ENGLISH IN NEW ZEALAND

Evening Post, Volume CXL, Issue 129, 28 November 1945, Page 6

ENGLISH IN NEW ZEALAND

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —"N.Z.er's" letter was most interesting'to me, as he fails to. consider the other side of the. question he discusses. I was in England when war was declared and joined the services there, returning to New Zealand only a few months back with an English wiic. My wife has no complaints about tlie' friendliness and hospitality here. It is the ignorance that goes with it. Are New Zealand women the only women who can cook and housekeep? Is New Zealand the only country with any modern conveniences? Do New Zealanders know everything? I have b^en embarrassed by some of the statements made "at" my wife. This assumption of the superiority of New Zealand and New Zealanders to other countries and peoples draws the "knocks'" about which "N.Z.er" complains. Like man-, of his and my countrymen he is either blind to or ignorant of life and conditions abroad; and. furthermore, he cannot stand criticism. I am very proud of my country and have every reason to be so. But I think it should be remembered that it is also a very young country with a small community and has much to learn. We may well begin by trying to receive some of the people of England, that amazing country upon whom we at present rely for our prosperity, with the tolerance, forbearance, and tact with which so many of us were received when we were there. —I am. etc.,

P.B.P.

Sir,—-I feel I cannot allow the letter written by "New Zealander" to pass unanswered. As I am a "Homie" 25 years resident in New Zealand I think I am privileged to comment. During my residence in New Zealand I have met and made many friends with some very broad-minded and charming New Zealanders. If the correspondent would take the trouble to talk to some returned New Zealand personnel, as I have done, he would find them very broad-minded, and also that they speak very highly of the English people. Evidently "New Zealander" has not travelled, otherwise he or she would be more broad-minded. When any person speaks disparagingly of the "Homies" to me I tell them I think them ignorant and then just ignore them as any true New Zealander would. Has '"New Zealander" not read in the papers of the wonderful welcome the "Homies" gave New Zealand boys whilst at .the same time they were going through such frightful experiences and meeting them with such courage and fortitude?—l am, etc., ANOTHER "HOMIE," MOTHER OF TWO N.Z.ERS.