VISIT TO CHINA

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30588, 3 November 1964, Page 16

VISIT TO CHINA

Avonside Man Impressed

A Christchurch nurseryman was so impressed with Communits China during a 14-day visit last month that he has written to the Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) suggesting he visits China for "prestige of the National Party.” The nurseryman, Mr R. M. Atkinson, of River road, told Mr Holyoake in his letter of the kindnesses he received while he attended China’s trade fair at Canton. “I suggest you go to China . . . you will be treated as a king,” Mr Atkinson told Mr Holyoake. Mr Atkinson said that the market for New Zealand foods in China was "wide open.” He felt there would be a big demand for apples, pears, mutton, and dairy products. The honesty of the Chinese people deeply impressed Mr Atkinson. Although they were not Christians, they acted as Christians should, he said. The Chinese claimed they were true Communists and could not heal the wound with Russia until Russia again followed Lenin.

“The Chinese are a peaceloving race and have no intentions of moving outside their own borders,” Mr Atkinson said.

Mr Atkinson went to Canton to interest buyers in a new type of wheelbarrow he has designed. He loaded it with native New Zealand plants which, with the barrow, he has given to the people of China. In return, the Chinese presented Mr Atkinson with a box of Chinese plants. He expects to hear soon whether anyone is interested in his barrow.