Description

Extended Data

index

219.0

para

- I daresay that Senator Colebatch would have liked the Federal Capital to be established at Kalgoorlie. The Federal Capital, situated as it is on a fertile plateau, 2,000 feet above sea level, and surrounded by mountains which are snowclad in winter, must appeal to every Australian. Its summer climate must be appreciated by every one who has experienced the warmer climate of Queensland and the western part of New South Wales. Canberra, with its gardens, trees, and shrubs, presents a magnificent sight, and many tourists come here to view its beauties. I daresay that it will soon become the wish of every Australian to make a pilgrimage to Canberra so that, in after years, he may say that he has visited the Federal Capital, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The climate of Canberra is in direct contrast to that of Queensland. In Canberra the winter is cold but bracing, but in Queensland it is mild and delightful. There we have the finest surfing beaches in the world. From Noosa Heads to Southport and Coolangatta stretches an unbroken line of surfing beaches and on them surf bathing is enjoyed throughout the year. As the poet says - The months for surfing, be good to remember, Are November to May, and May to November. One can journey in two hours from these surfing beaches to the mountain ranges of Queensland which are covered with dense native jungle. It is the finest bush in Australia. There are forests of great trees such as hoop and bunya pines, kauri, red and white cedars, and others which are used for furniture. Every Australian should visit this wonderful area which abounds with orchids, palms, ferns, flowering creepers, and gorgeous wild flowers. The best time to visit the native bush is in the spring. Queensland is a delightful change from Canberra. Its mountains are portion of the great dividing range in Australia, and its arboreal beauties are surpassed only in the Amazon Valley in Brazil. The best time to visit and enjoy this wonderland of Queensland is in the late winter or early spring when the oranges and mandarins have ripened and' the sugar crop is being harvested and not, as Senator Colebatch says, -during the crushing period. In the words of the poet - When the sugar is milling In cool crushing days ; When the sunshine in soft rays is spilling O'er broad Burnett ways; And the citrus are fruiting Full sweet to their cores, And the fish schools are there for the looting By Wide Bay's long shores.