AUSTRALIA AS SEEN BY COMMONERS.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 20 December 1926, Page 2

AUSTRALIA AS SEEN BY COMMONERS.

GREATER BRITAIN OE SOUTHERN SEAS (Received Sunday, 11. 5 p.m.) LONDON, Dec. 18. The British Parliamentary delegrates have arrived in London from Australia. Viscount Salisbury, interviewed, said the most striking thing was Australia’s extraordinarily touching devotion to the Crown and the Old Country. He was sure the Duke and Duchess of York would be magnificently received everywhere. Colonel Henderson said the tour had been a unique and informing experience enabling the delegates, besides’ seeing fertile plains to obtain first-hand conception of the wonderful transformation human labour and science had accomplished in heavilytimbered districts in which much newly-developed acreage was formerly regarded as uncultivable. They were surprised to find in a country where transport was vital that railways lacked co-ordination owing to differing railway gangs, but the transport 'difficulties proved that it was impossible to appraise too highly the spirit of adventure, heroism, grit and determination of the early pioneers who with vision, initiative and courage laid the foundations of the national structure. Regarding the future Mr Henderson expressed the opinion that it would be imprudent to speak with over-mpch precision. Although Australia was described as a land of boundless riches and alluring opportunities there were many factors to be considered—for example Federal versus State powers, collective ownership versus private enterprise, primary versus secondary industries, marketing land tenure and adequate population. However, Australia had such Immense resources and infinite possibilities that he could not resist the impression that given sound direction and enterprise by political and industrial leaders with the loyal cooperation of the people Australia may yet become a greater Britain of the Southern Seas.