A Librarian Sees The World

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 46, 25 February 1936, Page 5

A Librarian Sees The World

DR, SCHOLEFIELD NARRATES FURTHER EXPERIENCES

Dr. Guy H. Scholefield well known as chief Parliamentary librarian, as radio lecturer, and in other capacities was in Palmerston North yesterday and addressed the Rotary Club on some phases of his last year’s tour abroad, providing a half-hour of great interest for his auditors.

He spoke first of South Africa, which he visited to explore its libraries and archives, which were the most important in the British Empire outside of Great Britain itself. “I was fortunate not only in my library experiences, but in contacting with a strong representation of the Dutch element/ ’ said Dr. Scholefleld, who described his happy relations with Dennis Reitz, author of books on the Boer War and a great publicist. He was as fine a Britisher as could be met with to-day, yet boasted of never having taken the oath of allegiance. In numbers the Dutch had practically reconquered the country, yet they themselves were as adamant as any that the civilisation of the country must be English. At present they were well content with their position in the British Empire. Europe in May.

Europe last May, basking in the approach of summer, had a general air of prosperity, this extending even to Spain, which was an infertile land. Poverty was well hidden, but was more or less real for being less apparent. Rebellions and elections were chronic in Spain, the country was in perpetual turmoil. Barcelona, the chief city of the progressive Catalonians, was a modem centre, and had doubled in size in the last ten years. The Catalonians were more efficient and irked at Spanish rule, but their striving for independence was fruitless. The Spanish however, were a much more likeable folk. The two main problems in Spain were those of the Church and the land. The Church was as active as ever, for te republic had found the priesthood indispensable as an educative body for the masses of the people, and so, although reluctantly, it had largely reinstated the church, which was to-day the great institution which historically it had been for a long time past. It was influential among men as well as women. Though ill-kept on account of poverty, the churches and cathedrals of Spain were as fine as any in the world. France was not now a pleasant place to go to. Economic difficulties were accumulating snowball fashion, and tourists had become so rare that they were seized upon more eagerly than ever.

Germany in the last few years, even since the Nazi access to power, had been the favourite resort of Britishers, who found among the Teutons a wonderful hospitality and an affinity that they did not share with some of the Latins. The libraries and archives of Germany were splendid beyond belief. In Munich, the Nazi headquarters, one encountered many of the young devotees of the Tegime. They were serious, studious-minded young men, and tho epitome of courtesy to one who refrained from dabbling in the politics of a hospitable country. Even many who did not approve of. Hitler were quite content with his regime so long as they were left alone to enjoy their own way of life. They were afforded a security that had been lacking for many years. German agriculture was an inspiration of orderliness, affording a contrast to the untidy lands of Denmark, whose people had been severely hit for many years. Great Britain appeared on the verge of a new era of prosperity, provided she received a peaceful period. Great assurance was being derived from the rearmament policy, as tho defences had fallen perilously low during Britain’s fine gesture of disarmament. Her world prestige at present was very high. Aloof Prom Europe. In America the same question of the balance of world power was enjoying tho interest of the nation, which was very determined to keep out of all embroilments. There was a strong objection to any entanglement in European affairs, this despite a splendid attitude at present of friendship to Britain and the whole Empire, as well as to France. The attitude was a thoroughly understandable one in view of the European devotion at present to rash armament expenditure, one nation pitted against another. The comparison of Europe with Asia, against the background of their relative situations a century ago, was not an inspiring

one. , As for America’s internal politics, said the speaker, he would be surprised if Roosevelt were not returned. In the States there was considerable apprehension of Communistic influences, but this fear, despite certain propoganda activities, was difficult to understand. Tho suppression of crime in the States had been weakened because the apprehension of criminals was only partly in the hands of the Federal authorities, and many warrants did not extend beyond State borders. The “G Men” however, now had Federal authority, and it was hoped they would build up a force comparable to the North West mounted police. Thanks were voiced by Rotarian G. G. Priest, who paid a tribute to Dr. Scholefield’s eminent services to the country.