NEW ZEALAND AND GERMANY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 14 November 1934, Page 6

NEW ZEALAND AND GERMANY

COMPARISON OF OUTLOOK IMPRESSIONS GAINED BY TRAVELLER Lack of very much national enthusiasm easy working conditions, and idea broadcasting programmes were the tirsa impressions of New Zealand received y Mr G. J. Berger, who arrived recently from England after spending a short holiday in liis native town of Frankfurt. An Berger has been in Switzerland and Italy as well as in England since he left Leirnany seven years ago. “Germany is inspired by the feeling that- she has something to win ana nothing to lose,” said Air Bergei. _ 11 England and New Zealand there is a certain apathy because the British Empire does not need to fight for a recognised place among the nations. There is even less evidence of patriotism here than in Switzerland. People iu New Zealand may he very broadminded about international politics, hut it is hard for them to understand tlie mentality brought about in continental Germany, surrounded us she is by hostile and armed nations. Peopie here seem very to Germany, more so than in England. NAZI GERMANY What impressed Mr Berger when he returned to Germany last August was the appearance of order and quiet as compared with the agitation and party demonstrations of six or seven years ago. "The elections were being held at tho time,” lie said, “though there was no sign of excitement to indicate the fact. On the Sunday when tlie voting was taking place I was most struck by the large number of young people setting out for tramps ana singing as they went. There were fewer policemen in the streets, and they did not carry rifles as formerly. “There is a feeling everywhere that there must he a revision of the Versailles Treaty, hut we want to achieve it by peaceful means. 1 felt that there was a new confidence and hope for Germany’s future, which had come into existence since 1 was there before. The Nazi party is, of course, dominant, bun it seemed to need and to use fewer repressive measures than tlie Fascists in Italy, where there was a stronger socialist element to combat. Propaganda is widely used, and it is hoped that it will help Germany to regain her place ill the sun. “HEIL HITLER” “As for Hitler, there are some fanatics who regard him as a demi-god, hut he has many supporters of a milder type who believe that lie will he able to do his job effectively. The fanatical element, however, oTten causes considerable bitterness. Aly own father, who belonged to the old socialist party, believes that Hitler is quite capable of directing the nation. But he objects to standing up and shouting 'ileil Hitler’ at every meeting of liis club. Consequently lie has fallen foul of the more fanatical inem--1 hers.

“Working conditions in New Zealand are the best I have met. But you do not know what hard' work is here. They know more about it in England, but you must go to Germany to learn what it really means.' “Incidentally,” concluded Mr Berger, “I must congratulate you on your wireless programmes. You can get music when you want it. In England and on the Continent tlwe is nothing but talk and propaganda.”