TRAVELLING IN SWEDEN

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21976, 28 December 1936, Page 2

TRAVELLING IN SWEDEN

AN HOSPITABLE LAND EMPHASIS ON ART AND BEAUTY A recent trip through Sweden has convinced Miss Dorothy Berggren that it is a country about which too much cannot be known. She spent about two months there visiting relatives and has returned to New Zealand charmed with the people she met and also with the beauty of the country. As ihe country has been free from warfare for the last 100 years the people have been able to grow to their full bodily stature, and much money has been spent on health and on encouraging the love of art. Directly across the mainland of Sweden, between Gothenberg on the North Sea and Stockholm on the Baltic, runs the Gota canal. Along the canal, ply very comfortable boats, which leisurely cross the 240 miles, of which only 56 miles represent artificial canal. The trip takes three days, and during this time as many as 65 locks are entered. The countryside is fertile, with broad meadows and in places unbroken forests. By Lakes Vanern and Vattern, while the steamer is being raised through a group of seven locks, there is time to explore the old-world town of Trollhattan, where the electric current for the whole of South Sweden is generated. The first sight of Stockholm Miss Berggren found most beautiful as it is seen from steamer. In the distance the Royal Palace and the great Town Hall, with its mighty, square bell tower, is seen glittering in the sun. This hall took 12 years to build and cost 18,000,000 kroner. The vaulted Stairway of 100 Counsellors, the Golden Hall whose walls and ceiling are made of small squares of golden glass, and the exquisitely lighted Blue Room, with its floor of marble and walls of uncovered natural brick, are wonderful sights.

The cultivation of art is well seen in Stockholm. At the Thiel Art Gallery, National Museum, and Nordiska Museum it has been the aim of the artists to interpret the scenery and life of their native country. Many of the best paintings are by Anders Zorn in water colours and oils. The Royal Palace is open on certain days when the King is not in residence, and sight-seers have the opportunity, of seeing many of its treasures. In Sweden everything is near a lake, and the city of Stockholm spreads over 13 islands, so that its waterways provide an almost unique city. The business man steps into his boat at his landing in the suburbs and goes directly to the wharf of his office. The theatres are all situated in the centre of the city, surrounded by parks arrd smart restaurants. A few miles from the city is Saltsjobaden, a fashionable resort drawing many thousands of visitors at every season. Travel in Lappland North of the city is Uppsala, where the Vikings brought their gifts and made their sacrifices. The university was founded in 1477, and the library contains many priceless treasures, including a Gothic Bible of the fifth century. Less than 40 hours north of Stockholm by electric train the traveller enters Lappland and approaches Abisko in the Arctic Circle. This is the most northerly electric train in the world, but apart from this the main means of travelling is by reindeerdrawn vehicles. Here are the Lapps, tiny, brightly-clad figures hardly taller than a 12-year-old boy, wearing long, tight, blue trousers with moccasins of reindeer hide bound over the ankles with red and yellow woollen bands. From the reindeer the whole Lapp family derives its food—cheese, milk, flesh—as well as clothing and shoes, material for the tents, and many other utensils. There are free schools for the children, and although the houses seem primitive, it is an intelligent method, as when a Lapp child is introduced into a heated house and fed on a variety of foods he usually contracts pneumonia or tuberculosis. If he survives, the soft living has unfitted him to return to his own people. The Swedish home is an expression of all that is most winning in the Swedish character, and the women are excellent housekeepers, 'said Miss Berggren, Those formalities which attend .eating and drinking, entering and leaving, toasting and responding emphasise the sense of cherished homeliness. The Swedish home is most intimate, and this is reflected in the health and composure they possess. PRE-WEDDING PARTY Miss Irene Mitchell, tvho is to be married early in January, has been entertained by her friends at many parties. On Saturday evening Mrs J. de L. Lorimer was hostess at a .bridge party given at her home in Hawford road, Opawa. The guest of honour was presented with a crystal salad bowl on behalf of all her friends at the party. Among those present were Mesdames B. Mitchell, J. Lorimer, W. Mitchell, G. Mitchell, M. Baggs, K. Cobdcn, J. Johnson, and Misses J. Dunbier, K. Duncan, J. Hounsell, H. Wilson, D. Lorimer, R. Keith. B. Baggs. SHEFFIELD WOMEN’S INSTITUTE Mrs B; S. Morrison presided at the December meeting of the Women’s Institute, held in the Sheffield Hall. Mrs Virtue, of Christchurch, gave an interesting talk on the Passion Play. The roll call was a recipe for a cold tea dish. Mrs W. Baxter gained first, second, and third places in the premier bloom competition. Mrs W. Deans acted as judge. Miss O. Gamble contributed musical items. The hostesses were Mrs M. Merry and Mrs W. McIlraith.