DOMINION PRAISED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22934, 12 January 1938, Page 5

DOMINION PRAISED

HOSPITALITY OF PEOPLE LADY SLIGO'S IMPRESSIONS GOOD' HOTEL ACCOMMODATION The greatest enthusiasm for New Zealand, its people, its scenery and other attractions was expressed bv the Ma rehioness of Sligo yesterday just prior to her departure by the Aorangi for Sydney. Lad.v Sligo has been in the Dominion for some week's and in that time has not only visited its main tourist resorts but has also delved into quite out of the way corners of both islands. "I think New Zealand is one of the most attractive countries I have ever visited," said Lady Sligo, whose praise for the Dominion has a special value in view of the fact that she has travelled all over the world.

"The manner in which everybody with whom L have come into contact have s.et themselves out to be friendly and hospitable has added to the thorough enjoyment of my stay here," continued Lady Sligo. She also paid a tribute to the friendliness and civility of nil the service car drivers and referred with admiration to their excellent driving. Praise for Hotels In spite of' criticism from other tourists of New Zealand hotels, Lady Sligo said she could find no fault with them. "The food is well cooked and varied, the rooms comfortable and the proprietors and staff most helpful and pleasant," she said. "Although the Government legislation introducing the 40-hour week has obviously created a difficult situation in many of the hotels, the proprietors are doing their best to

meet these difficulties and under the circumstances co-operation for 'the guests is most desirable." Lady Sligo is not satisfied •with what she termed ''the ordinary tourist holiday" and after seeing the main tourist resorts such as Rotorua, Taupo, Waitomo ancl the Franz Josef Glacier, she went further into the country. Hero she watched the process of gold-dredging and, at a Palmerston North sheep station, saw the process of sheep-shear-ing by electricity. Lady Sligo was particularly entranced with the Coromandel coast, which she thinks is one of the most beautiful spots in the Dominion. "I have seen your country from end to end, and have every intention of returning to see it again," she remarked. Camp Life in Dominion Lady Sligo has been impressed with many phases of New Zealand life which do not obtain to the same extent elsewhere. "I have never seen so much camp-life as J have in New Zealand," she said. "Sun-tanned men and girls were to be seen camping along every route I travelled. I think the people here have a splendid physique and carriage while the healthy 'out-door' look which is so characteristic of them is one which we do not see nearly enough of in Great Britain." Lady Sligo will stay for a while with Their Excellencies the Governor of New South Wales, Lord Wakehurst, and Lady Lakeliurst. She will also visit her daughter, Lady Brabourne, wife of the Governor of Bengal, before proceeding to London from Colombo by air. Her cousin, Miss Helen Mac Lean, of Ardgotir, who has been accompanying her throughout her New Zealand tour, will remain with her until they reach Colombo and will then return to England by a different route.