PRAISE FOR SOUTH ISLAND

Evening Star, Issue 22414, 11 August 1936, Page 3

PRAISE FOR SOUTH ISLAND

AMERICAN'S TRIBUTE TO NEW ZEALAND PRAISE FOR PROGRESSIVE DOMINION Striking praise for the South Island of New Zealand is expressed by Dr Kempster, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (U.S.A.), in an article in the Consett ‘ Guardian,’ Newcastle-on-Tyue, a copy of which has been received by a Dunedin citizen. •

He writes: “In my humble opinion there is not any class of woiiking people in the whole world to equal the sturdy, diligent, and industrious classes of the North of England, who should be preserved to the British Empire, instead of so much clap-trap and merely outlining of social schemes, which seems to centre around the North of England. While ‘ the grass is growing the horse is starving ’ is an old adage, but behind this proverb rests considerable truth. Families have been known for years existing upon political patronage, when there are millions of acres in other British lands undeveloped. May I suggest that the British Government, instead of merely passing out the ‘ weekly hand out ’ relief, give an opportunity to honest labour by greatly assisted passages to a young and progressive country like New Zealand, with its healthy climate and fertile fields?

“ Some may wonder why I don’t suggest the United States of America, with its gigantic area and unequalled resources. Many are the reasons: First, the U.S.A. is not British territory; second, there is a limited quota law on entry; third, there are certain conditions upon entry—one must have a certain sum of money in their possession to guarantee tho United States Government against the entrant becoming a public liability; fourth, allegiance to the Laws and Constitution of the U.S.A. which every Britisher may not feel disposed to adopt; fifth, while the recognised language of the United States is English, and our methods of living closely related to the domestic life of the British Isles, yet one cannot fail to see the absolute necessity of adopting the modern methods of conduct, and is a great handicap and ridicule to people who continue to live the conservatism of the Mother Country. There are other reasons which time and space will not permit me to enlarge upon at this time. “In putting forth the possibilities of the Southland, New Zealand, with its wonderful climate, resources, opportunities, and enterprise, it must bo borne in mind that regardless what country one transfers to there must be recognised ■ some difference to that which we have previously known and been brought up in. one has to adapt himself to the new environments or otherwise it will result in discontent and disappointment. May I offer the suggestion at this time to anyone who may launch out and make the venture that whatever country we intend to make our future home in,_ without sacrificing our individuality, it is good policy to fit into the new life with the idea in mind that if the country has to give us‘ a decent and better living than what we left behind, then don’t be too critical and dogmatical. Make your mind up if others, who were the pioneers, and who encountered greater obstacles than we can expect to know, achieved success, it is part of the new programme to contribute our very best in adding to the superstructure. “ For over 30 years I have been in regular correspondence with relatives and friends of Australia and New Zealand, weekly a regular mail is received from various parts of New Zealand, interviewed lecturers and travellers from that country, during this present year we have had no less than 10 New Zealanders visit us at The Rectory and a more desirable people one could never meet. The very essence of politeness, culture, and refinement, totally void of that snobbishness which so often possess people with enough wealth to spend a six to 12 months’ tour around the world. , . , “ In winding up this article, which is written without my holding a Government commission or being on the pay roll of a land company or even a shipping concern, its only purpose _ being to arouse the ambition and aspiration of the stalwart young man and woman (perhaps this remark may call for a qualifying, seeing that some who have reached the modern idea of the deadline and with audacity have set the age of beneficial manhood at two score years; even in North America some modernists have become so clever as to state that a man has reached his zenith at 42 years and a woman at 40 years, but the punster has wisely stated “ that a man is as old as he feels and a woman as old as she looks ”). In my own career 1 have known lots of folk who were younger when they had reached their ‘ three score years and ten ’ than some who had not reached the first score of years. ‘We live in deeds, not years.’ One reads daily of achievements by men of inventive minds who, according to the modern concept, would have thrown them on the scrapheap of life and put them on the hasbeen list. Just last week I saw the picture of a father at the ripe age of 96 years holding in his arms his infant son, four days old, and by his side stood a little girl aged two years, while in bed lay the mother, aged 28 years. “ Perhaps medical science will be able to define for our modernists this phenomenon. In a recent interview 1 made with Mr Ralph Muim, head of the Carnegie Foundations, and who has recently returned from a tour through Australia and New Zealand, he informed me that New Zealand is one of the most progressive countries he has over visited, and with its civic and domestic life is destined to become one of the world’s foremost countries. Various members of both of Admiral Byrd’s expeditions have also told mo ot the wonderful people and country. Not the least of these. Commander Byrd himself, and Paul Siple, world-famous Boy Scout, pay tribute to New Zealand, its people, and its possibilities. AYith love to all and malice to none.”