“INDEPENDENT AND HEALTHY OUTLOOK.”

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18684, 13 February 1929, Page 9

“INDEPENDENT AND HEALTHY OUTLOOK.”

AMERICAN VISITOR LIKES NEW ZEALAND

Mr Samuel Broers, vice-president of the Firestone Tyre and Rubber Export Company, Akron, Ohio (U.S.A.) is on a visit to Christchurch, having motored through from Blenheim. Although he has been but a .short time in New Zealand, Mr Broers says that in the first few days he knew he was going to like it.

“ I like your people," he says. “ I had been told that New Zealand is even more English than England. As a matter of fact, you appear to be developing a new type, with all the soundness of the Britisher, but more progressive. You appear to have

much in common with the native-born American out in the west, a sturdy independence, and a healthy outlook. The New Zealander appears to be a good judge of quality,, and buys in the market best calculated to supply his needs effectively. I like Christchurch. As we drove in last night I remarked on the beauty of the suburbs, the pretty and well-kept homes, and the cleanness everywhere.” Mr BroerS met Mr P. R. Dix, of Blenheim, during Mr Dix’s recent visit to America as representative of the Aero Clubs at the big Aeronautical Conference at Washington, and during last week-end he visited Mr Dix and enjoyed some excellent fishing in the sounds. Blenheim reminded him of some of the growing towns in America. His company, he said, had recently opened a big tyre manufacturing works in England, employing 1000 British workmen, and staffed entirely by British people. Touching on world politics, he said it seemed to him unthinkable that there could ever be war between Britain and America, for the relations were almost brotherly. Politicians, he added, sometimes endeavoured to make it appear otherwise, and there were many people who didn't know very much about any country but their own and consequently had none too broad an outlook. But commercial enterprise and frequent interchange of visits by trade representatives and statesmen alike all tended to develop a mutual respect and esteem, which must continue to grow. Mr Broers intends visiting Dunedin this week, and will later tour the North Island.