ENGLAND TO-DAY.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 6 September 1924, Page 14

ENGLAND TO-DAY.

OUTLOOK BRIGHTER

“THE FAVOURITE DOMINION.”

“There have been great changes in England since I was there in 1914, just before the war,” said the Hon. Edward Newman, M.L.C., on his return by the lonic the other day from, a seven months’ trip to Great Britain; “and in spite of the fact that there, are reported to be a. million and a quarter unemployed, there is less sign of poverty in England now than there ever was before, or at least than there was in 1914. The working classes certainly have much more money to Spend than at any previous period in London, and in all the larger cities which I visited.” Mr. Newman stated that business seemed to be extraordinarily brisk, and in shops in such streets as the Strand it was almost impossible to get attention; and the steet-s were so crowded that to go beyond a. slow walk was quite impossible. The traffic in London has now reached a- point that is causing great anxiety to- the authorities. In such places as Trafalgar Square and the Mansion House corner at certain hours of the day the streets are completely blocked, sometimes for ten minutes to a quarter of an hour at a. time.

“The farming industry,” remarked Mr. Newman, “appeared to be in a worse state than any other in England, and unless some relief is given to the farmers a. good many of them will find it difficult to make ends meet.”

Wages in all other industries except farming have increased greatly since before the war, find without doubt the standard of living has greatly improved compared with what it was in 1914.

“I think it may be said without doubt,” added Mr. Newman, “that New Zealand is the favourite Dominion with English people. One had only to- mention that one came from New Zealand to receive kindness, and to have all doors opened to him.” During the period of three months, mostly in London, Mr. Newman gathered the impression that among the hardest-worked men in England was His Majesty the King, and the same might be said of the whole Royal Family. There appeared to be no eight hours’ work at Buckingham Palace. The British Empire Exhibition at Wembley was a. marvellous sight, and the crowds were overwhelming. To see the Exhibition even superficially, a fortnight- was the very least time that would be required. The- exhibits in the New Zealand court, especially the dairy pioduce- and meat and wool, wcre greatly admired; and the court was ahvfiys crowded with people. To- get a. meal of any kind one had to stand hi a queue probably for half an hour beroreliand. \

Everywhere Mr. Newman heard compliments on the splendid behaviour of our men during the war and when on leave in London. “There is no doubt ” he said, “that has had a good deal to do with the admiration which the people of England have generally for New Zealand and for New Zealand colonists.

With regard to produce, Mr. Newman said the prospects for wool and meat and dairy products appear to be ' - i ll> generally anticipated that 'wool would be more likely to rise future 1 ' t mil t 0 lall witllin near