IN PRAISE OF WONDERLAND.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLIII, Issue 103, 29 April 1909, Page 6

IN PRAISE OF WONDERLAND.

Referring to the sights of Wonder-, land, Mr W. A. W. Fitzgerald, an English visitor, said to a representative of the "New Zealand Herald" : — ''I don't think English people realise the scenic beauties, the thermal wonders, and the magnificent climate of this wonderful country. We were greatly impressed by the weirdness of Wairakei, even more than of Itofcorua. At Wairakei you see the wonders as nature made them, while at Rotorua there is that air of civilisation about the place which does not make it so awe-inspiring. With Hamurana, the fairy spring, we were much impressed. As regards Wonderland, we can only re-echo the praise which has been lavished, and deservedly lavished, upon it by the thousands of people who have visited the place. It is unique. There is no other country in the world which contains the phenomena which is to be observed in the North Island. Speaking of your climate, all I can say is that it is equal to your wonderful scenery. You have to come to New Zealand in order bo realise it. My wife came here-an invalid, and is now, after a few months sojourn here, completely restored in health. We

have also been greatly impressed with your people. Whereever wo have been everybody has been so courteous and kind, and such has been the tone and regard evinced ror the Mother Country that we feel we can only describe New Zealand as a ' Younger England.' \\e have been greatly impressed with the marvellous progress you have made in the development of your country m so short a time. Tho fact that we left England in November last, and that, except when at sea, avc have not been off British territory, has impressed us greatly of the British Empire.' I hope English politicians will visit its outposts more often ;n future, and so be able to better understand the requirements."