PRESSMAN'S AUSTRALIAN IMPRESSIONS

Evening Star, Issue 21720, 15 May 1934, Page 22

PRESSMAN'S AUSTRALIAN IMPRESSIONS

WONDERFUL BUSINESS EDIFICES FINE RQADING [Psa Uwinn Pebbs Associxtkw.] WELLINGTON, May 14. “ The war memorial shrines in Melbourne and Sydney are nearing completion,” said Mr A. B. Lane, manager of the New Zealand Press Association, who returned from Australia yesterday, “ and Prince Henry will perform the dedicatory ceremonies. The Melbourne shrine is a larger and more elaborate structure than that in Sydney, and is already a conspicuous mark from the sea and land. From the outside galleries comprehensive views of the city open before the visitor. The interior chambers are impressive, and when they are fully equipped with their memorial statuary they will be both dignified and beautiful. _ The memorial is approached by radiating avenues, and as a generous area has been set apart the scene should be one of great beauty when everything is in order. It is said that the cost of this shrine will be over £300,000, and there has been some criticism of this enormous expenditure. The Sydney shrine is of more modest proportions, but the maid idea is the same, and the result should be a worthy addition to the city’s monuments. There has been a long discussion concerning one of the pieces of symbolical statuary, which offends the susceptibilities of some people, but there is no indication at present that any change will be made.

“ Another work of sentimental interest is the re-erection in Melbourne of Captain Cook’s house. The site is in the beautiful Fitzroy Gardens. ,It is evident that _ Australians take a great pride in their pioneers and explorers, and it was extremely pleasant to see that these early adventurous spirits are honoured in ways that will for ever perpetuate their names and achievements.

“ The building trade appears to be busy in both Melbourne and Sydney. Old buildings in these cities are doomed to destruction, and they are being replaced by up-to-date premises planned on a most lavish scale. The Manchester Unity building in Melbourne is an example. It consists of twelve or thirteen floors and a roof garden, and accommodates a population which is equal to a small town. Myers’s Stores, between Burke and Lonsdale streets, are fine examples of the builder’s art and the spirit of enterprise which animates the big men of business communities. The big stores in Sydney and Melbourne are marvels of organisation, and customers are assisted and attended with an assiduity and courtesy which could not be surpassed. Melbourne is preparing for its centenary celebrations, and many fine new buildings are being erected. The most notable work proceeding in Sydney at the moment is the demolition of certain premises in the heart of the city to enable Martin place' to be carried through from Castlereagli street to Macquarne street. This has necessitated the destruction of many old buildings, including the historic St. Stephen’s Presbyterian Church. The new St. is steadily rising on a neighbouring site, and the whole of this portion of the city will be transformed and improved. SPLENDID MOTOR ROADS.

“ There are two splendid motor roads between Sydney and Melbourne—namely, Princes highway, which is largely a coastal route, and _ Hume highway, which is through the interior via Canberra and Albury. These roads are usually in excellent condition for motoring, long sections being paved with either bitumen or concrete,, other sections consisting of red clay roads. This clay, which contains a large proportion of gravel, is as readily available by the roadside as shingle is in Canterbury. It makes an excellent surface when the roads are properly maintained and the grader is kept in operation. The scenery on these highway routes is interesting enough, but it is impossible for a New Zealander not to be a trifle superior about it. The prevalence of the gum tree and the absence of variety in the scenic characteristics of the country are drawbacks to the Hume route. At the same time the vision, unfolded conveys the message that Australia is not an arid land of dry and waste spaces, but a glowing country of vast fertile areas. If New Zealanders have any mistaken impression and ideas about Australia they may retort that their country is a terra incognita to thousands of Australians, whose fixed impression is that our pleasant little country is not only climatically very rigorous, but. also fundamentally unsafe on account of earthquakes. The impression that we keep a particularly violent brand of earthquake constantly on tap appears to be entertained by many people who regard any attempt to correct their views as mere patriotic inexactitude. An Australian will _ cheerfully admit that we have attractions in our mountains, fiords, glaciers, lakes, rivers, and forests which excel the scenic beauty of his own country, but all this advantage is depreciated by one item on the debit side, ‘ You also have earthThere exists a quite exaggerted apprehension on the subject. Of course, many travelled Australians are better informed about New Zealand’s true position in these respects, and they are valuable friends of our country. Too many, however, come to New Zealand with fear and trembling instead of with anticipation, . “ The New Zealand Departments of Commerce and Tourists are well represented in Sydney and Melbourne. The officers are extremely helpful, and the people who call are given valuable and courteous assistance. The officer in charge, Mr L. J. Schmitt, has the respect and confidence of the representative section of the community with which he is particularly concerned, and is esteemed as an enterprising and active agent of this dominion. One would prefer to see more liberal accommodation for the departments both in Sydney and Melbourne, especially when the tourist activities of the Australian States are observed.

“ The position of the newspaper Press in the two cities is most interesting. Sydney is served by three morning papers and one evening paper, and there are reports that another evening paper is on the stocks. Melbourne possesses two morning and two evening papers, the latest addition being the '• Star,’ on which a number of New Zealanders are engaged. There are many ex-dominion journalists on the Australian papers, and they soon become good Australians, while retaining their affection for their native land. Many New Zealand friends will be glad to know that Mr Percy Allen, of the ‘ Sydney Morning Herald,’ is making a steady recovery from the injuries he received in a motor accident in which his wife was a victim. Mr Allen will always bear the marks of his terrible experience, but he has amazed his friends by the extent of his recovery

and the unconquerable spirit which he displayed. With Mr A. M. Burns and Mr G C. Codim I visited the sanatorium at which Mr Allen is conval--63 u n ®’ on ] y w ish to add that Mrs Lane and I came away with the most delightful impressions of Australia and its people The national sentiment is strong in Australia, but it is strengthened and reinforced by the wonderful loyalty to the British Empire.”