FROM ESTONIA

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, 30 August 1927, Page 3

FROM ESTONIA

LABOUR MAN IN AUCKLAND. INVESTIGATING INDUSTRIAL CONDITIONS. Time was when New Zealand’s industrial legislation was considered the most advanced in the world. New Zealand's social experiments were looked upon with the keenest interest by the na- ' tions of the earth Estonia, a small republic born of the Russian revolution, considers that there still is a great deal to learn from our Dominion. For that reason Mr. Eduard Riisinan, a Labour inspector from the republic of the Baltic, has been spending the last month in New Zealand carefully examining industrial and labour conditions in this country (states the “Sun.”) NO LANGUAGE BAR. Our Arbitration and Conciliation Act, Mr. Riisman confessed in Auckl nd yesterday, is of particular interest to him. Tall, slim, and with that fair hair which betokens his Finnish ancestry, this young expert knew not a word of English before he set out on a world-quest at the direction of the Estonian Labour Minister. Now, he can converse fluently in the language, with occasional recourse, of course, to a well-thumbed English dictionary in his pocket. Already he has wandered around the American continent, visiting factories, investigating conditions, and generally amassing information which will he of service to his country. Mr. Riisman was much interested to find some examples of Estonian pine in an Auckland factory. The timber had arrived in New Zealand by way of Great Britain. There is little or no trade, however, between the Dominion and Estonia. The distance is too great. Nevertheless, these industrious and enterprising northerners sent a cargo of cement all the way to Honolulu a short time ago. During the war, Mr. Riisman served, like the majority of his countrymen, in the Russian Army. He was in Petrograd during the first revolution, and actually took part in the storming of the Winter Palace. GERMAN OCCUPATION. Vivid memories, too, has he of the German occupation of Estonia, when the Huns carried off all the foodstuffs and left the Estonians to fare as best they could. After specialising in economic and social questions at the ancient University of Dorpat, Mr. Riisman entered the Labour Ministry. Hence the reason for his tour abroad. Next week he will leave Auckland for Australia. Rotorua was of special interest to the' visitor. The Maoris, and our settlement of the racial problem as far as this Dopiinion is concerned, have been of much interest to the Estonians.

In order to make himself thoroughly conversant with New Zealand conditions, Mr Riisman is now engaged on a comprehensive study of Maori history.