LOOKING AHEAD.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 290, 7 December 1937, Page 5

LOOKING AHEAD.

THRIVING REPUBLIC.

LINKING WITH DOMINION.

AUCKLAND CONSULAR POST.

By the side of the footpath, half way up Swanson Street from Queen Street, one notices casually a national emblem and a consular sign—and passee on. The picturesque grouping of a lion and a griffen, both rampant, around three etarg above a rising sun, mean nothing to the ordinary wayfarer, yet this sign represents the only official link between the Dominion and the distant Republic of Latvia.

Ten years ago, when the Government of Latvia decided to appoint a consul in New Zealand, an Auckland citizen, Mr. Norman Heath, was chosen for the position, and since October 13. 1027, he has been the recognised authority not only of Latvia, but also of the two sister Baltic Republics of Lithuania and Estonia, in caring for the interests oBaltic citizens who have established their homes in this Dominion, Consul's Authority. "Having found it good and expedient, in order to take care of the affaire of Latvian citizens, and for the maintenance of friendly and commercial relations between the Republic of Latvia and the Britieh Empire, to appoint and constitute a Latvian consul at Auckland, I have nominated, appointed and dpletrated—" reads the document issued under the seal and signature q( the Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs, which gives Mr. Heath his consular rtink. He is authorised to discharge the duties of consul and in so doing to act in ncrorrinrice with the laws and regulations affecting the interests of merchants, sailor* and other Latvian citizens in New Zealand. His book of instructions contains 150 pages and he is under the immediate jurisdiction of thft Latvian Miakter in London, i

Immediately the appointment was made the Government of Latvia advised two sister republics, and in term* of an understanding between them that a consul appointed by any one should also be the representative of the other two, Mr. Heath became responsible for the exercise of duties on behalf of the three States.

"Where ie it?" he asked when the suggestion was firet made to him that he should accept office as consul for Latvia. Like most New Zealanders he had only a hazy idea of the position of this small new Baltic republic which emerged after the Great War. Since that time he has learned that Latvia is a most interesting country, and he ie to-day an admirer of the eturdy independence, energy and enterprise of it* 2,000,000 people. Twenty Years' Achievements. Losing 40 per cent of its population in the struggle of 20 years ago, Latvia narrowly reaped extinction, but since its attainment of national rank the Republic has established itself as an element of stability in Kaetern Europe. Internal peace and stable political conditions have permitted the Latvian people to devote all their energies to the great work of reconstruction, to build" up their democratic institutions and resist all Communi«t endeavours from across the border.

In the economic field the achievements of Latvia have been progressive. Agriculture, and especially dairying, the principal occupations of the people, have given Latvia prosperity and security. Prudence in government ha« safeguarded the currency and a policy of moderation in spending has kept the national debt within bounds which make that of New Zealand appear enormoue.

The greatest successes, however, havej been in the fields of culture and education. Modern Latvia has banished illiteracy from its peasant homes, and, through the portals of the University of Riga the youth of the country enter in ever-growing nunrbers to share in the advantages of greater learning.

From a past which is shrouded in mystery, the Latvians have preserved their pride, their sense of nationality, their folklore, national dances and quaint customs which are. perhaps, their most charming characteristics in these go-ahead days. But it is to the future tthak-thiMp— •!-*£* geopla tmJmatA ,

House-building is Brisk. Against the historic and colourful background of a rural life which is centuries old, Latvia is now developing thriving new industries. Although the world depression brought hardship on the country that is being quickly forgotten. To-day there is no unemployment, but a lack of workers in some branches of production. House-building is brisk, the national budget is balanced, and under wise leadership the nation is pursuing a sane economic course. Without the advantages of gold, silver, iron or coal mines, Latvia has nevertheless become prosperous, and the ftackbone of that prosperity ie undoubtedly the cultivation of the soil. "Window of the Baltic." Only a quarter the size of New Zealand, Latvia has a population of 80 to the square mile, compared with 15 in this Dominion, and the majority are on the land. Riga, the capital, which is to most young people merely a name in the old limerick, has been described as the "window of the Baltic." A city founded 700 years ago, it has many quaint, narrow, winding streets leading down to the edge of the river Dvina, and old gabled buildings where merchants lived and had their warehouses away back in medieval days, but the centre of the city has a modern appearance.

Only a β-hort drive from the coast of the tideless Baltic Sea, Riga has the rigorous climate of North Europe, and the Latvians have developed a ruggedness of character and physique which has something akin to that of the Scot. Accustomed to hard work they are thrifty and resourceful. One who arrived in New Zealand 25 years ago with only 12/6 in hie pocket and took up an area of unimproved swamp iand, is to-day the owner of a productive farm and a substantial bank account.

With people of such independence under his care Mr. Heath finds that the duties of Consul do not make heavy demands upon his time. There are 300 Latvians in the Dominion, and because they are law-abiding and industrious the .public fceae StUp^/'tea, __ i