Swedes on study visit

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33777, 25 February 1975, Page 10

Swedes on study visit

The members of a Swedish Rotary exchange group which arrived in Christchurch on Wednesday evening have a working knowledge of New Zealand’s economic and social problems. Between them they know that a final decision has not been made on a South Island container port — and the names of the two main ports seeking it—that Maoris are convicted for more criminal offences per capita than pakehas, and that New Zealand must produce its dairy products at half Sweden’s costs if it is to compete successfully on world markets. The Swedes will spend 42 days in the South Island, learning all they can of the approach to problems they encounter in their own jobs in Sweden. I Mr B. Mantkelow, the group leader, is the head of studies at a comprehensive school. He ■ is the only Rotarian in the party. Mr Mantkelow said that the group would spend as much of its spare time as possible in New Zealand water, which was warmer than anything Sweden could provide, if a quick dip in Australian surf earlier this week were any guide. SHIPPING EXECUTIVE Mr B. Midander, a budget manager for a shipping firm, said that although it was cheaper for a shipping firm to unload at one port instead of two he did not know whether the quantity and composition of New Zealand imports justified two container terminals. Mr S. Holgersson, a dairy! engineer, said that because; New Zealand had to export! such a large proportion of; its dairy production it must ; have perfected cheap methods! of production, and would need to find cheaper ones. Mr E. Alfredson, who describes himself as a critic of the Swedish social system, is the assistant governor of the prison at Mariestad. He is interested in studying crime prevention. He wants to observe family life in New Zealand, day-care facilities—“in Sweden both parents often work before the child is three”—and trends in training offenders. The other members of the group are a fire engineer and a farmer.