PROSPERITY RETURNING

Evening Star, Issue 21960, 21 February 1935, Page 12

PROSPERITY RETURNING

HOPEFUL SIGHS IH AUSTRALIA OPINIONS OF SYDNEY VISITOR “ Indications of returning prosperity in Australia are strikingly evident at the present time, particularly in New South Wales,” said Mr John H. S. Angus, company director of Sydney, in conversation with a ‘ Star 5 reporter yesterday. Business and trade generally in New South Wales, he said, had shown a marked improvement, and the building trade was very active. In the case of the sale of bricks there had been a striking increase in business as compared with the strenuous times through which they had passed, while the engineering industry, said Mr Angus, was also experiencing greatly improved market conditions. More labour was being absorbed into industry than was the case for the last three years—a factor which reflected the improvement in economic conditions generally. The Sydney transport authorities had recently placed an order for 200 tramcars constructed of steel on the most modern lines and equipped with pneumatic seating accommodation upholstered in a very high quality leather. Three-quarters of these cars had been delivered, while the same engineering establishment was _ handling several contracts with the Railway Department of New South Wales for main line cars and vans. In connection with the tramcars, it was interesting to note that the steps were very accessible from the roadway, a fact which was greatly appreciated by elderly people. The first step from the ground was not more than about 6in, said Mr Angus. “ The demand for ultra modern flats has shown a tremendous increase, and some of the blocks being erected at the moment in close vicinity to the city are the last word in home comfort and convenience. Electric lifts and refrigerators are now generally accepted as necessary equipment for the modern flat. The strides which have been made recently in the design and furnishing of • flats has considerably reduced the attractiveness of the flat which was considered modern only a few years ago. These flats commanded very high rentals, hut to-day the rentals have been considerably reduced.”

SYDNEY ROYAL SHOW

Mr Angus, who was born near Invercargill and landed in Australia when he was five years of age, has achieved considerable success in many fields. He has gained the distinction of deputypresident of the Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales, and he was particularly gratified with the response which was _ being made to the society’s show opening on April 14 next. The various competitions closing at the moment were attracting record entries in all sections. Some idea of the magnitude of this great display of the country’s wealth could be gained from the fac.t thqt the venture is maintained for nine days and five nights, and numerous competitions of vital importance to the man on the land are conducted outside the show. These competitions include the champion wheat field in the territory, fodder conservation, pastoral improvement, maize and potato competitions. 'Two bursaries for the Hawkesbury Agricultural College and one to the Sydney University for veterinary science are also given, in addition to the running of a competition for school children. “ A very fine display of the country’s products is anticipated,” said Md Angus. One feature _of the show worthy of special mention was the exhibition by districts in Queensland and New South Wales. This section of the show embraced five courts, displaying in detail the production of the respective districts, and conveying to the public some idea of the country’s agricultural and pastoral development and its potential productive capcity. Mr Angus, who is on a holiday visit to New Zealand, is leaving Dunedin on Friday for Christchurch, where he will remain until March 4.