AN AUSTRIAN VISIT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22878, 5 November 1937, Page 3

AN AUSTRIAN VISIT

IMPRESSIONS OF VIENNA POST-WAR IMPROVEMENTS • LECTURE TO VICTORIA LEAGUE Impressions of Austria gained during her recent visit abroad were described by Miss A. L. Loudon at the last lecture meeting for this year of the Victoria League held yesterday morning. "With a- population of' 0,500,000, over one third of which is centred in Vienna, there is a great disproportion between the city and rural populations, and as a result many economic problems are encountered in Austria," said Miss Loudon. "'Vienna itself has, however, shown many improvements Since the war. Under the socialistic system which arose at that time, health clinics, public baths, schools and a scheme for the elimination of slums have arisen. The tenement houses are built on a system of' sunlight and air, land, are vast improvements on tho slums they are replacing. "I saw no beggars in Vienna," added Miss Loudon. "In fact I saw moro beggars in one London street than in tho whole of tho rest of Eu rope."-

Miss Loudon said tho historic figure that loomed larger in Vienna than any other charactei was Maria Theresa, evidence of whoso high-minded and splendid patriotism was to be found all over tho city. Sho had built libraries, stimulated better agricultural systems, encouraged education and improved tho university, and her name was revered by all tho people. After leaving Vienna, Miss Loudon went to Munich, the capital of Bavaria. Ihe thing that impressed her most in this city was tho fact that 50,000,000 gallons of beer were manufactured annually in Munich, and the population itself consumed over half this amount.

A description of the people of Munich and the city itself, and a brief account of her visit to Berlin, concluded Miss Loudon's address.' The chairman, Mr. Townley Little, introduced the speaker, and the president of the league, Miss J. A. Mowbray, thanked her on behalf of the members.