ODD — a friend in Australia writes to me propos the elections
there—how the people admire Mr. Menzies, and indeed are quite proud of his international reputation, but don't reallY like him—perhaps because he is a shade too clever for them. Mr. Evatt arouses much more distinct passions; he is either loved or loathed. The split in the Labour Party between the Roman Catholics and the orthodox Left has made it much easier for Mr. Menzies, but it will be very far from a vote of confidence in him if he wins—even if he 'wins easily. My correspondent confesses, however' that he has found the election relatively uninter• esting compared to an a-political phenomenon he had not previously encountered on his visit there. the 'New Australians' who, he thinks, are provid' ing a remarkable leaven in this rough (rather than tough) community. The 'old' Australia could pr°' duce singers; but it has taken the immigrants' from Hungary and other European countries 35 well as from Britain—to make it possible for, saY' Melbourne to have,an opera season in which new and old fuse to provide cast, orchestra, designers and so on, and present performances of a reallY, high standard for a city' of its size. pi-1AR°'
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