NATURE’S GENTLE FOLK

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 18764, 22 July 1935, Page 11

NATURE’S GENTLE FOLK

NEW ZEALAND PEOPLE EX -G 0 VERNOR ’ S TRIP. GTE COURTESY AND MANNERS (TClcc. Tol. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Received July 20, 2.30 p.m.) LONDON, July 19. "1 endorse the expression of regretvoiced by Mr G. W. Forbes, the New Zealand Prime Minister, that, members of the British Cabinet lack personal knowledge of the Dominions. Their ignorance, is no more marked than that concerning New Zealand,” said Lord Bledisloe. speaking at the Umpire Society's summer school. Vet- the Empire’s future rested predominately in their hands. II their knowledge was second-hand amt scanty the British proletariat and members ol the House of Commons were still more ignorant, this seriously threatening ultimate Dominion separation. Lord Bledisloe paid a tribute to New Zealand its a country of nature’s gentle folk socially and almost- ideally democratic. The average standard of education was very high. The- reading, of books and newspapers was more widespread than elsewhere in the Empire. Even the poorest were generally well informed of the nation’s and world affairs. Courtesy and good manners were universalThere was very little swearing and drunkenness and a shabbily dressed person was seldom seen.

■Speaking in London [trior to liis departure for New Zealand Mr O, W. Forbes said : “We feel that, the 'understanding of New Zealand’s problems would he much greater if a responsible Cabinet Minister visited the Dominion. I hope this suggestion can he fulfilled after the elect ions.”