VISITOR FROM RHODESIA

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29336, 15 October 1960, Page 2

VISITOR FROM RHODESIA

Native Conditions* Described “The South African natives, as a race, are a happy but backward people, with an inborn politeness,” said Miss J. Zeelander, a Visitor to Christchurch from Rhodesia. But for a minority of the better-educated natives, they would be quite content to live as they had done for centuries, Miss Zeelander said. They were now receiving many benefits from the State, such as free housing, hospital treatment, and educations which Was compulsory for those living in the towns. Native girls could receive nursing training in their own hospitals, but even once they were trained, they could work only as wardsmaids in European hospitals. Natives lived in locations where they had their own beer halls, dance halls, cinemas, shopping centres, and their own transport into the towns.

Miss Zeelander, who was born in London, has livpd in Salisbury, Rhodesia, for 12 years. A shorthand typist, she went there in 1947 as a public servant, and became attached' to the British South African Police. After four years in the service, she worked for private firms for eight years; She then went back to London, but returned to Rhodesia because “it is so pleasant there, with very good living, and one of the best climates' in the world.” Salisbury she described as a modem city with plenty of night life, good country clubs, and with ample scope for pursuing her favourite sports—fencing and tennis, “The arts are encouraged greatly, too,” she said. She described the modern art gallery, and the university for both Europeans and natives, both of which were opened by the Queen Mother. Miss Zeelander is in New Zealand on a working holiday. "But I definitely hope to return to Rhodesia,” she said.