LISTEN AND LEARN

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 10, 6 October 1932, Page 6

LISTEN AND LEARN

Sydney Hospital Man’s Mission in N.Z., ENCOURAGING REVIEW With the object of studying hospital conditions and control and preparing a report fop the New South Wales Government, Mr. George Fitzpatrick, a prominent Sydney hospital administrator, is at present visiting New Zealand. He arrived in Wellington yesterday and intends to remain until early next week. Mr. Fitzpatrick is one of Sydney s busiest public men, with exceptional experience in hospital and charitable work. He is superintendent of the New South Wales Community Hospital, deputy-chainnan of St. Margaret’s Maternity Hospital, chairman of the Food-for-Babies Fund, and chairman of the Dalwood Health Home. Mrs. Fitzpatrick, who is accompanying her husband, is also a prominent hospital worker and a member of three boards. Miss Jean Fitzpatrick, who is travelling with her parents, is secretary of the Cheerio Club, which raises money for a number of New South Wales institutions, particularly the Dalwood Health Home. Report for N.S.W. Premier. “This is primarily a health trip," Mr. Fitzpatrick told “The Dominion” last evening, “but the Governor of New South Wales has entrusted me with a commission' to inquire into hospital matters in New Zealand. On my return 1 shall present a report to the Premier."

When he last visited New Zealand, about fifteen years ago, Mr. Fitzpatrick was associated with the J. C. "Williamson Company. He brought to the Dominion the Courtneidge Comedy Company, including Mr. George Tully, who appeared in “The Mau from Toronto” and other plays. Mr. Fitzpatrick is also an ex-journalist. He was a director of the former “Sunday Times Referee,” and is a member of the Fellowship of Australian Writers. His pen is still active, and on his present tour he is preparing a series of articles on New Zealand for English and American newspapers. “I have come to New Zealand neither to talk nor to teach, but to listen and learn,” he said. “Humbly, but hopefully, I am looking for some ray of light in the present economic depression. “We feel that Australia’s problems and those of New Zealand are not entirely dissimilar. Perhaps in a country younger than Australia there may be thinkers less trammelled by convention who may be able to show us a way out.” Problem Of Finance. The problem of finance was the major one facing hospital administrators in New South Wales, Mr. Fitzpatrick said. The general outlook in the State had taken a decided turn for the better, but the question of finance for public! Institutions was still a pressing one. “The extraordinary effect of mind over matter has been demonstrated in a remarkable way since the advent of tho Stevens Government,” he continued. “I am not able to say whether there has been an increase in the national income of New South Wales, but I do know there has been a very strong rise in stocks and shares. “Property has advanced, more men are at work, and industry has been stimulated—all because people with money have confidence in the new “Premier. The phenomenal reception of the conversion loan would have been absolutely impossible a few months ago. “Mr. Stevens does not pretend that the State is yet out of its difficulties, but he has balanced his Budget. He admits quite franklj ; that the. Child Endowment Fund, which should be self-supporting, shows a debit of £2,500,000. There are, ■ however, more people at work than formerly, and a much better spirit in the commercial community. Admires New Zealanders. “Since coming to New Zealand I hare been impressed with the confidence and courage of tho people. My experience has been similar to that of the Hon. D. R. Hall, Who, when he returned to Sydney recently, told us there were no beggars or singers in the streets. I have been here only a fortnight, but no one has asked me for money, and between Aucklaud and Wellington I saw only three swaggers. “If Australia can be rehabilitated, so can New Zealand. I will not presume to touch on political questions, but it some of the millions of bushels of wheat that are bursting Australian blns could be made available to needy people in this country, it ought to be a good thing for both New Zealand and the Commonwealth. The United States has.proved that tariff barriers hurt countries on both sides of them. .Some day I hope there will be absolutely free trade between these two countries?’ .