ACROSS THE TASMAN

Waikato Times, Volume 116, Issue 19450, 14 December 1934, Page 6

ACROSS THE TASMAN

GOLDMINING REVIVAL. AN OPTIMISTIC PEOPLE, CONDITIONS IN AUSTRALIA. HAMILTONIAN'S IMPRESSIONS. A cheerful and optimistic outlook among the people, widespread development, and revival In the goldmining Industry, and the growth of large-scale building Ih the cities, are some of the main Impressions of conditions In ® Australia gained by Mr R. B. Cranwell, of Hamilton, who returned on Monday from several weeks' holiday In the CommonWealth,

“I think the goldmining industry will be the salvation of the country," said Mr Cranwell, who is especially ivterested in goldmining and visited much of the gold-bearing country in Western Australia. He said there was great activity in Kalgoorlie and in the hinterlands north .of that centre. Australia had enormous and assured resources of gold, and to-day It was a commodity which was in great demand. With the price of the precious metal doubled and the methods of treatment improved about.so per oent. the outlook for the mining centres was distinctly bright, When treating refractory ores In the old days it was necessary to roast the entire output, and firewood had to be transported 40 or 50 miles for the purpose. To-day, with modern 011-flolatlon treatment the 'concentrates were more readily separated, and only a small percentage of the output was roasted, with a resultant great saving in costs. At one mine, 130 miles north of Kalgoorlie, the cost of treatment with suction gas was only .7d per kilowatt hour.; Mr Cranwell pointed out that as water was scarce all the electric power in Kalgoorlie was generated with wood fuel and Diesel engines.

Referring to dairying conditions In New South Wales and Victoria* he expressed the opinion that generally the pastures were Inferior to those in New Zealand,

although while he was there there had oeen much' rain, with the result that they were looking at their, best. It was exceptional to see a farm in Australia treated adequately by harrowing and top-dressing, even in areas where there was a good ratfall.

Orr the Wheat Lands.

On the wheat bells of South Australia horses were used more than tractors. The procedure followed In a block of, say, 2000 a'cres was to grow wheat on 1000 acres, using the remaining 1000 acres for. stock. Dlso scarifiers, were then run over the latter area to conserve the moisture In readiness for next year's crops. Thus each area was sown alternately In crops. Windmills were employed in many districts for generating electric power, Mr Cranwell said the scenery in the farming lands was less varied than In New , Z'edland. Eucalyptus trees abounded everyliere, and there was a marked absence of hedges and shelter belts. Excepting the palatial homes of the large station holders, the average farm was not so comfortable or so well equipped as those in this country. Commenting on life in the cities, Mr Cranwell 'mentioned that the people seemed to be full of enthusiasm and cheerfulness, and building in Sydney, and to a lesser extent Melbourne, was proceeding apace. Large blocks of Hats indicated a swing-over to this class' of accommodation by urban dwellers. There was little traffic problem in New Zealand compared with Sydney. At night it was sometimes impossible to park.a car within half a mile of a theatre. As the streets were narrow and the publio squares inadequate for .parking the commercial parking stations did a rqaring business.

“I should think It takes more ,than twloe as much money to live In the cities In Australia as It does here," Mr Oranwell remarked. ,

"While In Melbourne and Sydney I inspected several large factories which are really models of efficiency. All the local Industries seem to be well organised and operating under the most up-to-date methods. One shoe factory iii Melbourne employs 700 hands and is engaged in the exclusive manufacture of women’s shoes. They make 1500 pairs a day and hold 16i per cent, of the Australian business." When travelling long distances In Australia one was struck with the disadvantages of the changing gauges on the railways,/which meant frequent changes Into different trains. During cold spells one longed for the steam-heated-New Zealand carriages. Speaking -generally, Mr Crariwell did not think tile New Zealand railways had much to learn from those across the Tasman.

The magnificence of the decorations and lighting effects for the Melbourne Centenary celebrations impressed all New Zealand visitors, who were greatly struck with the multiplicity of new ideas In flood-lighting and electric illumination. Venetian polos, highly decorated, throughout the main streets, were also very attractive.

The Melbourne Cup,

Mr Gran well saw Hie Melbourne Gup race, and referred to Hie Jisappointment of the immense crowds as a result of the heavy rain which preceded the race. The beautiful grounds at Flemington were converted into a quagmire and the head gardener had staled that it would require £’3ooo Ld put them in order again. The unusual spectacle of ttie public stand opposite the winning post and the new members’ stand about a furlong away down the straight was seen at Flemington. It had been found impossible to move Hie winning post to opposite the new members’ stand without altering the course substantially. "Races are started •much more promptly than is the case in this country," added Mr Gramvell. "There are two mounted officials with whips behind the horses, who assure a good •start. I also noticed that the names of horses are placed over the stalls." Loyalty to Throne. Mr Cranweli said the people of Australia appeared to be exceptionally loyal to the British Throne, as was evidenced during the Duke’s visit and whenever the National Anthem was played. All New Zealand tourists had been made to feel thoroughly at homo and favoured with the greatest hospitality