to Spain.