LUNCHEON CLUB.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIII, Issue 399, 17 May 1922, Page 6

LUNCHEON CLUB.

Ai the Palmerston North Luncheon Club to-day Air Byron Brown, of Wellington, delivered a very interesting address on the impressions of a New Zealand business yuan in Java. Air Brown, who is an old resident of this town, having resided here 35 years ago, was listened io attentively from start to finish of the address. He commenced by stilting that Java, a group of over-a thousand islands, was. although not a beautiful country, very populous, having a total population of forty millions, of whom only sixty thousand were whites. British merchants were always favourably received and their word was never doubted by any of the traders. A very favourable opening for trade was ready to any New Zealand merchants who desired to trade with the Dutch East Indies. Imported Australian primary products were not held in very hhdi repute, and it New Zealand would only grasp the opportunity there existed this country would have a fine new market for its products. The Dutch Governmentwas sending a trade exhibition ship to these shores and merchants would be able to see with what goods they could trade with Java. The speaker suggested that local chambers of commerce could form deputations and interview (he Javanese vicoUonstil, who would be with the exhibition, ami from him obtain full particulars of Die class of goods in demand in Java. The cities were very cosmopolitan, and once outside the hotels (be visitor was appalled by the filth and grime. Lepers were unite frequently to be seen in Hie public thoroughfares. The hotels were very fine institutions, Iml their charges were often £3 per day. The Dutch inhabitants were very line people, but they lived iu perpetual (head of a Japanese invasion. Throughout the whole of the war their sympathies were with the Allies, but owing to the proximity of Holland to Germany they were unable to voice (heir opinions. The honourable way in which (bo Chinese and .Malay mercliaiils conducted their businesses was very striking to n visitor. Air Brown was accorded a very hearty vote of thanks for his address.