FINNISH LIFE

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29269, 29 July 1960, Page 2

FINNISH LIFE

Description To Travel Club Miss M. Crosbie described Finland as being a ‘‘buffer state” between Russia and the Western world in her talk at a meeting of the Canterbury Travel Club in Christchurch yesterday. “Finland is basically Western in its outlook and in its religion,”' she said. “The people ara fiercely patriotic and independent. “Visitors to Finland are im» pressed by the many fine buildings and wide streets. Also, they note with interest that women actually work on construction jobs—wheeling cement barrows and doing other tasks seldom seen outside Russia.” The formal manners of thg children and young women also impressed Miss Crosbie. “School children always curtsey to their elders,” she said. “I once saw a little girl manage to curtsey beautifully while riding her bicycle.

“Men bow from the waist when they greet an acquaintance or friend and young matrons will curtsey to friends of their parents.” A form of central heating was used in most Finnish homes. This comprised one large central stove made of tiles which was a container for a hot birchwood fire. Even after the wood had burnt down to cinders the heat was retained in the tiles and pipes and warmed the house. Christmas Food

Christmas fare was very different from that found in America or England. There would be a specially-baked ham on the dinner table along, with the traditional rice pudding which usually contained an almond as a favour for one member of the family—a similar, practice to putting 3d pieces I in the plum' puddings in England. “In general the Finnish food is very wholesome,” said Miss Crosbie. Favourite items in their diet sound strange to us—curdled milk and specially prepared raw fish.”

Miss Crosbie was introduced to members by Mrs J. Collins who. officially welcomed thq guests. Mrs C. Shaw proposed the vote of thanks to the speaker and artists.

Miss Marjorie Rowley sang accompanied by Mrs CliftonMogg. Among those present were Mesdames G. Empson, J. Sandie, M. L. Rowley and Miss V. C. Jeffrey (all of Christchurch); Mrs R. Pickard (Southland).