DANISH VISITORS

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 82, 31 December 1928, Page 6

DANISH VISITORS

PARTY FROM THE DANA SHORT STAY AT PALMERSTON Palmerston North, December 29 Professor Johannes Schmidt, leader of the scientific expedition on the Danish Government ship Dana, at present at Auckland, arrived here to-night to spend several days in the Manawatu. During his stay he will visit dairy factories and flaxmills, besides seeing as many of the Danish community in the surrounding district as possible, and showing a special scenic film of Denmark. Others in the party are Mrs. Schmidt, Dr. N. C. Andersen (ship’s surgeon and chief biologist), Mr. A. Mou (wireless operator and hygrographer), and Mr. D. Ardell, a Government official, who is conducting the party. In conversation with a “Dominion” reporter at their hotel, the visitors were high in their praise of New Zealand, both in its scenic attractions and in its hospitality. Professor Schmidt has now’ been In New Zealand about a fortnight, the bulk of that time having been spent in the north. The party came direct from the Waitomo Caves to-day. The caves he described as wonderful, and said that the Manawatu in many ways resembled Denmark. Quoting well-known Danish names, he said it made him feel at home to be among a people who extended every kindness. “I have travelled round the world, and I have seen several countries,” said Dr. Andersen, “but never before, never in any place, have I seen so much beauty, so many wonderful scenes in a small space. It is simply wonderful.”

“What did you think of the Waitomo Caves and the glow-worms?” he was asked.

“The finest thing that I have ever seen in all my life.” wqs the answer, his quick hands adding expression to his w’ords. “It lifts you up, it takes you away from this modern world with all Its motor-cars and trains. It lifts you above yourself.” All the visitors were very pleased indeed with the way they had been met by the people of New Zealand. “It makes you feel at home, it is not as if we are strangers,” said Dr. Andersen.' “The people are very good to us,” he said, “and the Government has been very kind.” He expressed great appreciation of the services of Mr. Ardell in conducting the party, and of the treatment from the Government on all sides.

Great interest has been taken by the party in the “forest,” as the members term the fauna. Ferns especially have attracted attention, Professor Schmidt more than once expressing the opinion that the punga fern is a distinct indication tha New Zealand was once a tropical country. Acing under instructions from the Danish Government, the professor will personally supervise the screening of a film of Denmark, its history, progress, and scenic attractions, to show those Danes who have been so long absent what their country is doing, and it also provides instruction for those who know comparatively little of that country. It has been screened nt Auckland, and will also be shown at Wellington. Those at the Palmerston North station to meet the Professor and his party included the Mayor (Mr. A. J. Graham), who extended him a welcome on behalf of the people of Palmerston North, Mr. C. E. Dahl, Danish Consul at Palmerston North, and a good number of Danish people of the district

While at Palmerston North, Professor Schmidt will visit a large number of places in order to come in contact with the Danish community, going as far as Norsewood. At Te Kuiti the party was met by the Mayor (Mr. W. J. Broadfoot, M.P.), who entertained them at morning tea. There they joined the faylight Limited, arriving at Palmerston North at 8..30 p.m. on Saturday. Dr. Andersen and Mr. Mou will return on Monday night’s train to join the Dana at Auckland on Tuesday morning. Professor Schmidt will join the ship later. The Dana will leave port on Wednesday morning, and at the special invitation of Mr. Hefford, Chief Inspector of Fisheries, the Dana will spend several days in the Haurakl Gulf, later continuing her work down the East Coast. She is expected to arrive at Wellington in about ten days’ time.