REPLY TO MR BRANDS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18452, 1 May 1928, Page 5

REPLY TO MR BRANDS.

To the Editor, Sir,—To put it mildly’, I was flabbergasted on reading the article on above subject by Mr W. J. Brands, C.E., culled from “ Public Opinion.” I was more than surprised that a weekly of the standing of “ Public Opinion ” should give publicity to such clap-trap.

As one who left the Old Country in November, 1926, to try my luck in New Zealand, and who certainly has no axe to grind, I should like to refute W.J.B.’s prevarications. llis first statement—“ ‘ Bradburys ’ will be cashed at a discount of 2s in the £1 ” —is terminological inexactitude No. 1. I have received 20s for ea.cn of my “ Bradburys.” although I must admit I have known persons who have only got 19s 6d.

His second statement, “ Even the banks will deduct 2 to 3 per cent on English gold,” is T.I. No. 2. Banks are only too pleased to receive English gold at full value.

Another whopper—“ Ilis rent of two rooms, and three families using one kitchen, costs him £2 10s a week. This does not include cooking or fires or light.” What a fertile brain! Why, four-roomed bungalows (new) can be had in most of the cities and towns in New Zealand for 30s a week.

Yet another lie—“ Food as produced in the islands costs the same as in England-—that is, bacon, mutton, butter, cheese.” I would refer readers to Home market reports for refutation of this statement.

Mr Brands, like many more who have come to New Zealand recently, has struck it during a period of depression; but why tell lies to make a case ? There is no doubt about it, the advertisements in the Home papers and the lectures given regarding opportunities for men and women in New Zealand at the present time are a bit far-fetched, and ought to be put a stop to. With reference to the people, I have travelled a bit of the Dominion—a little further than from Auckland to Wellington—and have found New Zealanders courteous, obliging and very friendly. Of course, one comes across a “rotter” occasionally; but does Mr Brands mean to infer that all Englishmen are angels? As for the country, the progress that has been made is simplv stupendous, as all unbiased persons must admit. In conclusion, perhaps Mr Brands is one of the type of individuals who expect to get “ cushy ” jobs when they go abroad, and get “ liverish ” when - they are disappointed.—l am, etc., A. R. JOHNSTON. St Martins. PS.—I may deal with the other points later on.