AFFAIRS ABROAD

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 858, 30 December 1929, Page 8

AFFAIRS ABROAD

MR. C. F. BENNETT’S IMPRESSIONS AFTER WORLD TOUR INDUSTRY IN EUROPE After visiting 33 different countries*, Mr. C. F. Bennett returned to Auckland yesterday afternoon on the Aorangi. with a comprehensive know, ledge of affairs abroad. With few exceptions, he says, ha heard complaints on all sides regarding unemployment and slackness of trade. This applied to America as well as to many of the European countries. "Compared with conditions abroad. New Zealaud should have no reason to bo depressed over her unemployed problems.” said Mr. Bennett. "Even where trade was booming a year ago, with massed production of highly organised secondary industries, it is generally admitted today that supplies have exceeded the demand. "The crash on the American Stock Exchange is reflecting adversely in its immense ramifications, and it is generally admitted that the full toll of losses has yet to be estimated. “In spite of our distance irorn the world's markets, our products enjoy an enviable reputation aboard,” continued Mr. Bennett, "and it is essential that we exert every effort to strengthen our primary industries. Other markets along the Pacific Coast of America a.wait development.” • ENGLAND’S NEGLECT Speaking o£ the European countries he visited, Mr. Bennett said there appeared to be less unemployment in Denmark and Holland, where primary industries still occupied the attention of the majority of the inhabitants. London was almost wholly dependent on such countries for her table essentials. England's primary industries were being sadly neglected, and the unemployment problem was still acute. Great efforts were being made by Belgium, France, Germany and Italy in reconstruction work, aud in ail those countries the peasants were being settled as quickly as possible. Everywhere in Italy object lessons in land development on what appeared to be impossible hillsides could be seen. Mussolini's land development schemes were particularly progressive, and in September, he claimed that half the unemployed had been absorbed in big undertakings. Ample evidence was to be seen of Germany's determined efforts to regain her old position. Work went on day and night. At least one factory was being erected in England for the manufacture of certain commodities. Mr. Bennett visited this place in the Midlands of England, and he found that the policy of the company was first for the German specialists to train the English workmen, and then later develop similar concerns in other countries.

No better example of husbandry if apparent waste areas could he seen than that of the steep slopes along the bank of the River Rhine. Mile after mile of formed terraces, supported only by hand-made rubble walls, were growing grape vines, vegetables and various fruits. Similar development of steep hill slopes and sometimes mountain sides was to be seen in .Switzerland, Italy, Austria and France, where the wine industry was flourishing. “One could not help contrasting the great efforts of the European countries with the lost chances of rural industries on the beautifully easy-rolling country of England,” said Mr. Bennett. “In comparison with other lands New Zealand is wonderfully endowed by nature. Living conditions and costs are as reasonable here as anywhere, and it only retrains for us to go forward with confidence and the education of our rising generation in the wonderful potentialities of the Dominion by intensive land development.” GROWTH OF MOTOR Mr. Bennett’s greatest impression on his second world tour (the first was undertaken 31 years ago) was the colossal growth everywhere following tne advent of the -motor. In 180 S only a very few motor-ears were to be seen in England. France was leading experimental development in those days and people dismounted from their bicycles for safety when a car approached. Today millions of motor vehicles running over dust-free, paved roads w r ere to be seen in almost every country abroad and stupendous works, involving the circulation of millions of pounds sterling, had followed in the waxe of the motor. The vexed question of the right-of-way between motor vehicles meeting at intersections of main and subsidiary roads outside city limits had been definitely settled in Canada and many parts of the United States. On many such roads the minimum speed limit was 35 miles an hour, as it was claimed that only rapid transit could relieve congestion. Traffic emerging from subsidiary roads w r as compelled to stop and give way to main road traffic and fit in afterward where it was convenient. Definite signs in rubber were fitted into the surface of the road and these were a great improvement on New Zealand’s mushroom-shaped obstructions. The rubber signs are about two feet long by nine inches deep. They are flexible and spring back into position after a car passes over them. In the cities the automatic flash light signals and alarm bells erected at most intersections were accepted as the best methods of traffic control.

Mr. Bcmnett and his family were travelling on the Orford when that liner was reported to have run aground, but they did not know until some time afterward that any accident had taken place.