“SHARP CLASS DISTINCTION”

Press, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 25637, 28 October 1948, Page 4

“SHARP CLASS DISTINCTION”

SOCIAL RELATIONS IN N.Z.

OPINION OF SCOTTISH LAND OWNER From Our Own Reporter TIMARU, October 27. “I have heard quite a lot about class distinction at home during my visit to New Zealand, but I believe that in New Zealand there is more closely defined class distinction between employer and employee than we have in Scotland,” said Mr J. (Seumas) W. Stewart of Appin, in an interview at Timaru to-day. Mr Stewart comes from a famous Scottish clan which has held land for centuries. He said that in Scotland owners and servants met as equals in the evenings for social functions such as dances. A spirit of community friendliness existed, and “it was not who you are, but what Sou are” that counted with the Scots, e said. On New Zealand farms the distinction was particularly sharp, said Mr Stewart. Labourers often had to spend long evenings alone in poorly constructed and cold huts. Until' a different association between employer and employee came 'into being, and some form of entertainment was provided for men in isolated places, difficulty would by experienced in keeping men m the country, he said. Mr Stewart came to New Zealand some months ago in bad health and has since lived on sheep stations, and mixed with New Zealanders in all walks of life. Above all he' is grateful to New Zealand for restoring his health He has written a book dealing with his New Zealand experiences, and with his association with 254 New Zealanders out of 1000 Allied servicemen whom he and his sister, Mrs Fergus .Stewart-Fergusan, entertained at their Highland home, Achnadarroch, The book is now being published. Messages of appreciation of his hospitality have been received from the King and President Truman. Mr Stewart, who will shortly return to Scotland, has been asked to stand for a West Highland constituency in the House of Commons. He is not yet certain whether he will enter politics, ** be does so, he hopes first to visit Europe to familiarise himself with conditions.

“Slump Not Likely” + • *‘The re . is not a single home in Britain that is not clamouring for New Zealand mutton and wool, for woollen goods nave been rationed,” said Mr Stewart. “So long as the United Kingdom remains short of these commodities there is no chance of a slump m New Zealand. There would only be a recession in New Zealand if there Britain, he said, and with an< i a courageous effort 4u P i art industry, he did not think a-slump would be likely. Among New Zealand towns, Timaru has appealed to Mr Stewart most of its climat e and the unk“?dness and hospitality of its - I * e . came for a fortnight and stayed for two -months, including a of I ? lness .- “Its residential discharming after the dinginess Country, and make me feel ''d one the properties,” he

• -R? ee , ns t° wn ' w hen it becomes more widely known, will become the tourist rt 7i/r Par «? xceUence ’ °f the future,” said Mr Stewart. Its . climate he likened to the Riviera and its ski slopes were comparable with the best in Canada br Switzerland, said Mr Stewart.

.Stewart is greatly impressed witn the work of two local artists, the well-known New Zealand alpine painter, Mr Duncan Darroch. and a oot s ° well-known Timaru artist, Mr LlUTord Brunsden. Darroch was orig- , an , Brunsden was almost ?ffj h^ ic ’o^ eing strong yet restrained, said Mr Stewart. Brunsden deserved S pe u more widely known. “I know tnat he would merit consideration irom all our connoisseurs if he were shown in England. I do hope that So .^ e recognition and encouragement will be given to some of your New Zealana artists.” he said.