MANY ATTRACTIONS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18397, 15 May 1934, Page 5

MANY ATTRACTIONS

AUSTRALIAN CITIES VISITOR’S IMPRESSIONS SOME FINE BUILDINGS iPer Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. In the course of an interview on his return from n visit to Australia, Mr A. B. Lane, manager of the New Zealand Press Association, said the war memorial shrines in Melbourne and Sydney were nearing completion, and Prince Henry would perform the dedicatory ceremonies. ‘ ‘ The Melbourne shrine, ’ he said, “is a larger and more elaborate structure than that in Sydney, and is already a conspicuous mark from sea and land. Prom the o'utsjde galleries, comprehensive views of the ,city open before the visitor. The interior chambers are impressive, and when they are fully equipped with their memorial statuary they will be both dignified and beautiful. The memorial is approached by radiating avenues, and as a generous area has been set apart, the scene should be one of great beauty when everything is in order. It is said that the cost of this shrine will be over £300,000, and there has been some 'criticism of this enormous expenditure. “The Sydney shi;ine is of more modest proportions, but the main idea is. the same, and the result should be a worthy addition to the city’s monuments. There has been a long discussion concerning one of the pieces of symbolical statuary, which offends the susceptibilities of some people, but there is no indication at present that any change will be made. BUILDING TRADE BUSY “Another work of. sentimental interest is the re-erection in Melbourne of Captain Cook’s house. The site is in the beautiful Pitzroy gardens. It io apparent that Australians take great pride in their pioneers and explorers, and it was extremely pleasant to see that these early adventurous spirits are honored in ways that will for'ever perpetuate their names and achievements. j “The building trade appears to be busy in both Melbourne and Sydney. Old buildings in these cities are doomed to destruction, and they are being replaced by up-to-date premises planned on a most lavish scale. The Manchester Unity building in Melbourne is an example. It consists of 12 or 13 lloofs and a roof garden, and accommodates a population which is equal to a small town. Myers stores, between Burke and Lonsdale streets, are line examples of the builder’s art and the spirit of enterprise which animates the big men of Australia’s business communities. The big stores in Sydney and Melbourne are marvels of organisation, and customers are assisted and attended with an assiduity and courtesy which could not be surpassed. “'Melbourne is preparing for its centenary celebrations, and many fine new buildings are being erected. The most -notable work proceeding in Sydney at the moment is the demolition of certain .premises in the heart of the Jcity-'fo enable .Martin Place to be carried through from Castlereagh street to Macquarie street. This has necessitated.,'the destruction of many old buildings, including the historic St. Stephen’s Presbyterian Church. The new 'St. Stephen’s is steadily rising on a neighboring site, and the whole of this portion of the city will be transformed and Unproved. “There are two splendid motor roads between Sydney and Melbourne, namely Prince’s highway, which is largely a coastal route, and the Hume highway, which is through the interior, via Canberra and Albury. These roads are usually in excellent condition for motoring, long sections being paved with either bitumen or concrete. Other sections consist of red clay roads. This clay, which contains a large proportion of gravel, is as readily available by the roadside as shinglo is in Canterbury. It makes an excellent surface when tho roads are properly maintained and a grader is kept in operation. N.Z.’S SUPERIOR SCENERY “The scenery on these highway routes is interesting enough, but it is impossible for a New Zealander not to be a trifle superior about it. The prevalence of the gum tree, and the absence of variety in the scenic characteristics of the country are drawbacks to the Hume route. At the same time, the vision unfolded conveys a message that Australia is not an arid land of dry and waste spaces, but a glowing country of vast fertile areas. “If New Zealanders have many mistaken impressions and ideas about Australia they may retort that their country is a terra incognita to thousands of Australians whose fixed impression is that our pleasant little country is not only climatically very rigorous, but also fundamentally unsafe on account of earthquakes. The impression that we keep a particularly violent brand of earthquake constantly on tap appears to be entertained by many people who regard any attempt to correct their views as a mere patriotic inexactitude. The Australian will cheerfully admit that we have attractions in mountains,’ fiords, glaciers, lakes, rivers/ and forests, which excel the scenic beauty of his own country, but all this advantage is depreciated by the one item on the debit side: ‘You also have earthquakes.’ There exists quite an exaggerated apprehension on the subject. Of course, many travelled Australians are better informed about Now Zealand’s true position in these respects, and they are valuable friends of our country. Too many, however, come to New Zealand with fear and trembling, instead of with joyous anticipation.

“The New Zealand Departments of Commerce and Tourists are well represented iu Sydney and Melbourne. The officers are extremely helpful, and people who call are given valuable and courteous assistance. The officer in charge, Mr L. J. Schmitt, has the respect and confidence of the section of tljc community with which he is particularly concerned, and is esteemed .as an enterprising and active agent of this Dominion. One would prefer to see more liberal accommodation for the departments, both in Sydney and Melbourne, especially when the tourist activities of the Australian States arc observed. “The position of the newspapers in the two cities is most interesting. Sydney is served by three morning papers and one evening paper, and there are reports that another evening pa'per is on the stocks. Melbourne possesses two morning and two evening papers, the latest addition being the Star, on -which a number of New Zealanders are engaged. There are many ex-Dominion journalists on Australian newspapers, and they soon become good Australians, while retaining their affection for their native land. “Many New Zealand friends will be glad to know that Mr Percy Allen, of the Sydney Morning Herald, is making a steady recovery from the injuries lie received in a motor accident in which his wife was a victim. Mr Allen will always bear the marks of his terrible experience, but he has ayiazed his friends by the extent of his recovery and the unconquerable spirit which he displayed. With Mr A. M. Burns and Mr G. C. Codlin, I visited the sanatorium at which Mr Allen is convalescing. “I only wish to add that Mrs Lane and I came away with most delightful impressions of Australia and its peo'plo. National sentiment is strong in Austi alia, but it is strengthened and reinforced by a wonderful loyalty to the British Empire.”