Most English Folk Have Appalling Idea Of Conditions In N.Z.

Wanganui Chronicle, 24 October 1950, Page 4

Most English Folk Have Appalling Idea Of Conditions In N.Z.

WELLINGTON, Yesterday, (PA).The criticism of New Zealand made in the London newspaper “The People” by an English journalist, Mr Arthur Helliwell, who said the Dorninion was a third rate country with third rate standards, was replied to by the Rev. C. B. Sherriff and his wife, who returned after two years in Britain by the Wanganella from Sydney today. Mrs Sherriff said most English people had an “appalling” idea of New Zealand. Quite a few well educated people asked absurd questions such as, “Is there electric light in New Zealand?” and “Are the Maoris still savage?” she said. Mrs Sherriff thought New and less dowdy than their English counterparts, “that is unless the New Zealand standard has become considerably lower during the past two years,’ she said. Apart from visitors to England, particularly French, she saw few well dressed women. Mr Sherriff, who has been studying at the New College, Edinburgh University, said that the New Zealanders knew how well off they were. On s 6900-mile motoiing tour through the Continent, both he and Mrs Sherriff saw many pitiful sights. In Rome he saw a family living in a cave, and the poverty in both Italy and Germany was appalling. Mr Sherriff wilt take up the position of assistant director of youth work in New Zealand for the Presbyterian Church. He will probably be stationed in either Auckland or Wellington.