N.Z. POLITICS

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 29, 3 August 1939, Page 11

N.Z. POLITICS

KEEN INTEREST

SHOWN IN AUSTRALIA

Australians in all stations of life are intensely interested in New Zealand's politics; in fact, they show much more interest in New Zealand politics than they do in their own. That was the impression gained by Mr. J. B. Aimers, of Wellington, Avho returned from Sydney, by the Wanganella yesterday after a lecturing and debating tour of Australia, arranged by the New Zealand University Students' Association, of which Mr. Aimers is the president. Mr. M. G. O'Callaghan, ,of Otago University, accompanied Mr. Aimers, but remained for a Avhile longer in Australia.

"Everywhere w.e went the first topic of general conversation was the NeAV Zealand Government and its politics," said Mr. Aimers, to a "Post" representative, and to indicate the interest taken by Australians' in' New Zealand affairs he instanced the fact that a talk which he gave on the NeAV Zealand Government was broadcast by the Australian Broadcasting Commission through its national network.

Not a great deal was known in Australia about New Zealand conditions, said Mr. Aimers. The newspapers there carried very little information about New Zealand, and that concerning politics was usually twisted.

"The Australians are most casual about their own politics," continued Mr. Aimers. "The general attitude seems to be that they are dissatisfied with their politics but are not prepared to do anything about it. They are always grizzling about their politicians but they do nothing." The political situation in most parts of Australia was difficult, said Mr. Aimers. Most of the parties were troubled by internal dissension, and the Federal, New South Wales, Victorian, and South Australian Governments were all minority Governments. Thei team visited' all the principal cities of Australia except Perth, said Mr. Aimers, and in addition went to Canberra and about half a dozen provincial centres. Everywhere they did a lot of lecturing, debating, and radio work. Most of the debates were noncompetitive, but .the team won their debates against representatives of Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide UnivGrsrtiss Arrangements Avere made, said Mr. Aimers, for two Australians to. return the visit next year, when it:is-hoped to be able to'repay to them some of the great hospitality extended to. the New Zealanders on this occasion.