THE FREE STATE.

Waikato Times, Volume 108, Issue 18166, 3 November 1930, Page 13

THE FREE STATE.

ECONOMIC POSSIBILITIES. SIR J. PARR IMPRESSED. Sir James Parr, who, in company with Mr S. G. Raymond, K.C., has just I returned from a few weeks’ motor ' tour of Ireland (says a London paper) was greatly struck by the economic possibilities of the Free State. He said:— “ Ireland has some of the finest pastures I have yet seen. The country seems made for dairying and growing beef. It has a fertile soil and a wonderful rainfall, which gives the verdure a peculiar emerald greenness more striking than anywhere else. The Irish are taking up dairying for the English market most seriously. Their farmers are co-operating.with the help of the Government, which is very keen and capable. When we remember that they have had about three different wars in the country In the last fifteen years their recovery is most striking. They are only three or four hours from. England, and their produce is sent In fresh, whereas New Zealand foodstuffs have to be carried for several weeks through the tropics and overseas. The Irish thus have great natural advantages, and the New Zealand farmer ‘Should know that in a few years Ireland threatens to be his most formidable competitor." Keen About Empire Trade. “ i found the Irish farmer associations very keen about Empire trade. Every Irish farmer recognises that if he can get England to tax foreign foodstuffs, as the Beaverbrook programme proposes, it will be the making of Ireland. In this respect New Zealand and Ireland are in the same boat and should make common cause against the Danes, the Dutch and the Argentinians. No other Dominion has more to gain than Ireland by the adoption of our Empire Free Trade campaign. Splendid beef is grown in Ireland. There is no reason, with proper organisation, why Ireland should not aim at being the principal beef supplier of England instead of the Argentine. Liverpool, which is the port of England’s immense industrial district, is only a few hours away from Irish ports.” Most Beautiful Soenery.

“As for the scenery of Ireland, I think it is the most beautiful in Europe. Places like Tom Moore's "Vale of Avoca,” the “ Meeting of the Waters, Glengarrif, the Lakes of the Connemara Coast cai*i.ot be beaten. The one drawback Is that it is sometimes a little wet, Ireland having a heavy rainfall, owing to the influences of the Gulf Stream on the southern coast. But I have no hesitation in recommending my New Zealand friends, if they want to enjoy the most mellow, quiet rural beauty and also wonderful rugged coast scenery, o spend a fortnight motoring in Ireland where the main roads are excellent and the people are very courteous to New Zealanders.”