NO WAGES

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 922, 15 March 1930, Page 6

NO WAGES

Smart Hotel Porters in Sweden LAND OF ELECTRICITY “Most New Zealanders have an idea that Swedish people live in a land of

ice and snow. Swedes, on the ether hand, regard New Zealand as two little dots off the coast of Australia. “And,” said Mr. Bertii Palmertz, with a broad and engaging Swedish smile, “that is why I am hopeful that my visit to New Zealand will be of some benefit to both countries.” Mr. Palmertz is a journalist and a rover. While he was attached to the stall' of a Stockholm newspaper three years ago, wanderlust seized him, and he secured leave of absence to tour the world. Now he is moving from country to country writing special articles for his paper and doing what he can to make widely known the charms of his own land. “A sort of reciprocal arrangement,” he explained to a Sun man this morn-

ing in the very good English he polished up while staying with a relative in Australia. Besides being something of an authority on Sweden, Mr. Palmertz knows how many elephants make live. After travelling through Europe, England and to Australia, via Panama, lie .securedja. position as publicity agent for Wirth’s Circus, hence his presence in Auckland.. HIS OWN OPINION Mr. Palmertz has formed his own opinion about New Zealand. “I suppose you will think I am pulling your leg when I tell you that I like ihis country better than any other I have seen. Yet it is true. Maybe because it is so like Sweden. The same fresh greenness, the same summer day.” Like his blond, well-built fellowcountrymen the young Swedish journalist has a very soft spot for his native land. Constantly he is being surprised at the similarity between the two countries. Summer climate very much the same. Cost of living much the same. Standards of wages much the same. So it goes on. But, of course, every country has its own individuality. For example, Mr. Palmertz will tell you that Sweden’s catering for the tourist traffic is a revelation. The lowest-paid Swedish hotel-porters speak three foreign languages —v' renc .j l> German, and English. So does the head-waiter cf even the smallest restaurant. No wages for waiters and porters is the rule in Sweden. One is expected to hand out a tip equal to 10 per cent, of One’s bill. Apropos of hotels: “"When you go out to have a good time in Stockholm, you have it. You don’t care much about money . . .” He will tell you that the modern Swede does everything .electrically, from the cleaning of his house with one of his universal vacuum cleaners to the growing of delicate plants. It is actually cheaper in Sweden. to heat hot-houses by using an electric element buried in the soil than by em : ploying the old-fashioned destructor and steam pipes. POWER IS CHEAP But in Sweden electricity is cheap. The household rate is 2Jd a unit and the industrial rate is far cheaper still. Many big industrial plants generate their own power from the rivers and use the surplus in operating private railways. The Swedish are a peace-loving people, but their army is in excellent trim. The famous Swedish exercises are kept up and the system of compulsory military training is an excellent one. When a man reaches the age of 21 he does one full year’s service in the army, receiving a thorough military training. The following year he goes into camp for three months, and. in the third year, for one month. Then he is drafted into the “reserve,” and his obligations as a soldier cease for IT years. Upon reaching the age of 40 he must again go into military camp for a month—the “Laudstorm,” as it is called —to prove that he is still fit and ready to defend his country. “To my mind that is a much better system that the one in operation in New Zealand,” said Mr. Palmertz, with candour. A DAY OVER EUROPE Airplanes? Yes, Sweden was advancing with the rest of Europe. The air services were many and good. One could breakfast in Stockholm, luncheon in Berlin, eat dinner in Paris or Amsterdam as fancy chose, and nibble supper in Rome or London. Social life? Well, Sweden’s a conservative country that way. Strong and cast-iron class distinctions The workman at £3 10s a week bows down before -the junior clerk, and the junior clerk is humble in the presence of “Managing Director Mr. Sc-and-So.” (He must be given his full title in Sweden.) Russians, therefore, are regarded with suspicion. Passport or no passport, when a Russian appears the police never lose trace of him till either he leaves the country or lands in gaol.

Women? Mr. Palmertz is cautious. He prefers to say nothing about his good friends Mrs. and Miss New Zealand. Nevertheless, he will admit that Swedish women are wonderful housewives. The richest and poorest of them invariably take a domestic science course after leaving school and, possibly, a course in needlework. AU are trained in the art of storing and preserving foods to last out long winters. What, was that? Domestic science courses are available to New Zealand girls? Well, ye-e-es. But not . . . er . . . quite . . . Naturally, being a visitor, Mr. Palmertz hates to hurt anyone's feelings.

SEND A GIFT OF NEW ZEALAND APPLES TO YOUR FRIENDS IN THE OLD COUNTRY Many people in the Dominion are unaware that this is one of the simplest things to dc—no bother or fuss —yet hew appreciated is the thought which accompanies the gift that gives pleasure to those who receive it. To those who have not yet sent Gift Apples, a unique opportunity is available at the present time to send an attractive case cf New Zealand Apples to your rriendr and Relatives which will not only be greatly valued, but also recall pleasant associations of you who live so far away. It is the next best thing to making a trip Home.

Write to the New Zealand Fruitgrowers’ Federation Limited, Box 832, WELLINGTON, the official shipping agents of the New Zealand Fruitexport Control Board, who will on rej quest supply full particulars. A moderate charge covers the cost of i a bushel case (aoprex. 40!b nett) cf the finest grade New Zealand Apples, { delivered carriage paid, to any adi dress in the United Kingdom and | Southern Ireland.