AMERICA OF TO-DAY.

Wanganui Chronicle, Issue 12856, 12 December 1912, Page 2

AMERICA OF TO-DAY.

. <$. - FROM A NEW ZEA'LANDER'S STANDPOINT.

By L. E. BASSETT

Among the travellers of the -world New Zealanders wander far and wide, the greater number of them, whether seeking experience, education, or pleasure, intending sooner or later to once again return to New Zealand shores. As one of such, haying for a time again settled in the quiet surroundings of one's native land, I will endeavour to meet the request of the many by giving some information and facts that may prove of .interest to those who have not yet ventured over-sea. Nineteen hundred and twelve' found one in many lands—Australia, Ceylon, Africa, Spain, France, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Belgium, British Isles, Canada, United States and other places, so that much could be written in giving even

a brief account of the many interesting points. I shall, however, confine my account to that of a country always of great interest to .New Zealanders,

and leave the more beaten track of British and Continental tours. As a delegate to the greatest international commercial congress ever held, one "was provided with .an opportunity of a lifetime in seeing the united States industries, her people, and prospects, and of gaining an insight into such, as few New Zealanders have a chance-or doing. It is therefore my intention to deal only with facts and' information regarding the United States and her many cities visited by the delegation. This great country o*f over 3,000,000 square miles, with a population of some ninety-four million people, presents a development little short of the marvellous. Each year adds over a million and a half people to her energetic millions. She is the smelting-pot of the world, people from all countries merging into her great nation. Hero is a country of. great industrial development. Brains, energy, and dollars are building up huge industries that are catering for the requirements of tho world America has great natural wealth, but one of her greatest assets is to 'be found in the calibre of her business men. Keen, intellectual, energetic, with a personality that counts, the business man is one of vision and objective. The great leaders of industry have looked beyond the dollar cost in industrial equipment, in the recognition of the action ,of environment upon tho individual's work. This has

meant much to "the employee, and touches a vital point in the advancement of modern industry. Extensive parks of thousands of acres adorn their cities, free playing grounds and sports grounds are numerous, the needs and comfort of employeies are ibeing catered for to a decree that surprises the visitor. American infant industry of the past was nurtured within the walls of high protective, tariff; but the demands of developed industry nave set in, and the growing feeling is in the direction of lowering the tariff walls with a view of greater national interchange of commerce. It was amove in the riarht direction when New Zealand decided to be represented at the great Interna* uional Coommerciai Congress,' as, th© benefits were mutual, and of great interest to our growing Dominion, while the delegates were ever ibusy meeting the demand for information regarding New Zealand. . .■■ The fine city of Boston Was the Congress centre. This'metropolis, of 1J ' million people is the principal seaport of the northern territory. The population is an interesting" intermixture, Enerlish, Irish, Italians, Jews, Greeks; Chinese, and representatives off many ether nations, are to be found here a<s citizens. iSome fifty thousand immigrants enter this area annually. Boston is indeed wealthy, one twentieth of the entire savings of the United States are in her banks. General council government has been found wasteful, so the number was considerably ' reduced in 1909, the representative body now being nine councilmen elected for three years, and the Mayor elected for lour years, with a provision for a recall i when desired at the end of the first two" y«ars, his Salary being £2,000 a year. j The city's elevated railway system is considered one of America's best,, the fare for any distance being 5 cents, but it is doubtful if any further elevated ; tracks will <b© built, on account of strong .public opinion against the noise and unsightliness. As in most of the great cities modern traffic development seems to trend in the direction of underground systems. Boston's scheme when completed in T914 will have cost the city twenty-five million pounds. The city and State roads are of the best, being kept up by a paid Commission consisting of a trained road builder, a lawyer, and a geologist. American people recognise fully the great importance of good^roads ni mooting the demand of health and transport, and attracting visitors and permanent residents. Owl ing to the great invasion of motor-cars ' all towns vaul cities are having to face ' the necessity of modern roads. Already our New Zealand towns have an indication of the position that will soon need prompt attention. Every year will, show a large increase in motor-car and mot- ' or-waggon traffic, due to decrease in , cost of the motors and the immense production that is in process in th"s class of vehicle. This will soon neees- I sitate tho altered road conditions. The ' public health alono will demand that ; the streets be kept in .a sanitary condition, and not remain powdered with a dust of filth and disease, 'blowing into the nostrils of the people and infesting the clothes and homes with disease. Wo have yet much, to learn of the true relation of good_ modern sanitary roads to a town or city and its people. 1 Boston's anMiicil production of raann- i factured goods is about a hundred mil- ■ lion pounds' worth, one third of a million people being engaged in the i industries. Among the leading indus- i tries may bo mentioned the United ! Shoo Machinery Company (5,000 em- ' ployee.s), tho Waltham Watch Com- I •pany, tho New England Confectionery ' Company (the largest candy company iii the world). It 5s this city that is con- ; sidered tho educational centre of Amer- ' ica. Harvard College and seven others of high rank having over 10,000 students. The most prominet college for ■ women is Wellesley CoTiege, "having an ! administration staff consisting entirely j of women and catering for 1500 students. .Boston is fully American as a sports loving city. Its people appreciate "to tho full extent the open air, and are afforded by those in nowor every opportunity to do so. The great metropolitan park system here alone covers some 12,000 acres, being splendidly served with modern well kept roads and walks. A New Zealander soon becomes impressed -vvitli tho necessity of conserving largo public grounds and park areas capable of catering for present and tho future greater needs. To the American a mean public park system is deemed suicidal, not only as lacking ill publio health and happiness return, but as discountenancing the attractiveness of a city in the eyes of ths much valued tourist or visitor. United States history is closely linked to this locality. Plymouth, the landing spot of the Pilgrim Fathers of 1620, is but a few miles distant. It was here that in 1773 tho "Boston Tea Party,'' a party of men disguised as American Indians, boarded the ships, and as a protest against taxation, threw the tea i

cargoes into the water. The battlefields of Lexington, Bunkers Hill, the opening scenes of the Revolution, are now part of this interesting area. Travelling in our larishlr eauinned

free trains provided for our party, wo loft Boston for our three weeks' tour of American cities and industries. Parlour cars, library cars, buifet and res■Ktixixm cars, observation cars, sleeping cars, all beautifully fitted for our needs, were provided for us, while every kindness and service was bestowed upon us. Here we put in- the many days of train life. One great happy family, .hundreds of delegates from 46 countries of the earth intermingling, chatting, forming friendships that will never be forgotten, and providing an intercourse of the members of the many nations, that must fend towards a better international knowledge and friendliness. But wait-*already the Mayor and prominent officials of our next city of call arc aboard our train, having travelled some miles up the line to meet us. Soon our train ivill Be easing up as we reach the city of Worcester. (Where my next account will begin.)