TOURS IN AFRICA.

Otago Witness, Issue 3765, 11 May 1926, Page 76

TOURS IN AFRICA.

VISIT OF FARMERS. AN AUSTRALIAN’S SUGGESTION. (From Oub Own Correspondent.) PIETERMARITZBURG, March 4. Reciprocating the South African Farmers visit to England last year, a British farmers’ touring party, 101 in number, are now visiting the Union. Headed by Mr 11. Padmore, the party arrived at Capetown 10 days ago in the R.M.S. Balmoral Castle. They had, of course, a hearty welcome, coupled with the usual civic luncheon. After a couple of days at t 'e parliamentary capital, Mr Padwick ventured to say at the Government dinner at Sea Point that, as far as he could see, South Africa’s most immediate need was settlers, preferably ready made young farmers, with wives; and, further, he hoped that South Africa would lav its cards on the table, &nd point out not only the beauties but also the blemishes of the country. The tour now in progress will last until the end of next montli. The Government is giving the visitors every assistance to make their itinerary a profitable and enjoyable one. All the four Union provinces will, of course, be visited, and 12 days will be spent in Rhodesia. Th? British farmers are intent on making the most of their trip, and, colloquially speaking, are all keen on talking shop. Professor A. E. V. Richardson, who is visiting South Africa on behalf of the Agricultural Department of Australia, contributed a useful as well as interesting speech at the Malmesbury Agricultural Show. He suggested an interchange of visits of farmers and allied experts between Australia and South Africa, countries where conditions and climates are somewh ‘ similar—an interchange that, be considered would lead to much good. Professo, Richardson said he had been greatly struck by many things in South Africa, and by none so than the planting of trees, particularly wattles and eucalyptus. In Natal 250,000 acres of wattles had been planted—more than all they had in Australia, the country of the wattle. On the other hand Australia had largely increased its average wool yield per sheep pe ranniim. The professor said he saw i.j reason why South Africa should not do the same. He had seen the Karroo and other parts of the Union, he held that it was a good sheep country, and one that would enable South Africa to be a strong competitor with Australia. It never rains but it pours. Besides the British farmers, we are having, for the first time, a visit of 350 Americans—needless to sav, rich Americans—bent on seeing the world and doing themselves well at the same time. They arrived at Capetown a week ago on board the Royal Mail Steam Packet Orca. The tour—of which this Union is but a part—has been arranged by the American Express Company, of which Mr R. S. Cauvin is the representative. The tourists include, of course, many wealthy retired business men, among them being a millionaire proprietor of a number of newspapers, that number being nearer 30 than 20. The Americans are dubbed the “Billion Dollar Crew.” The Americans, with characteristic celerity, have covered the Union very quickly. They have divided themselves into three parties. The first of these arrived at the Victoria Falls yesterday morning, and, report says, are delighted with the world-famous fails, which are just now in splendid condition for sightseeing. One of the American ladies said : “These falls leave me wondering ; never in my life have I seen such a glorious sight. . . . Niagara is not a patch on this—a place where thrill succeeds thrill until you become spellbound.” America, being the tourist nation of the world at the present time, the Orca criuse will probably lead to others.