FAR FROM HOME

Southland Times, Issue 20116, 1 March 1927, Page 8

FAR FROM HOME

AMERICAN VISITOR IMPRESSIONS OF NEW ZEALAND “FRESH AND CHARMING” A passenger to Melbourne by the Moeraki yesterday was Mr Ira W. Stratton, of Reading, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. In his home town Mr Stratton is connected with the management of municipal affairs, but during the last two years has been making a tour of the world in an unofficial capacity. He estimates that he has covered 100,000 miles since the commencement of his trip. He has visited practically every quarter of the globe, China, Japan, South America, France, and Sweden being names he mentioned casually to a reporter in a hurried 10 minutes’ interview prior to the departure of the boat.

Through his connection with the municipality. Mr Stratton has come in contact with many officials throughout New Zealand since he landed at- Auckland on January 24 after a trip round the South Sea Islands in the Tofua. He had a good word to say for all. They had treated him, he said, in royal style, and had gone out of their way to show him the points of interest in every place which he had visited. “I had many an interesting chat with Government and civic officials on such dry topics as electricity, gas, traffic regulation, and such like, but of course you don’t want to hear about that.

“I am glad to see,” he continued, “that you are slowly getting the word ‘Australasia’ washed out. I was not originally coming to New Zealand. I heard that there would< perhaps be some delay over a landing permit or some such thing, and only for the fact that I struck up an acquaintanceship with Mr Gordon Reed during my cruise round the South Sea Islands I would not have done so. I thought that New Zealand was only a small island off the coast of Australia, but I was quickly disillusioned and I am mighty glad that I was.

“There is not enough publicity given to New Zealand in the Eastern States of U.S.A, and I doubt if 99 per cent, of the people know of what you have to offer here in the way of attractions. However, many of the shipping companies over there are starting to boost the circular Pacific trip and this should do a great deal to enlighten the folks at home. T have seen all parts of the world, but New Zealand has something fresh and charming about it. The people, however, do not seem to appreciate the many blessings that have been bestowed upon them. The country possesses wonderful opportunities for the future. There are the scenic attractions, the mineral, agricultural and sawmilling possibilities as yet not fully developed. Take, for instance the Southern Alps, the thermal regions, or the Waitomo Caves. Personally I have seen nothing to compare with them in any part of the world. It must be borne in mind, however, that these places must be made attractive for tourists. “When I landed at Auckland I heard very little about the South Island. It seems as if there is some rivalry between the two islands but so far as attractions go I don’t think either place can claim the premiership. “At Dunedin I was amazed at the wonderful display of roses in the gardens there and could hardly imagine how they were kept so well in a climate that cannot be called warm. The people everywhere have been very hospitable and it has been mighty nice to visit the country.” And what do you think of Invercargill?” Mr Stratton was asked. “Well,” he replied. “I stepped off the train only this minute, but the manner in which the streets are laid out shows that there was formerly someone with great foresight at the head of affairs.” After visiting Australia Mr Stratton, who is accompanied by Mrs Stratton, proceeds to South Africa, South America and thence