“A SORT OF ROYAL PROGRESS”

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19758, 27 March 1934, Page 8

“A SORT OF ROYAL PROGRESS”

MR BERNARD SHAW ON HIS TOUR SOME CHARACTERISTIC COMMENTS By Telegraph— Press AtiHoclatlon ROTORUA, March 26. Mr Bernard Shaw, who has been visiting Rotorua for the last week, will leave on Wednesday for Wairakel and Taupo, proceeding thence to Wellington. During ills stay Mr Shaw has refused to receive cards, telephone messages or callers, insisting that he must first be communicated with by letter. With Mrs Shaw he visited the six lakes, the thermal areas of Whakarewarewa and Tikitere and on Sunday paid a flying visit to Tauranga. From comments made to friends and acquaintances Mr Shaw is delighted with the reception given him in New Zealand and very interested in what lie has so far seen. He is an enthusiastic amateur photographer, and on all trips uses a small camera which he carries with him.

In an interview conducted by means of written questions Mr Shaw said that he was “Having a sort of royal progress.” He had been overwhelmed with hospitality, guidance and practical assistance, official and unofficial, from every quarter. He seemed to be the most popular stranger in the southern hemisphere and had no idea that New Zealanders were such good Shavians.

World Troubles. Asked whether he thought world troubles would be cured by direct action, reaction or parliamentary action. Mr Shaw said: “The world’s troubles can be cured only by long and labored social reconstruction by thinkers and workers religiously devoted to the general welfare and ruthlessly intolerant of idleness and waste. The ways in which these workers will achieve the necessary conquest of political power will vary according to circumstances. Changes which have been made peacefully and reasonably in New Zealand have been made violently and even ferociously in other parts of the Empire. A uniform method for the world is impossible.” Mr Shaw also remarked that New Zealand had already avoided some i f the mistakes of older countries but should not feel conceited about it. “You will commit them all yet unless you watch and pray.” Mr Shaw described Rotorua as “An uncommonly pleasant place, although it smelled of brimstone like Hades.” He considered that it had many extraordinary natural curiosities to show instead of the manufactured attractions which were the stock in trade of most earthly paradises. New Zealand Speech. Asked what he thought of the average New Zealander’s pronunciation of English, Mr Shaw said that it was better than the average English speech, “But then it could hardly be worse.” New Zealand voices were notably more pleasant than urban British ones he added. Mr Shaw said he doubted whether there would be war within the next 10 years. Modem method of warfare made Napoleonic wars impossible. Asked why he selected New Zealand for his holiday, Mr Shaw replied, “Why shouldn’t I? What is wrong with New Zealand?”