"A PERFECT PARADISE."

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20426, 30 November 1929, Page 15

"A PERFECT PARADISE."

AUCKLANDER COMES HOME.

ABSENCE OF FORTY YEARS.

CONDITIONS IN AUSTRALIA

" After being away front New Zealand for .over 40 years I find it is a perfect paradise, and now that I am here t am certainly going to stay here," said Mr. C. E. Lewis, an old Auckland boy who recently returned after a lengthy residence in New South Wales. " When I look at the green grass and the fresh gardens of the suburbs, and think of the cattle I have seen dying alongside the railway lines in Australia, I am convinced that New Zealand is \God's own country.' I have seen a good deal of the Australian countryside, and I am thoroughly tired of the never-ending procession of gum-trees. " The cost of living is abnormal over there and all foodstuffs are very expensive. Potatoes are nearly £4O a ton, and the embargo is a very dangerous subject to bring up before a Sydney householder. Fish, I think, must be fylly 300 per cent, dearer. A schnapper about ten inches long costs as much as eight shillings. .But, of course, trawling conditions may affect that. The boats have to trawl in the open roadstead, and are not so fortunate as the Now Zealand craft in always having a harbour to run to." Discussing the new political situation, Mr. Lewis said there seemed to be no doubt that the Bruce party was out of favour, and there was a feeling that the Labour Government should at least be given a trial. " Things are very bad in Australia," he added. " The lawlessness in the cities is shocking. Why, it is absolutely unsafe to be seen in a side street at night wearing a white collar. Girls, too, are continually being molested, their handbags apparently offering an attraction to the street loungers. New Zealanders in Australia seem to preserve their love for their country very strongly. In Melbourne this is particularly noticeable. The Auckland Weekly News is a very popular periodical, and sells very well. The general opinion is that there is nothing in Australia to

compare with it. " Yes, I like New Zealand best. There is no doubt of that. Even the famous Sydney harbour cannot come up to the Waitemata as a yachtsman's paradise. I have seen the Melbourne Cup run nearly every year I have been away, but there are no racecourses in Australia as fine as Ellerslie. I had not intended to remain in New Zealand, as I have a business in Australia, but after being hero a few days I am determined to remain hero if 1 can possibly do so." Mr. Lewis was formorly well known in Auckland and the Waikato. He has in his possession a medal he won 45 years ago for coxing the winning four of the Ponsonby Rowing Club.