MR. GILLIGAN SPEAKS TO THE ROTARY CLUB

Wanganui Chronicle, 13 December 1949, Page 6

MR. GILLIGAN SPEAKS TO THE ROTARY CLUB

Further impressions of his overseas visit were given by the headmaster of the Wanganui Collegiate School, Mr. F. W. Gilligan, at the weekly meeting rf the Wanganui Rotary Club yesterday. Mr. Gilligan recently returned to Wanganui from a holiday in England.

Mr. Gilligan said he was very fortunate to travel home with the New Zealand cricketers on the Dominion Monarch. The team visited Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth, and Mr. Gijligan accompanied them to official functions given by various cricket associations. The Dominion Monarch also called at Durban in South Africa, where the team was entertained by the Natal Cricket. Association.

Mr. Gilligan said there was a great atmosphere of unrest in Durban, and the Indian population was very disliked by the native element. He noticed that the Afrikaans were not friendly disposed towards Great Britain, whom he said lived life in a most spacious way. The Indians, who were the thrifty and businesslike type, exploited the natives. The serious racial riots which occurred in Durban were caused by an Indian merchant running over a young native girl. Only prompt action by the European authorities saved the riots from becoming a major disaster. Before leaving the ship at Southampton Mr. Gilligan was asked by the New Zealand cricketers to tell them something about the English weather. Naturally, Mr. Gilligan said the English summer was capricious and much rain could be expected. He also said the visitors could expect snow at Easter. However, the weather let Mr. Gilligan down because glorious summer weather was enjoyed from April 11 to October 17.