THE ARGENTINE

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16826, 13 December 1928, Page 7

THE ARGENTINE

AS FIELD FOR EMIGRATION YOUNG MEN WARNED SYDNEY, Nov. 15. in view of the fact that numbers of young men, disgusted by the continual industrial disputes and other conditions, have emigrated, or think of emigrating, t'o the Argentine, the following warning, by a special correspondent cf the ney Morning Herald who has just returned from that couutry, may. not .be out of place. A thnorough knowledge (not a mere smattering) of Spanish is absolutely necessary in almost any career in the Argentine; such a knowledge is seldom possible under one year's residence, atid generally requires longer. The * whole conditions of life are different, and the new arrival must possess a certain adaptability.. For fanning of every kind, quite as large a capital, is necessary «■ in Australia', if-not more, besides local eipterience. There is little opening for the farmer on a. small scale, ,and the conditions' for such ■'are' discouraging. Labor,, on the" whole is worse p;tid than in Australia, much of the work being performed by * Italians and Spaniards, who are contented with low wages. In .Buenos Aires the cost of living is very high, < especially to'one who insists on a British standard of living.

TJhere are many large, and influential British' and 'American companies in the Argentine- (railways, freezing' works, tramways, liarbou .works, pastoral industry, etc.), but.nearly all of these have their head-offices in London, where all the-best positions, are - filled- under contract. An 'Australian' in the Argentine without frtends, money, and a good knowledge of Spanish would fjnd him l self in a desperate condition. Do not rely on letters of recommendation to friends on the spot; in most cases they are useless.

The Australians and New Zealanders in the Argentine who are doing well are the exception; they are mostly in the employ of British* or' American companies, or have businesses of their own, old established and built up by years of hard work. The standard of living among the working classes is lower than in Australia,- though higher among the wealthy classes, who live luxuriously. The 'climate .of. Buenos Aires is sqmer : what - similar to that of Melbourne ? in the sheep country to the south it is colder;, in the . sugar districts" of the north much warmer. Business openings are difficult in the larger .cities,. easier in the country, but not better than in Australia, while a fluent knowledge of Spanish is necessary. In the remoter districts there is little security-for Ufa or property-; murders and crimes of violence are frequent," and the administration of justice defective. Corruption is rampant in all political life.. Our correspondent advises all Australians to stay in Australia, unless they have the absolute certainty of advancement. Speculative emigration to any part of South America should be avoided in any case.