CONFIDENCE RETURNING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21665, 4 December 1933, Page 11

CONFIDENCE RETURNING

CONDITIONS IN AUSTRALIA AUCKLANDER'S IMPRESSIONS CENTENARY OF MELBOURNE "Australia has no doubt turned the corner," said Mr. J. B. Pater son, chairman of tho Parks Committee of the City Council, on Saturday. Mr. Paterson, in company with his daughter. Miss M. E. Paterson, has just completed a six weeks' tour of the Commonwealth. He visited Brisbane, Newcastle, Sydney, Mel bourne and Adelaide and came in contact with many people in public and business life. "I think I can safely say Australia is going ahead," stated Mr. Paterson. "While 1 was in Melbourne the big loan of £10,000,000 was over-sub-scribed in 48 hours. Surely that is an undoubted sign of the confidence of the people in their country. The people have lost pessimism and are optimistic. Australia is a vast country and has vast resources." Melbourne, the centenary of which city is to be celebrated next year, impressed Mr. Paterson as being very beautiful and he was particularly struck with the lay-out and beautiful avenues of deciduous trees. Business was very good. In connection with the centenary celebrations largo sums of money werefconiing in and a special set of 20 centenary advertising stamps was being issued. He visited museums in several cities, and although some had more varieties of exhibits than the Auckland War Memorial Museum, not one of the museum buildings could "hold a candle" to the Auckland structure. In referring to parks and gardens, Mr. Paterson said that in trees and general lay-out of grounds Australian parks and gardens were superior to those of New Zealand, but our flowers were far better than theirs and our winter gardens were the best he-had seen. It was noticeable the pride Australians took in tlieir parks and gardens.

While inspecting zoological gardens Mr. Paterson was able to discuss with the authorities possible deals or exchanges which may in due course be brought about. Apart from Taronga Park zoo, Sydney, the Australian zoos visited by him -were not, in his opinion, as good as Auckland's zoo.