“AS OTHERS SEE US”

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 185, 3 May 1929, Page 11

“AS OTHERS SEE US”

Sir,—Having followed this correspondence I differ with “F.W.,” who claims that "comparisons are odious.” Let us take a notable instance—the visit of the American Fleet to these shores. At Dunedin the coldness was most apparent. From the pulpit and the Press the public were pleaded with to extend a ready friendship, and rather to open their homes ana welcome the visitors, who had generously entertained our sons returning from the war.

When Sperry’s armada visited Australian shores, about a quarter of a century ago, they were banqueted and junketed right royally in the Eastern States, but it was left for the Golden West to place on record something more enduring, and the Yankees appreciated it very much at the time. A local journalist, Murphy by name, strung a few lines together calling it “We’ve a big brother in America,” which Premier Moore and the host sang at Albany, King George’s Sound, virtually as Sperry, officers and men, were received at the reception accorded them, which was of a public naPeople in some cases had been travelling weeks from distant parts of Western Australia to greet the fleet upon arrival. Much more of this nature could be added, but those of us that remember that happening are glad to have lived to witness its realisation in the late war during 1918, as we love our Englishspeaking race where’er it be. —I am, etc., A WHITE AUSTRALIAN. Hastings.