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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 3, Issue 7 (November 1, 1928)

A New Dawn

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A New Dawn

Our cover design this month is an arresting study, by Stanley Davis, representing buoyant youth looking forward, cleareyed and assured, into the light and golden haze of a promise-laden future.

What lies ahead of young New Zealand? The sixty leading business men of Auckland City, who, on the 26th October, commenced a nine-days’ tour of the northern province, will not hesitate about the answer. What they saw convinced them, to a man, that a new dawn— brighter than any that has preceded—is now breaking for the Dominion. What these ambassadors of commerce saw of new farming methods and other enterprise in the rural districts visited has produced this unanimous conclusion.

The nine days itinerary called for 1700 miles of travel—1200 by rail and the balance by motor or launch. It covered visits to factories and farms, mines and scenic resorts. The wealth—present and potential—of a great province was laid bare for the inspection of the visitors, while ever at hand was the right man to explain the work going on. The Commerce Train was the home to which all gladly returned from any side-trips, and, while they slept, it carried them nightly into new and distant territory. So perfect were the arrangements for the comfort and entertainment of the travellers that, although the party included men of all ages, even up to seventy-four years, no one dropped out during the whole tour, and all finished up fresh and well and thoroughly toned up from their outing.

The outstanding points impressed upon the Auckland Chamber of Commerce representatives were:-

(1) The great progress made whereever scientific methods of cultivation have been employed.

(2) The firm conviction held by all farmers that top-dressing is of wonderful benefit in adding to the profits from holdings.

(3) The surprising amount of territory lying practically idle through lack of capital to bring it into profitable occupation.

(4) The definite movement towards improvement in herds, reflected in greatly increased output from dairy factories.

(5) The perfection of machinery and methods employed in butter, dried milk and cheese-making factories.

(6) The confidence of the rural population in the earning capacity of their holdings.

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(7) The spirit of enterprise in undertaking new industries, such as that for extracting kauri gum from waste roots.

(8) The vastly improved conditions of life in country districts wherever the benefits of hydro-electricity and the work of Main Highways Boards in building splendid roads through the principal areas have been felt.

(9) The stimulating effect which the new railway lines to Taneatua in the Bay of Plenty and to Kirikopuni and the far north have had on farming and settlement.

(10) The abounding hospitality of the settlers, and the courageous manner in which they are facing their local problems of development, production and transport.

At the Grave of the Unknown Warrior
Westminster Abbey, London

Thou Great Unknown!

Yet not unknown—

I feel an Angel mark'd thee ere thou fell Heroic'lly upon that muddy hell—

('Tis now a flower'd Flanders’ field):

And some day after vesper bells have peal'd, Methinks that Angel thro’ these aisles will steal

Silently, and in silence kneel Beside thee here. And thou shalt rise From out this sepulchre of stone To-fairer skies Of Paradise.

Where thou art known, Thou Great Unknown.

—Samuel Hulme Bridgford.

Young Ne Zealand has every reason to face the future with assurance of material prosperity when so much of accomplishment and preparation can catch the eye of the flying visitor; and in securing that prosperity, as in facilitating the Commerce Tour, the Railways of this country will play no small part.

Successful Tour of Commerce Train

Mr. W. D. Lambie, Deputy British Trade Commissioner, has nothing but the highest praise for the work of the N.Z. Railways in connection with the Commerce Train which toured Auckland province from 26th October to 4th November.

Speaking to a “Dominion” representative, Mr. Lambie stated that the train had been a great success from every point of view, and had been a great tribute to the efficiency of the Railway Department. Throughout there had not been the slightest hitch in the organisation. The service rendered was equal to that obtained in first-class hotels, and every effort had been made to provide for the comfort of the passengers. There was even a daily paper produced by the Railway Publicity Department, giving details regarding the day's programme, economic resources of the districts visited and other valuable information. All portions of the Auckland province were visited from Rotorua, Taneatua, in the east, to Waitomo in the South, and Broadwood in the far north. The tour provided a unique opportunity for studying the economic developments of the regions visited, for members were able to see for themselves what had taken place in afforestation and some of the principal industrial establishments, as among the places visited were Price's engineering works at Thames and the cement works at Whangarei. The party also witnessed the remarkable success which hard work and the lavish use of fertilisers has produced in turning what was apparently the poorest class of land into rich pasturage. They were also able to study developments in the dairy industry, visiting butter, cheese, dried milk and casein factories. In addition they were able to catch a passing glimpse of some of the greatest scenic attractions in the province. An important feature was the promotion of a better understanding between the business men in the cities and the rural dwellers.

The Canadian Trade Commissioner (Mr. C. M. Crofts) and the United States Trade Commissioner (Mr. J. B. Foster) were also members of the party. These overseas representatives found it an excellent opportunity to extend their knowledge of districts which they seldom have the privilege to visit.