THE JEW AS FARMER.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3294, 12 August 1911, Page 10

THE JEW AS FARMER.

HIS EFFORTS IN PALESTINE

Mr. Solomon Pechter, of Sydney, who has Lately visited Palestine, writes to a friend in Sydney from, the colony Roohoboth as follows: —“I am now in one of the model colonies of Judea, and it is impossible for me to tell you rue pleasure I derive from being here. “It is simply Paradise; it is a modern town planted on our soil, wide streets planted with ..trees, beautiful clean houses, surrounded by gardens. T’he occupiers are ail sturdy hard working. Jews from all parts of the world. They live happily with their families, tilling the soil of their holdings, consisting of plantations or oranges, olives, almonds, and vineyards irrigated by oil engines from their own constructed wells, with never failing beautiful water.

“The town is beautifully situated on a rising hill, their synogogue being prominently situated on the highest po > t like the churches of other people in Christian towns. No church bell is ever, heard for there are no churches, nor is there any gaol nor policeman nor public houses nor drunkards, but a splendidly constructed modern hotel. Imagine every man, woman and child you see are brothers and sisters except for some Arab workmen and Bedouin watchmen. , They have their public bath, doctor, dispensary and schools. There is but one language spoken by the children, which is pure Hebrew'. The children commence in the kindergarten to lisp our beautiful language; the sturdy youth declares his devoted love to the beautiful maiden in pure Hebrew. Their business, is transacted in Hebrew, all is Hebrewf and yet most of them speak five' or six languages, English included. You can enter any home and you are welcome; there is no good morning or good evening, but one word, ‘Sholom,’ peace and peace it is. All are honest. They have to he so, for. if one .ia found to do a dishonest action he is shunned, and ultimately hunted out You will get honest advice without the slightest payment. It is verily marvellous. . They ask for no assistance except for .Tews to buy land, and at- least come and see them instead of going to Paris and London. One can purchase land and need not reside Here until the land becomes fruitful.”