BATHS FOR ESKIMOS

Taranaki Daily News, 21 December 1935, Page 12

BATHS FOR ESKIMOS

DEVELOPMENT OF FAR NORTH. PICTURE PAINTED BY RUSSIAN.Baths for Eskimos in the Soviet Arctic, modern houses to replace igloos, and mechanised bakeries are basic needs if fur-trading posts are to be developed, said Professor Otto Schmidt, chief of the Great Northern Sea Route Administration, on his return to .Leningrad by aeroplane and icebreaker from an inspection trip over a network of polar stations, reports the Moscow correspondent of the New York Times. Tall dark masts of radio stations dotting the vast eternal icefield of the Soviet Arctic and aeroplanes wheeling above white bears—this is the picture painted by Professor Schmidt., He said the “delivery of freight to the remotest settlements was cheaper by aeroplane than by reindeer.” • , Although the potentialities of the north . have been rapidly developed under the Soviet Government through exploration, the establishment of scientific stations and the conquering of a northern sea route, only by introducing modern transport; expanding agriculture, creating decent living condi-; tions, and strengthening cultural work will the nomadic northerners adopt sedentary life ways, Professor Schmidt asserted. “It is impossible to convince them of the advantages of ‘settling down at; fur-trading posts so long as there are no bathhouses and no adequate housing,” he said. “Next year such measures will be carried out at 'all points, and mechanised . bakeries will be organised at every trading post.” Geological expeditions to the Far North, where mineral deposits are believed to be extensive, will be increased on the sea route at the chief’s recommendation, and a chain of experi-. mental agricultural stations will be operated for growing frost-resistant crops. Already tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce flourish under glass in the Khibina experiment station beyond the the Polar Circle, and varieties of potatoes and cabbage have been developed that mature outdoors in the short polar summer. “On my trip I met a number of splendid people who know the North and are devoted to it,” Professor Schmidt recounted. “It is possible to find cultured homes, schools, nurseries, and hospitals among the various nationalities, and there are some good shops.” ' ; < Reminding one of the American pioneering in Alaska, he said: “It is regrettable, however, that not only enthusiasts flock to the North, but sometimes adventurous elements, ambitious to get rich quick. They cause much harm and must be eliminated promptly and firmly.” Strengthening. of political guidance and great care in the appointment of Communist Party organisers at trading posts were urged by Professor Schmidt, who concluded by saying: “One of the worst impressions I had was in regard to the lack of suitable housing. The people are often forced to live in crowded, unsanitary conditions. We must show as much devotion to these people as they have shown in conquering the Arctic.”