BOOSTING AUSTRALIA.

Otago Witness, Issue 3754, 23 February 1926, Page 25

BOOSTING AUSTRALIA.

'A LIBRARY OF INFORMATION. Every court and bay in the Exhibition carries its own stock of publicity literature which is issued to the many visitors who are interested in the possibilities and attractions of the various parts of New Zealand and the Empire. An enormous quantity of this literature is issued every day in the form of illustrated souvenir gift books, guide books, hand books, pamphlets, and maps. A great deal of good must result, for the books are carried by thousands of visitors into thousands of homes in New Zealand and abroad, where they are carefully read and studied by tourists and intend ing settlers. Up to the present time Australia has fully realised the value of this form of advertising the Commonwealth, and an ample supply of literature had been on hand in the office of the court for distribution. Yet a still ‘greater and more comprehensive supply has come to hand Yesterday the Australian Commissioner, Mr W. L. Smallhorn, opened a set of nine beautifully and elaborately produced booklets dealing with Australia from almost every point of view. These comprise several of the best publications of their kind that have been produced for Exhibition purposes, and the Commonwealth collection of publicity literature is second to none. All visitors who are genuinely interested in the attractions and resources of the island continent should make a point ot obtaining one or more of the booklets, for they advertise in a most interesting fashion, and supply the answer to practically every question that the intending visitor would oe likely to ask. First in the list is “Australia—the Best of All Countries.” Despite the high standard set by the somewhat'-egotistical title—a title that will probably arouse the ire of staunch New Zealanders —the publication advances excellent arguments to support its claim, and the average reader will agree that Australia is certainly a very beautiful and attractive country, though his own land will always come first. The booklet gives merely a thumbnail sketch of Australia. It briefly outlines the more striking features of the vast island continent, and sets down facts and figures relating to the development of its industries, its trade and commerce, and the social life of its people. System of government, area and population, “the golden fleece,” natural advantages, climate, trade, industries, manufactures, and opportunities for settlers a | ew of the subjects dealt with, and half of each page is devoted to illustrations of a widely diverse nature. In discussing the opportunities for settlers, it concludes:— The stream of British migration is flowing freely to Australia. The war temporarily interrupted the flow, but it has resumed again. In 1919, 245 people availed themselves of the assistance provided by the British and Commonwealth Governments to come to this country. In 1920, 9059 Britishers arrived; in 1921, 14.682; in 1922, 24,258; and in 1923, 26,645. Their opinions of Australia are even more definite than facts and figures. More than half of these migrants were nominated by Britishers already established in Australia, and who were anxious that their friends and relatives should better their positions. “Australia:—lts Resources and Production,” is a large and elaborate book of more than 100 pages. It deals very thoroughly with Australia from the commercial. Industrial, and agricultural points of view, and chapters are devoted to climate and natural features, the Australian people, government and finance, social conditions transport and communication, settlement, productive resources, trade and commerce There are a few illustrations which add to the outward appearance of the book, bn* as a whole it is an interesting and valuable encyclopaedia of information that will be read by many thousands of Exhibition visitors who obtain copies. The attractions and opportunities of the country from the point of view of the tourist and_the intending settler are dealt with in the third booklet of the series. I* - is smaller in size, but contains a wealth of information for tourists and sportsmen The educational advantages are mentioned the climate in the various parts of the continent ig described, and there are many illustrations of noted beauty spots. “Australia for the Farm Labourer” is a booklet issued to guide and advise intending settlers and immigrants. It gives full information on farming subjects, telling how to gain a footing in the country and the right way to reach success. The set also includes four booklets—- “ Fruit Growing,” “Pastoral Industry,” “Wheat and Sheep Farming,” and “Minor Agricultural Industries.” Each deals very thoroughly with its particular branch of life in the Commonwealth, and there is little information that is not given. Illustrations are many, and the booklets are very attractively produced in colours. Last but not least is “Something About Australia,” a booklet that is a pictoral record of the wealth and progress of the Commonwealth. It has a cover of sky blue, and is beautifully printed on heavy art paper with an illustration offset with a drypoint etching on every leaf. In fact, ? t is a souvenir booklet of Australian views equal to many production placed on the mnrket for presentation purposes, and visitors to the Australian Pavilion will be delighted with the hghl standard it sets in publicity work of that description.