TRAVEL CLUB’S GUESTS

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20910, 15 September 1939, Page 3

TRAVEL CLUB’S GUESTS

FROM BRAZIL AND SWEDEN The charm of New Zealand and the similarity of its national ideals to those of their own countries were warmly commented on by Mr M. J. Prip<p, the recently-appointed vice-consul for Sweden, and Madame Olga Coelho, the weil-known Brazilian singer, who is at present delighting New Zealand listeners with her beautiful voice, at a Wellington Travel Club reception recently. Both were among the special guests invited for the occasion, and the remarks they addressed to the gathering were of much interest to everyone. Mr Coelho accompanied his wife, the other guests of honour being Mr J. T. Martin, consul for Sweden, and Mrs Martin, and Mr and Mrs John Aston. Among the many things which Sweden and New Zealand had in common, said Mr Pripp, were those of the spirit. Both shared the same ideas in the democratic forms of government they enjoyed, and a stronger bond than any other was their love for and tradition of freedom. As far as Sweden’s history went back she had been a free country and her people had taken an active part in governing. Her Parliament, next to that of Westminster, was the oldest in the world. “ It is my ambition while in Wellington to do all 1 can to strengthen the already strong bonds of friendship existing 'between the two countries,” said Mr Pripp. Brazil and England “ I am supposed to speak about Brazil, and you will think 1 will speak about the beautiful harbour of Rio de Janeiro or about the coffee or Brazilian nuts, but l will not,” said Madame Coelho. “ I will give you an idea of our friendship with England.” Since the sixteenth century Portugal had been England’s oldest friend she said. This friendship was continued by Brazil, a country which had been founded by the Portuguese. New Zealand people had many points of contact similar to those found in her country, having the same “ happiness of life and being always open to receive good ideas oil t/ie side of right and justice.” •Charming islands # inhabited by charming people, was *the expression used by Mr Coelho in describing the Dominion and its people. Before he came to New Zeahind he thought Brazil the most beautiful country in the world, but now he was not certain that was so. The mountains, lakes, flowers and scenery were bewilderingly beautiful, !>e said." Mr Aston gave some highlights of his recent visit to the United States and Mexico, and displayed literature and photographs of interest at the conclusion of the afternoon