A SCOT ON DUNEDIN.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12650, 30 April 1903, Page 4

A SCOT ON DUNEDIN.

TO THS EDITOR. Sin,—l was rather amused to read the letters under "A Soot on criticising a litter written by me to the WeeklyScotsman, about, ficieber, 1902, headed "A Home in New Zealand." Of that letter I sent yon a oopy, from which you will notice (ihat Dunedin is not so much as mentioned. I referred to New Zealand as a whole, but evidontly "Auld Reekie," only three yours from Edinburgh, has through ignorance come to the conclusion that Dunedin is New Zealand. Even then he admits that the climate is better than that of Scotland. This is one point I gained; and if "Auld Reekie" will spend a few days .in the country—say, between Dunedin and Invercargili— he wi'l admit, when he sees thousands' of acres of oats that will'yield from 70 to 130 bushels per acre, that my assertion that New Zealand is the most productive country in the world is correct. As to my statement thalr theie is room for the whole population, of my native land, no one will doubt that. ~

"Auld Rookie" says that Duuedin swarms with doctors ami chemists, and that this does not speak.well for the healthiness of the climate. I rather "think tills is an evidence of the prosperity of the people, who have plenty of money to spend in luxuries, ■is Dimedin shows a much lower soalo of sickness and mortality than any city, or town in the Old Country j and New Zealand shows a very marked decrease in both, thus proving it to be a healthy country. No doubt there are, and always will be, unemployed, not altogether for want ot work, but for want of those who are suited to the' work. I still believe that there is work for all who aro willing to work, and that tliera is little poverty except that caused through improvidence; and, after 45 years' experience in the colony, I believe very few working men would willingly oxeliango this country for the Homeland.—

I am, ote., Anderston. John Wilson.