NEW ZEALAND'S FUTURE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3030, 10 April 1912, Page 43 (Supplement)

NEW ZEALAND'S FUTURE.

♦ SIR JOHN KIRK IMPRESSED. (Fbom Our Own Correspondent i LONDON, February 16. Sir John Kirk, the secretary of the Ragged School Union, admits that he is

greatly impressed with New Zealand. With her undeveloped resources and immense possibilities he considers the Dominion at present to be one of the finest countries in the world, and he predicts a great future. Sir John gave me a cordial welcome. He said he had to thank the press of New Zealand for many kindnesses, and he was glad of the opportunity to return his

thanks. He had an excellent time in the i Dominion. " I was told before I went/' he said. " that I should find New Zealand very much like England. I remarked that no better praise could be accorded, and I found it as I expected. There is the umost loyalty to the old land, every variety of scenery, boundless opportunities for development, and gcod climate.

The Britisher can go to no better land. I was particularly struck with the air of comfort about the towns, especially Christchurch, and the social atmosphere wa6 very pleasant indeed. Owing to the exigencies of time. I had to limit my visit mainly to the cities, but I found an opportunity to visit far-famed Rotorna. My visit was filled with political excitement. The elections were on, and the dis-

cussion around the burning question of prohibition made me realise how far New Zealand was in advance of the Old Country in recognising the need for legislation. " The care of child life was manifest everywhere, and the system of education excellent. The solicitude for the neglected or the handicapped child is very

apparent, and I wondered to see so many orphanages and homes in a new community, and to find that so many children needed the fostering care of others than their parents. It shows, however, that the community realises the value of the child, and is prepared to meet the needs to the utmost extent. " I was conscious of what I may call the craze for legislation in every conceiv-

able element of the community. I do not know whether it 16 altogether wise. It destroys the individuality ami initiative of a nation —virtues which, I believe, have characterised the British race in the past. There is no doubt that the idea is good, and if your neighbour's orchard trees indicate age, and possibly parasitism, it is a fitting thing, I supose, to

paee a law that they shall be subject to official inspection, and be condemned if considered by the officials to be in any way detrimental to their neighbour's trees. 1 like the ideals, however, and give New Zealand every credit for them. The people here have the chance, because they have not the legacies of the past with which to contend like England has. They are trying experiments and they can do

iso with impunity And with these ex- | periments the country ig going on proeperI ing, and the community ie growing more ! wealthy and comfortable. "I heard complaints about the eo-called i tyranny of the Labour unions. I feel j that credit ought to be given to the men • for a high ideal. It is a grand thing when a man wil' stand by his brother

workman, and if one member suffer* tht„ all shall suffer alike. " In New Zealand there is a desire for population, but the Government i« apparently not taking active steps to promote it." Sir John is hopeful, though, that Australia will receive the young people who come under the auspices of the Ragged School Union, and a scheme is now under consideration.

—Guy, phdo