“Venomous Article”

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6628, 15 August 1931, Page 12

“Venomous Article”

YANK’S VIEW OF AUSTRALIANS. NEW YORK. Indignation has been aroused among Australians in New York over what is considered to be a malicious and venomous article by an anonymous writer, entitled, "Australia for the Australians,” and the Australian representative in the United States, Mr Dow, is taking steps to counteract its possible effects. The article appears in "Fortune,” a monthly magazine devoted to business, financial and industrial articles, sold for subscription only, and published by the magazine "Time.” Among other things it says: Australia’s third greatest weakness is liquor. The Australian’s pick-me-up is a whisky and milk before breakfast. He drinks, but tinkers with anti-prohi-bition legislation. The American hip flask is used to overcome regulations for drinking hours. Drunken women are not uncommonly seen on the poorer streets in Australia.

"Gambling and sports come before sex. Horse race betting is universal, even the children betting. What Europeans think money is to Americans gambling is to Australians.” Tho writer says that in Sydney bankers, beggars, and business men undress at home, don bathing trunks and go to the beach for a plunge despite the shark-infested waters. He asserts that business is done in a leisurely way. "The Australian does not give a very bright showing either in commerce, finance, industry, or great mental development. A madc-in-Aus-tralia label generally guarantees an inferior product. The Australian regards the rest of the world with a blend of English insularity and Chicago boastfulness. Ho is ready to borrow money from London and New York, but is irked by advice how to spend it.”