“AUSTRALIA AS I SAW IT”

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 117, 11 February 1926, Page 7

“AUSTRALIA AS I SAW IT”

HIGH TRIBUTE BY LORD , BURNHAM FINEST COUNTRY HE HAD SEEN DEVELOPING BIGGER TYPE THAN ENGLISH In an address to the Royal Colonial Institute, Lord Burnham paid one of the finest and most comprehensive tributes ever paid to Australia and its people. By TELBGiiAra.— Press Association Copyright. (Rec. February 10, 8.15 p.m.) London, February 8. One of the finest and most comprehensive tributes paid to Australia was made bv Lord Burnham in an address to the Roval Colonial Institute, under the heading, "Australia as I Saw It.’ Lord Burnham admitted at the outset that it was impossible in eleven weeks to thoroughly see, much less to understand. the Continent. Australians were rightfully indignant at the summary judgment passed by short-term tourists, which was rather like an attempt to write a history of America after half an hour’s talk with a porter in a Chicago hotel. For some reason or other Australi was alwavs unduly depreciated in the opinion of the world, chiefly, because it had not learned the art of advertisement. Very few other than Australian-born realise Australia is—not merely go enough,” as Australians often say. Bound to be One of Great Powers. Australia was the finest country he had ever seen, for size, climate, and immunity from most of the alls humanity is heir, continued Lord Burnham. From the point of view of geology, Australia may be the oldest of the continents, but in everything else she is extraordinarily young. Her only tradition- was a web of youth, which she had only had for a century. Australia was bound in another century to be one of the great Powers of the world. Some say they could distinguish between the speech of the people in the various States. Io a stranger, ’•owever, the difference was not distinguishable. Physically, - Australia was developing a type bigger than the English. Lord Burnham said he had never witnessed a better display of manly length and strength than the Anzac Divisions. Undoubtedly . the Cornstalks were justifying their name. ’ The length of limb was more noticeable among the bushmen than m the cities. A Virile People. The people rejoice in splendid health, Lord Burnham said. Though the convictions for drunkenness had increased, there was no evidence of excessive drinking. Australia was one of the greatest tea-drinking nations in the world. Eleven o’clock tea was a fixed national habit. Unquestionably they are a high living people, and like substantial and plentiful meals. They are great meat, butter, and fruit eaters. They insist upon prime quality and plenty of it. To parody an old Chartist doggerel, he found everywhere “Eight hours’ ■ sleep, eight hours’ play, eight hours’ work, and eight meals a day.” Facilities for Pleasure. The standards of morality were no lower than in England, and the decencies of life were rigidly insisted upon. It was often said that gambling was the principle • vice of Australians, but the numbers of people attending races was no test of gambling. Australia leads the way in facilities for pleasure. The racecourses were better laid out than any in England, providing the greatest (happiness for the greatest number. Clergy often attended races, and prominent people were associated with the management of race meetings. The cricket grounds were sensibly planned. Personally, said Lord Burnham, he did not want to see livelier football than that provided under the Australian rules in Melbourne. He saw Australians cutting sugar cane in Queensland, and it seemed the: most exacting and most exliauiting vork he had ever seen whites i- ■ they meant business, Australians were tremendous fellows. «r>nlv bv Lord Burnham concluded. Onlv by fostering secondary industries Australia hurry up population. lhe life is not feathered somnolence It is brisk, lieartv, or joyful, full of adven tures, diversities, and opportunities. It is a’happy country, with superb ,cli { mate, immense _ reserves o .p. ];t wealth, and unrivalled in the virui y and vitality of its people.

Sir Joseph Cook’s Comments. Sir Joseph Cook. High Commissioner for the Commonwealth, said he had never heard a paper on Australia which he liked more. Lord Burnham had demonstrated even in things . which he had criticised nnldlj, that Australians were British, through and through. The cost of production might be higher, but one must remember the difference m overhead charges. It was true the Australians gambled, but that was because they were British, and did not prevent their working people owning their own houses ■ and having the largest individual sav- , ings bank accounts in the world. it was true the price of sugar was higher than the world price, but the cane enters got £2 a day. The price was not excessive for the best sugar in the world and the keeping of our own kith and kin in the tropics-a man who when the time came would ■ be of infinitely better service tc.the security of Australia than the black fellow would ever be. Sir Joseph Cook said, regarding migration, that Australia could fill up , quicklv if wanted. There were nations all over Europe anxious to go,, who did not ask Australia to do anything for the migrants when they got Accomplishment in a Hundred Years.

Mr. Weigall said he had always ask-' ed critics: "Do vou realise what Australia has accomplished in a hundred years?” He added that Australians were absolutely supreme in the provision of the world’s high-class wool, while, in addition to material tilings, thev had acquired appreciation of art, . music, literature and science. Those who hated humbug and hypocrisy would like Australia.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.