How an Ulsterman Views the Dominion

Northland Age, Volume 7, Issue 10, 3 December 1937, Page 9

How an Ulsterman Views the Dominion

The following is taken from an article appearing in the “Northern Constitution” published at Coleraine, North Ireland, and contributed by “An Ulsterman in New Zealand”: Progress in the Dominion “New Zealand is now sharing in the wave of prosperity noticeable more or less in all parts of the Empii’e. This has given a great impetus to the present Government, which is the first Labour Executive this country has experienced. Strictly speaking, the designation of “Labour” is hardly applicable in this case, as it was elected by a large majority consisting chiefly of farmers and others who were disgusted with the ‘wait and see’ policy of the combined Liberal and Conservatives forming the preceding Government. Still, it must be confessed that the latter had to contend with the depression which was at its worst during the time they were in power. Another factor in their dismissal was the arrogating to themselves an additional year of office under the plea that the extra time was necessary to carry out their programme, instead of appealing to the country. “On the whole good work is being done by Parliament, though some fear that progress is being effected at too rapid a rate. Pensions are being increased and a public health scheme including free hospital attendance and medical attention for those with moderate incomes is being formulated. The present ministers are practical men for the mpst part and very earnest in the discharge of their duties. While a fair wage is allowed to the workers, the Minister of Public Works will not suffer shirkers or loafers. The Prime Minister has just returned from England after attending the Coronation function and the Imperial Conference. He regretted his inability, owing to pressure of work, to visit Ireland and Scotland. As New Zealand is a nation of small freehold farmers and not an industrial country there is no danger of Labour being captured by Communists as in many countries. Pig Industry “There is great activity in the pig industry, particularly as regards porkers, which are more cheaply produced than baconers and thrive on skim milk, grass, and fern-root, and at the same time, clear the land of fern which invades the grass paddocks in the hilly country, which forms the bulk of the Northern part of the North Island. The mild climate enables the pigs to run at large, with open sheds for shelter in winter, and in many cases there is no shelter other than that afforded by scrub or a species of tall native grass similar to pampas grass.”

It is always easy to pick out the artist with the inimitable style. He has so many imitators. t t t i The only punishment metered out to the five Dionnes is being stood in a corner—which is a very good trick in a four-cornered room.