FINLAND OF TODAY

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21037, 13 February 1940, Page 7

FINLAND OF TODAY

NO NEED TO BE “FREED” PROGRESS AND INDEPENDENCE VICTIMS OF RUSSIAN ATTACK In view of the charges against Finland made in certain quarters by those who try to defend and justify the Russian aggression, it is now necessary to state the course of events since the signing of the Peace Treaty of 1920. The Finnish Government, free to pursue its own ideals of national freedom and racial independence, has maintained a modern and progressive policy in face of the economic and political unrest which have beset Europe since the end of the Great War of 1914-18. The country is economically sound, and, thanks to wise legislation and a rising export trade in timber, woodpulp, paper, butter and other agricultural produce to many parts of the world, has established good financial reserves. Before the World War, Finland’s import and export trade had mostly been wtfth Russia, but in 1918, when the Russian market disappeared, Finland had to find new markets. Within a comparatively short time she managed to do this, and it is interesting to notice that Great Britain quickly became the most important buyer of Finnish goods, taking 45 per cent of the country’s exports. Purchases From Britain The importance of Finland and of the Northern States of Europe to the overseas trade of Great Britain is not, however, confined to their exports. Last year, these five States, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, brought from Great Britain, goods to the value of £40,000,000, an amount greater than that of any other country in the world, including the United States, Australia and India. There are no great aggregations of wealth, nor indeed is there any real poverty in Finland. Alone of all the countries who owe money to the United States, she has paid interest and part of the principal of her war debt regularly every year. The Finnish foreign debt is now so small that it totals no more than approximately £4 a head of the population, and this is amply covered by the Government’s assets abroad. Parliamentary Government has been consolidated. Eight parties are represented in the Finnish Parliament, which numbers 200 and is elected by universal suffrage. Universal suffrage was introduced in 1906, when women were given the right to vote and were allowed to sit in Parliament. The Press is entirely free, and for her population Finland has more newspapers and periodicals than any other country in the world. United Nation All types of workers are united in Finland. There is no class war in Finland. Agriculture occupies 59.6 per cent of the population, and every man can own his own land if he desires. Only 6.5 per cent of the total land area is owned by corporations or companies, compared with 52.1 per cent privately owned, 39.7 per cent owned by the State and 1.7 per cent by communities. There is an eight-hour day, and holidays with pay for all workers up to a maximum—after ten years’ service—of one month. Child labour under 14 is unknown; only 6 hours’ work a day is permitted between the ages of 14 and 15.

The Finnish worker more often than not owns his own flat, cottage or garden plot. There is no slums problem. Factories and mills are among the most up-to-date in the world. No Unemployment Unemployment has been unknown in Finland for many years. The economic system built up in recent years has brought about such ideal conditions that there is always work for every man. Few countries have so high a standard of education. Among persons over 15 years of age only 0.9 per cent are illiterate. There are three universities in Finland, and an advanced educational system for the poorest child. The Finns are one of the most healthy races in Europe, and the country occupies an important place in the world of athletics. In the cultural field Finland has, during the last 20 years, made very considerable progress. Schools and hospitals have been built everywhere. The present Commander-in-Chief, Field Marshal Baron Mannerheim, has organised a Children’s Welfare Society which now embraces the whole country. The Finnish Red Cross has undertaken many important child welfare missions of an outstanding character. Finland has paid particular attention to raising the standard of life of the population, particularly in the frontier districts adjacent to Russia. There are local hospitals in all parts of the great forest areas, and much has been done to improve the general standard of health. Progress in Culture Finland also is quickly earning a place for herself in European culture. The skill of her artists and architects can be seen in the beautiful new buildings and statuary which have appeared not only in Finland but also in Paris. London and New York during the past few years. Her poets and musicians have gained general recognition. The genius of Sibelius is hailed the world over. It is important, in viewing the events that led to the Russian invasion of Finland, to stress again that there have never been any minority probiems in this country, no oppression or capitalistic dictatorship, no distress or unrest among workers, and no hardship in working conditions. In fact, nothing whatever from which Finnish workers might desire to be “freed.” The workers of Finland are free. Their own representatives are members of the present Finnish Cabinet.