AS OTHERS SEE US

Taranaki Daily News, 28 October 1935, Page 7

AS OTHERS SEE US

PRAISE FROM BRITAIN ENGLISH NEWSPAPER’S ARTICLE TET.T.TNG ABOUT NEW PLYMOUTH. PROSPERITY OF THE PROVINCE. Under the headings “Your Corner of the World” and “How Things Happen in New Plymouth, New Zealand,” an article by Neil G. Walker recently appeared in the overseas Daily Mail, a weekly newspaper published at London. One or two of the writer’s statements are not strictly correct, but the article serves to show the type of publicity received by New Zealand. The style of writing is also of interest. “New Plymouth, a residential town, is really a beautiful garden,” reads the article. “It is the capital of Taranaki and is a small sea port from which a large amount of the province’s dairy produce is shipped. It has an artificial harbour formed by two breakwaters, and constant dredging is necessary. From New Plymouth coastal boats sail regularly for Auckland and Wellington, while intercolonial and Home liners call fairly often.

“The resident population is just short of 16,000 people. The original settlers for the most part came from the west and south-west of England, hence its name—New Plymouth—and that of its main thoroughfare, Devon Street. Weather is temperate. Snow is almost unknown. The climate is fresh and bracing. Prices and house rent are moderate.

“The surrounding country is very fertile and is comparatively level to undulating, with an abundant water supply. Dairy farming is the main industry, and, to a small extent, sheep farming. “The town itself is beautifully kept, and local government is well organised, efficient and up to the minute. The municipal tramway service is good. There are good omnibus services running to various parts of the province and the North Island. “Electric lighting is excellent. Gas is used only for cooking and heating purposes. Most houses are wooden or concrete. Brick houses are rarely built because earthquakes render them unsuitable. Well-kept lawns and gardens surround each residence. BEAUTIFUL PARKS. “The town’s parks are inexpressibly beautiful and constantly evoke the admiration of tourists. The chief park is Pukekura, which has the reputation of being the world’s most beautiful park of native flora. . “New Plymouth and the surrounding country were the scene of much fierce warfare between the Maoris and the first settlers. “Educational facilities are excellent. There are several preparatory schools, a very up-to-date boys’ high school, girls high school and a technical high school. “Sportsmen are very well catered for. There are numerous bowling greens, tennis courts, cricket, Rugby football, Soccer and hockey grounds, and good golf links. Swimming is very popular, and besides school and municipal swimming pools there are several beaches where bathers are protected by the voluntary services of well-trained beach patrols. “In the event of a trans-Tasman air service being permanently, established, it is probable that New Plymouth will be selected for the airport because of its proximity to Australia, and also because Mount Egmont acts as an excellent landmark to aviators. Prominent flyers, among whom can be mentioned Air Commodore Sir Charles Kingsford Smith and the late Flight-Lieutenant C. T. P. Ulm, have made New Plymouth their landing ground and have been well pleased with the facilities offered. “New Plymouth’s prosperity, indeed that of New Zealand, depends upon the dairy industry, which at the moment is at a low ebb and gives little indication of improving, although Christmas 1934 was very much brighter than it had been for several years.