VISITORS TO DUNEDIN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21984, 20 June 1933, Page 6

VISITORS TO DUNEDIN

At no time in the past has the desirability of close co-operation between the farming and industrial communities in New Zealand been greater than it now is. To some extent the interests of town and country have been brought into conflict on matters of immediate import. All who possess any vision must have deplored this tendency to exaggerate sectional considerations. The best method of combating it is to acquaint those engaged in the various industries, primary and secondary, with their respective problems and aspirations, and the ideal plan of imparting this knowledge is by personal contact and instruction. For this reason the visit of youthful farmers from all parts of Otago to this city is important. They have come, perhaps, with visions of the superior advantages which the town-dweller enjoys. It is possible—almost certain—that there should be a faint prejudice against those whom they may consider to be more fortunately situated than themselves. But, while the amenities of city life will be demonstrated to them by their hosts, it is certain that they will be made aware also of the expenditure in money and effort which is required to sustain these conditions. Their round of visits provides opportunities, such as most residents in a town do not have, of observing the wheels of industry in motion. Applying the hard common sense which farm life inculcates to what they see, and what they are told, they may gain a riper comprehension of the interdependence of every phase of human activity in maintaining the complex civilisation in which modern man lives. This visit should be productive of much good. The hope may be expressed that it will at some future date be possible to arrange a reciprocal tour of the farmlands by representatives of the youth of the city.