IMPRESSIONS OF ENGLAND

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21623, 6 November 1935, Page 5

IMPRESSIONS OF ENGLAND

COLONEL G. J. SMITH'S VISIT ADDRESS TO ROTARY CLUB •The English people are just as hospitable as Americans, but in a different way," said Colonel G. J. Smith, when speaking about his experiences on his recent trip to England to members of the Christchurch Rotary Club at the weekly luncheon at Beath's yesterday. One was not burdened with hospitality in England, he said; it appeared a natural attribute of the people. Colonel Smith gave members of the club his impressions of the Royal Jubilee celebrations in London, it was the gayest season in London for a long time! he said. The Prime Minister of New Zealand, the Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes, looked "tremendously swell in his gold robes. Mr Forbes and Mr Coates. representing the Dominion, created a very favourable impression. The English crowds had shown a remarkably fine spirit and forbearance, set ting what was probably an example to the whole world. Colonel Smith mentioned the increasing signs of returning prosperity to be seen in Great Britain. Prospects were extremely good, he said. He heard of no pessimism at all. In England the impression seemed to be that prices for the Dominion's produce, which had improved recently, would be maintained and might even improve further. Changes in London In London Colonel Smith noticed many changes. The great city was cleaner and brighter than it was years ago. That was largely due to the use of gas, electricity, and anthracite. But one did miss the old architecture so prominent in the past, and although that had been replaced by fine new buildings which were probably a great improvement, the passing of some of the old buildings was rather to be regretted. When detailing the incidents on the trip home, Colonel Smith mentioned the interview he gave to "The Press" on his return, and comment which had been made on his remarks about the delay in clearing passengers at Vancouver. He said that he did not want his remarks to be misconstrued. The delay was wearisome and annoying, but the passengers received the utmost courtesy from officials of the Union Company and the United States and Canadian authorities. But he thought that the facilities for clearance could have been organised better. Americans Enthusiastic Colonel Smith was warmly thanked for his address. There was applause when the District Governor, Dr. P. Stanley Foster, endorsing remarks about the enthusiasm shown over the jubilee, said that at the time the people of New York—Dr. Foster was visiting New York then—had shown remarkable enthusiasm, too. Among the guests at the luncheon were Sir George Julius (Sydney) and Mr John Farrell (Auckland). The function was a reunion of past and present members and was very well attended. Past members and guests were given a welcome by the chairman, Mr L. G. K. Steven.