THE WAY WE LIVE

Taranaki Daily News, 28 November 1934, Page 12

THE WAY WE LIVE

TRAVELLER NOTES CHANGES.

NEW ZEALAND MUCH TO LEARN.

“Changes in the world which the traveller sees as compared with six years ago are many, and it is likely that certain of these will take plate here before long,” said Mr. J. Montgomery, of Christchurch, who returned by the Wanganella recently, after a world tour. He was accompanied by Mrs. Montgomery. The use of air-conditioning is becoming common in meeting halls, theatres, ship’s dining saloons, _ and railway trains and is much appreciated, competition will foster it, especially in the North Island,” said Mr. Montgomery. “An early end to electric trams seems likely Owing to recent developments. in the motor-bus, and only where local interests are not amenable to change are trams continued. Their abolition is welcomed by the public owing to the resultant speeding up of traffic, avoidance of congestion and absence of noise. “New Zealand has much to do in improving the beauty of its roadsides. An organisation working quietly by personal persuasion and ample fupancial backing from voluntary subscraptions, has worked ■wonders in England in removing unsightly hoardings, decrepit buildings and ugly spots. The countryside is now a pleasure to drive through; advertisers are glad to divert their funds to other methods provided all do it. We could do much more in the way of planting trees and helping those whose land is visible from the road, to improve the beauty of the countryside. Ugly petrol stations are some of . the worst offenders —those on the Continent have been much improved by compulsdry legislation. “Some Continental farmers, especially in Sweden and Denmark, are far ahead in the universal adoption of pedigree wheat, oats, grasses and clovers, and practically every farmer in those countries grows only pedigree strains of herbage,” said Mr. Montgomery. America takes little notice, England is slowly advancing, and Australia is making very rapid strides in this matter. “Our exports are nearly all dependent on tlie grazing quality of our land; our own Department of Agriculture, which is doing good work, should receive every possible encouragement in endeavouring to improve our pastures.