NEW ZEALAND AND GERMANY

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21320, 13 November 1934, Page 12

NEW ZEALAND AND GERMANY

COMPARISON OF OUTLOOK IMPRESSIONS GAINED BY TRAVELLER Lack of very much national enthusiasm, easy working conditions, and ideal broadcasting programmes were the first impressions of New Zealand received by Mr C. J. Berger, who arrived recently from England after spending a short holiday in his native town of Frankfurt. Mr Berger has been in Switzerland and Italy as well as in England since he loft Germany seven years ago.

"Germany is inspired by the feeling that she has something to win and nothing to lose," laid Mr Berger. "In England and New Zealand there is a certain apathy because the British Empire does not need to fight for a recognised place among the nations. There is even less evidence of patriotism here than in Switzerland. People in New Zealand may be very broadminded about international politics, but it is hard for them to understand the mentality brought about in continental Germany, surrounded as she is by hostile and armed nations. People here seem very friendly to Germany, more so than in England." Nazi Germany. What impressed Mr Berger when he returned to Germany last August was the appearance of ovdcr and quiet as compared with the agitation and party demonstrations of six or seven years ago. "The elections were being held at the time," he said, "though there was no sign of excitement to indicate the fact. On the Sunday when the voting was taking place I was most struck by the large number of young people setting out for tramps and singing as they went. There were fewer policemen in the streets, and they did not carry rifles as formerly. "There is a feeling everywhere that there rriust be a revision of the Versailles Treaty, but we want to achieve it by peaceful means. I felt that there was a new confidence and hope for Germany's future, which had come into existence since I was there before. The Nazi party is, of course, dominant, but it seemed to need and to use fewer repressive measures than the Fascists in Italy, where there was a stronger socialist element to combat. Propaganda is widely used, and it is hoped that it will help Germany to regain her place in the sun. "Hcil Hitler" "As for Hitler, there are some fanatics who regard him as a demi-god, but he has many supporters of a milder type who believe that he will be able to do his job effectively. The fanatical element, however, often causes considerable bitterness. My own father, who belonged to the old socialist party, believes that Hitler is quite capable of directing the nation. But he objects to standing up and shouting 'Heil Hitler' at every meeting of his club. Consequently he has fallen foul of the more fanatical members

"Working - conditions in New Zealand are the best I have met. But you do not know what hard work is here. They know more about it in England, but you must go to Germany to learn what it really means. "Incidentally," concluded Mr Berger, "I must congratulate you on your wireless programmes. You can get music when you want it. In England and on the Continent there is nothing but talk and propaganda."'.