A VISIT TO JAPAN

Hokitika Guardian, 23 November 1928, Page 2

A VISIT TO JAPAN

SCENIC ATTRACTIONS NOT IMPRESSIVE.

AUCKLAND, Nov. 19. “They call it the laud of the chrysanthemum., but it was land without flowers so far as we saw it,” said Mr H. Goldie, one of Auckland’s leading floriculturists who visited Japa*i to attend tlie Rotary Conference and returned by the Aorangi this morning. “We were there in the off season,” said Mr Goldie, “and w’e saw neither chrysanthemums nor flowering cherries, although from tho groves of the latter one could imagine what n beautiful sight they would he when the flowers were in full bloom on the hills of Japan. The maples were beginning to tint with red. and again one could visualise what a beautiful picture the autumn foliage would .make.

“We’saw tlicir much-boomed Fuji Ynma, ,ih said Mr Goldie, in referring to the seenio attractions, “hut there was no snow on it, and although it is symmetrical it cannot hold a candle to old Egmont.” Mr Goldie said that what was really impressive was the inland sea, as narrow in same places as Auckland Harbour, with sampans and junks always on the move. Mr Goldie said that in Japan there was an insatiable demand for liteiature dealing with New Zealand, and the small amount of literature which the New Zealand delegates had with them was quickly distributed. There was not the same demand for litemture dealing with Australia. He was informed that the courtesy extended to Japanese visitors in Australia and New Zealand, particularly the warmhearted reception given to the crews and officers of the Japanese warships when visiting the Dominion', bod created a very fine impression and the stories of New Zealand carried hack had created a big desire to know much more about the little country in the south.