AUSTRALIA PROSPEROUS

Evening Star, Issue 18817, 16 December 1924, Page 10

AUSTRALIA PROSPEROUS

IN THE MOOD TO HELP THE EXHIBITION. ME SOOTT COLVILLE ADVISES PROPAGANDA. Speaking to-day about his trip to Melbourne and Sydney, Mr Scott Colville said : I had a roving commission from the Exhibition Company to look after the procuring of frolicsome attractions for the amusement zone, and as to that matter I cannot tell you anything except that 1 have reported to the directors. But at the same time I undertook other work, and did all I could that I thought would bo of value in the general interests of the Exhibition. You will, of course, understand that Australians generally are not so conversant with tho project as we arc, but I was agreeably surprised to find tho amount of interest they aro taking in it. Though Australians as a, body have but a limited knowledge of our country, them exists a great bond of friendship that is prepared to go beyond compliments and protestations, and I am convinced that if tho proper kind of propaganda, is broadcasted throughout the. Commonwealth it will bring the two countries very close together both commercially and socially. Tho magnitude of th© Exhibition rather astounds tho Australians, and they gladly admit that our reputation is that whatever wc do wo do well. From every individual and every firm with whom I h;id business interviews I received the greatest courtesy and a sympathetic hearing, and there is every reason to believe that the exhibits from Australia will bo very gratifying. Australia to-day has prospects of a. wonderful season. Their wool clip has been great, the prices for the wool are high, and there is tho promise of a record barvest. When I was there a few months ago business men were looking glum, lint now the whole outlook is bright, everybody appears to bo prosperous, and it. is a good sign—a sort of “sot fair ” barometer —that all the theatres are doing big business. It is a. matter of common knowledge that when Australians have money they spend it, and I shall be much disappointed if they do not come, over in numbers to the Exhibition and send over exhibits in quantity. I am hopeful, also, as to the enlargement of trade in a general way as between Australia and New Zealand. lam not a commercial man, but may claim to bo a fairly keen observer, and it was a pleasure to note a responsive tone when at Hie meeting in the Melbourne Town Hall to discuss Exhibition matters with Lord Mayor Brunton and the other aidermen, I pointed out the possibilities of trade in certain products. It certainly seems to me that it only requires a Joint approach to bring about a substantial increase of the mutual trade.