OUT OF THE ASHES.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 February 1923, Page 9

OUT OF THE ASHES.

RISE OF CZECHO-SLOVAKIA. A PROGRESSIVE REPUBLIC. In the fiery crucible of war nations disappeared and new nations arose. Thus from the ashes of what used to be known as Upper Hungary a new country, the republic of Czecho-Slovakia has, phoenix-like, arisen. The presence in New Plymouth during the week-end of Dr. J. V. Danes, professor of the Czech University at Prague and consul-general in Australia of the Czech''-Slavak Republic, has served to stimulate interest in this new country. Dr. Danes attended the science congress which concluded at Wellington last week, and an interview with him brought to light many interesting features in connection with Czecho-Slo-vakia 'Which are perhaps not very well known. FOUNDED ON LIBERTY. With an area of 54,264 square miles, or only half that of New Zealand, the new born republic which dates its birth from October 28, 1918, supports a population of 13,595,806. That is to say, the density of population is about 250 to the square mile, thus ranking Czechoslovakia among the most thickly populated countries in Europe. The short history of the republic already shows that Czecho-Slovakia is destined to play no unimportant part in the affairs of‘ Europe. Founded on the ruins of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the nation was, however, already recognised during the war by the Allies as one of the nations whose lot had been cast in the cause against German and Austrian militarism. The republic is a very active member of the League of Nations, and its policy has been fraught with great results, aiming at the promotion of peaceful development in Europe. The ideals of* democracy, personal liberty and true Christian humanism have over animated the Czecho-Slovakians in their struggle for liberty and it' is these ideals that are drawing them closer and closer to the English-speaking nations of the world. ’ \VELL-EDU~ATED PEOPLE. The intrinsic’ value of education is realised in a very real sense. Indeed i the percentage of illiterates is unusual* Ily low. The system of education is ' widespread, primary, secondary and high j schools, in addition to technical and commercial colleges, being abundant, whilst the needs of higher education have been met by th e establishment cf four universities. There is /small wonder then, that the population of the republic ranks amongst the best educated in Europe.

Prague, with a population of 616,000, is the capital of the republic. The city is known for its ancient character, a groat many historic memories being associate.'. with it, whilst thc Prague University is known all over the world Other principal centr e s are Brno, the capital of Moravia, having a population of 220,000; Opava, capital of Silesia, with a population of 50,000; Brarishva. capital of Slovakia, having a population of 93,900; and the Russinian capital, with a population of 20.000.

Rich in natural resources and with an industrious and thrifty population, it is not surprising to learn that 42 per cent, of the people are engaged in agriculture. forestry and kindred pursuits. Much of the country consists of fertile plains and downs, very intensively cultivated, the hills and mountains being covered by dense, judiciously exploited forests. Industries and trade of various descriptions absorb 34 per cent, of the population, whilst 11 per cent, are occupied in commerce. Most of the remaining 13 per cent, can be divided into Government servants or into professional classes. AN AGRICULTURAL COUNTRY. To Taranakians especially the farming conditions of the republic will De of Interest. As 96 per cent, of the soil is fertile it can readily be seen how favorable agricultural conditions are. Of thia proportion half, the land is arable. Agriculture is conducted on up-to-date methods, but it is hoped even yet to increase the yield of the soil considerably. Cereals are the chief agricultural products and, under normal conditions, the annual, crop may be estimated at 6 million tons. This, however, does not suffice for the home demand and the balance has to be imported, mostly through Dutch and British firms. The bulk of barley, especially Moravian, is used for malt. Potatoes are grown in large quantities, both as food and for industrial purposes, the annual crop being estimated at 8 million tons. Amongst agricultural produce used for industrial purposes, sugar takes precedence, the total annual beet crop being in the vicinity of 7 million tons. Hops, vegetables and viticulture are branches of agriculture which also receive a considerable,. share of attention. Meadows and pastures being plentiful, cattlebreeding has been developed along scientific lines, whilst the breeding of pigs and poultry receives important attention.

INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE. One third of the courttry is covered by forests and woods, so that, after Russia and Sweden, Czecho-Slovakia possesses the largest forests in Europe. Being rich in minerals, mining forms an important part of the nation’s work, the republic occupying the fifth place, among the coal producing countries of Europe and being second only to Great Britain in the production of graphite. Iron ore, silver, gold, uranium and earthenware clay are also mined in Considerable quantities. Industry is highly developed and great natural wealth, combined with a skilful industrial population, enable twothirds of the country's manufactures to be exported to compete successfully in the markets of the , world. The chief industries are those connected with texmetal, agriculture, chemical, glass and paper production. An important part in the devel'-pment of trade and industry has been played by the chambers of commerce, which can look back oji activities spread over several decades. From a scenic point of view Czechoslovakia has its attractions, especially those connected with the mineral springs. Some of the watering places are world-renowned.