IMPRESSIONS OF SYDNEY

Otago Witness, Issue 4049, 20 October 1931, Page 47

IMPRESSIONS OF SYDNEY

NEW ZEALANDER’S EXPERIENCES

Mr A. G. Neil], of this city, returned to Dunedin on Thursday afUr a brief visit to Sydney.

“The first thought that occurred to me,” said Mr Neill, in an interview with our representative, “was the large number of people who had come from other States when things were supposed, according to the accounts we receive in New Zealand, to be very bad there. 1 noticed a distinct improvement in the tone of the financial market. This was borne out by the increased returns at the Randwick races. The figures were a long way above those of last year. 1 met several New Zealanders on the course. Needless to say, most of them supported New Zealand horses, and showed a profit, at least on the first two days. The presence of bookmakers makes the racing much more enjoyable, as there is hustle and bustle from one’s arrival on the course until the last race.”

“ I attended the law courts, and what struck me there was the freedom which seems to exist in the conduct of the business. There was not as much dignity displayed as there is in our courts. The judges are poorly paid, as a result of the Government’s “cut,” and it is pitiful to see judges who have been on the bench for a considerable time actually unable to purchase a motor car and are forced to travel by tram.”

“ 1 met members of the police force. They do not seem to devote much attention to licensing breaches, as is the case in New Zealand —in fact, to my surprise on more than one occasion, I saw members of the force in uniform partaking of refreshments in hotel bars.”

“ The Australian has a sense of humour, even under the direst circumstances. On the closing of the State Savings Bank a wag inserted a notice in the window of the building: “To let.—Apply John Lang, estate agent.” “ A word may be said about the lotteries From early morning till the closing of the bank there is a continuous queue seeking to obtain their lottery tickets. In the 10 days I was in Sydney two lotteries were drawn, so - fast had they filled. It is difficult to say what amount the Government derives from each lottery, but the fact that it is possible to draw the lotteries in such short periods shows that a considerable sum must be received. The profits are supposed to be for the hospitals, but, although eight lotteries have been drawn, it is alleged that the hospitals have not yet- received a penny piece, nor have they any knowledge of the amount the State has received. One could not help thinking of the possibility of holding lotteries in New Zealand, thus providing funds for unemployment and other necessary purposes. as, even for these State lotteries, there must be a large sum leaving New Zealand. apart altogether from the amount that goes over to Tattersall’s.” “ I was fortunate in obtaining a permit to cross the bridge over the harbour. Words fail to describe the magnitude of the work, and it is only after one has climbed to the top, up the steps in the pylons, that an adequate idea is obtained of the height above the water level. I witnessed the Maunganui passing under the bridge on her way out of the harbour. She seemed a long way under me, and it was not possible to recognise any of the people on her decks. The asphalting of the road across the bridge is practically completed.”

“I paid a visit to the National Art Gallery. I was delighted to find that Sydney holds the originals of the famous ‘ Queen of Sheba’s Visit to King Solomon ’ and ‘ The Wooers’.”

“ So far as poverty in Sydney in concerned, although one hears rumours of visitors being importuned at every corner, I was approached on only two occasions, both times by men of the idle type. Of course, there are people singing in the streets and pavement artists, but these people have always been in Sydney. I do not think the poverty is greater now than when I last saw the place.’’ “ I journeyed to Sydney by the Makura and returned by the Matson liner Sonoma to Auckland. In view of the controversy at present proceeding with the object of prohibiting the Matson boats from trading with New Zealand, I should like to express my appreciation of the attention given to the travelling public on board the Sonoma in all departments. In commenting on this matter, I am sensible of the consideration always shown by the Union Company’s officials, but I realise that they can only do their best -with the ships and the materials they have at their command. In my opinion, the best way to meet the competition is for the Union Company to build boats and in every other way bring their standard to a competitive basis with that of the Matson liners.