ADMIRING VISITOR

Evening Post, Volume CXXV, Issue 36, 12 February 1938, Page 10

ADMIRING VISITOR

CHARMS OF DOMINION

SOUTH AFRICAN'S TOUR

New Zealand's scenic attractions and trout fishing have a warm admirer in Mr. J. C. Cook, an architect, of Johdnnesburg, who is at present in WolJiugton in the course of a holiday Lour of the Dominion with his wife. In tin interview today Mr. Cook nluo spoki; highly of the Government lourkil organisation, but commented upon the fact that overseas visitors were obliged to pay double the fee payable by local anglers for fishing at Taupo.

"It was the only thing that mode me feel a foreigner here," Mr. Cook remarked. "It isn't a question of money but one of sentiment. You have the. finest trout fishing in the world, and it does seem that people from other parts of the British' Commonwealth should enjoy the satnu privileges as the local anglers. The way to look at it is to remember the amount of money a tourist brings into the country. For the sake of a few more shillings onet should not be left with the feeling that one is an alien."

Mr. Cook spoke interestingly of the political and economic position in the Union of South Africa, and expressed the view that the people ■ were well satisfied to remain within the British Commonwealth. The viewpoint of the average Dutchman was that the Dutch should have an equal voice with the English in the control of the country, and, after all/ that attitude was justifiable, since the proportion of Dutch to other Europeans was about 60 to 40. There were only two members of Cabinet with English blood, but the administration was nevertheless1 very fair.

On the question of the restoration of South-west Africa to Germany, Mr. Cook was emphatic that the people of the Union would strongly oppose any such move. The territory, he said, was part and parcel of South Africa. The Germans had done very little with it before the Great War; he thought that there were only about 5000 Germans there then. The fact of the matter was that disappointed politicians were using the'issue to try to capture the German votes. LAND OF OPPORTUNITY. The immigration restrictions were fairly stringent, but South Africa was one of the.best countries in the world for a young man who was prepared, to work, Mr. Cook continued. Any skilled worker would have "excellent prospects, but the professions were rather crowded. However, while South Africa could very well do with the proper type of newcomer he did not think it would be fair to steal people from other parts of the Empire. Australia and New Zealand, for instance, both, needed, reinforcing, and the proper means would be to build up from the Old Country. The prty was that there seemed to be no longer the desire to emigrate on the part of the young people at Home. The demoralising effect of being on the dole during the depression years could be taken as one of the main reasons. The unskilled worker was not wanted in South, Africa; the natives did all that class of work. . •■ .. - "I know it is, a platitude, but I do feel that if only the people of the British Commonwealth were evenly distributed—say, if Australia . 40 000,000 people and New Zealand 10 000,000—there need be no fear of Japan or any other country," Mr. Cook said The South African Government had embarked upon an extensive defence programme,1 and with the Mediterranean route more or less challenged by Italy the defence of ■ the : Cape route had become a matter of vital importance. . It was regrettable that there was not a'better steamship service linking South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. The tourist trade from South Africa was capable of great expansion. At present the sailings from Cape Town to Fremantle were only about once a month. Mr.. Cook also dwelt upon the scenic attractions of South Africa, and said that he would strongly recommend New Zealanders travelling abroad to either go via Cape Town or to return by that route. The Kruger National Park, with its teeming wild life and the ■Victoria Falls, so picturesquely named by the natives "The Smoke that Thunders," were alone.well worth making the'trip for.