CZECHOSLOVAKIA

Hokitika Guardian, 31 August 1929, Page 6

CZECHOSLOVAKIA

A PROGRESSIVE REPUBLIC. “ The Consul-general in Sydney realises that it is in the interests of our republic to trade on a reciprocal basis with New Zealand, but we wish, if possible to avoid competition with the manufacturers of the Dominion,” stated Mr Otto Coufal, Vice-Consul attached to the Czechoslovak Consulategeneral in Sydney, in conversation with an “Otago Daily Times’’ reporter, last week.

Mr Coufal, who is visiting New Zealand with a view to strengthening trade relationships with Czechoslovakia, went on to say that his republic had made remarkable economic progress since it was established in 1918, due principally to the Ifact that l it had enjoyed 11 years of independence and absolute stability, and was to a large extent spared from the evil aftermath of war which was experienced by other ■ European countries. The consolidation of the country was evident from- the stability in its leadership. The President, Mr T. G. Masyryk, had been re-elected three times, so that the republic, through the whole period of its existence, 'had had only one President, and the Mirtister for 'Foreign Affairs, Dr E. Bones, who was one of the best-known statesmen in Europe, had also held office since 1918.

L.nce the war, continued Mr Coufal, Czechoslovakia had inherited from the 'former Austria-flungarian monarchy from 80 to 90 per cent of its industries, so that practically all goods known before the war as “ Austrian ” were now the product of the Czechoslovak republic. Consequently, the Czechoslovakian manufacturers were able to export to New Zealand many lines not manufactured in the Dominion, such as cutglass, china, porcelain, fancy goods, silks, and musical’ instruments, and although the republic had no seaport of its own, it was able to export and import through Hamburg or Trieste, between which ports there was keen competition for its trade. This competition, of course, v r as very advantageous to importers and exporters alike. According to Mr Coufal, Czechoslovakia is now catering largely ifor tourist traffic, and its splendid system of hotels is run on similar, lines to that olf Switzerland. The two famous health resorts, Karlovy Vary and Frantiskovy Lazne (formerly known as Karlsbad and Frnyensbad), are regaining the popularity which they knew before the war, and now attract annually large numbers of guests from all over the northem'hemisphere.

Educationally, said Mr Coufal, the country was maintaining the high standard . for which it had always been famous, and it was significant that-it was the aim of everyone, from the artisan to the man of wealth, to attain the highest possible scholastic honours. This was easily understood when one remembered that the public had given to the world such famous men as John Hus, the great reformer of the middle ages, Comenius, who was sometimes known as “ the teacher of nations, Anton Dvorak and B. Smetana, the composei’s, K. Capek, the famous author, and many others. Mr Coufal, who has been in the diplomatic service of his country: for nine years, has, during the fortnight he has spent in New Zealand, given addresses on the economic development of the. republic, in Wellington and Christchurch, and, under the guidance of . Mr. E. Sheed, of the Department of Industries and Commerce, visited as many of the local manufactories as time permitted.