Home & Country Newsletters (Stoney Creek, ON), Overseas Tour Issue, p. 4

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(Continued from page 3) discovery and treatment of these relics of the Viking Age. The pages of history had become vitally alive to the Canadians. They will long remember the thrill of this experience. Canadian Minister in Norway Entertained Mr. E. J. Garland, Canadian Min- ister to Norway, and Mrs. Garland, formerly of Alberta, entertained at a delightful hufl'et luncheon where the Canadians met with executive mem- bers of the "Norges Husmorforbund”. Mrs. Garland had prepared much of this delectable food herself in order to give “a touch of Canada” to the gathering. Mr. Garland, in his warm and friendly welcome to the group told how the futures of Canada an Norway are closely bound together and expressed appreciation that the l'OUnlry women of the two countries had made this efl'ort to get to know one another better. He voiced the hope that the conference at Co on: hagrn would accomplish something worthwhile and enduring. Orrin City "all 0le City Hall, a beautiful, modern building, was just completed in May, lllbf), in time to celebrate the 900th nnniverflm‘y of the founding of Oslo. This building was started in 1926, but progress was interrupter] when the Germans took over the country. The visit of the Canadian VVornen‘ii lnutitute memlwrn rind the Norges liuiiiiinrf'orliunil markch the first civic rljf'l'fltliln ever to be hl'itl for a group of housewives. Mina Karen l‘i-tersi-n, city councillor, in welroming the group, stressed the importance nl' women taking an active part in govâ€" ernment anuirs. S I' said in part: "We women have quite n sin-rial rm:- pmmilriliiy in prescrvin pi-nce, not only because we oulenum or men, but because in every walk of life we have an opportunity to influence men for good. Especially is the mother‘s role important. Ono single hmni‘ inny rel- ruo a country because of statesmen coming from that borne." Oslo city council is comprised of 84 councillors. 21 of whom are women. lleiiulii'ul murals in the various rooms depicted the hiutory of Oslo and Norway and told in modernintir and symbolic form, tim story of tho founding nmi dovi-ln Im-nt iii' the city. Progress in n rii‘ulurc, tho indurâ€" tries, traiii- iin i'nmnieri'e, and social reform \i‘lm Hhflwll. Occupying a stru- tuglc position in the main recap» tion hall was a mural telling the tragic iitury of Norwny'n place in the second world war. A note of hope was struck in the largest mural. of all Europe. where artist llunrik Seren- sun depicted, in his tin-ini-trwsquarc niiirnl, the theme of continued new life and reform. l'cr Krngh now working at his art in u..- iJnitcii aninns' building at Lake Success, took ten years to complete his master- pii'm wliii'ii row-rs the {our walls and roiling of one rum“ in this iiingniil» cunt Oslo building. His work was in» lerriintvd in 1940 when he became a prisoner of war, but after the war he returned to complete this masterpiece inn excellent example of this famous Norwegian artist's work. The coun- (‘il chamber itself was a work of art. Tho niodernistic, functional furniture, and beautiful colour and design in the hand-woven tapestries and other up pointmcnts were magnificent. Straw tapestry covered till‘ walls. Design motifs in [he soft rose background wch taken from the legend of Harald Hardnde. the patron saint of Oslo. To complete the civic reception in most delightful tea was served with all sorts of Norwegian delicacies in abundance. Included among the guests were several Canadian lrls now rcsl- dent in Oslo as Norwcg an war brides. They were high in their raise of Norway and have been ma e to feel very much at home in their land of ado tion. T e final event and highlight of the (lay was a festive banquet where the Canadians met some 300 members of HOME AND COUNTRY 4. % the Norges Husmorforbund, all dressâ€" ed in native costume. For four hours this delightful dinner lasted. Excite- ment ran high and bonds of lasting friendship and understanding were strengthened. Between courses, enter- tainment was provided by Norwegian folk dancers and the Oslo.University Women's Club Choral Society. From happy conversation and viVid explana- tions the Canadians learned much about the culture and customs of Norâ€" way. Through many and varied speeches the Canadians and Norweg- ians exchanged greetings and ideas on Women's Institute work, and gain- ed inapiralion from the fact that through their organizations they'have such a fine opportunity for service. Fru Solveg Aubert, chairman at the banquet, was expressing the feeling of all when she said: “We must woken up the women in our countries to the fact that great opportunities are theirs, but with these opportunities come responsibilities. We as mothers often think when we have done our own work as mothers in the home we have been good mothers. But we must remember we are the mothers of the community and the world. We must create the atmosphere which makes wnr impossible. We must make a plan for our lives and brush aside the insignificant things. We must be con- tinually educating ourselves and our members and developing our person- alities so that we can be more efficient housewives and better, wisl-r women, not only as mothers in the home, but iilso as we take our part in the world of today. “To unread our influence we need innny more Women's Institutes and many more mernhcra. "The war has made it quite clear to us that we all have interests in common. We cannot be isolated. We must share our rcspons' ilities. Na- tionality doesn’t matter. What does matter is that We are "sisters" with a common aim. We thank the Cana- dlans from the bottom of our hearts that they have come to us and have helped us to realize how much alike we are and how close we are to one another." Heartfelt gratitude to Canada {or the hel given during the war was ex- prciis in several speeches. it was a happy. inspired group of Canadians who walked out of the Logan restaurant that ni ht, such clutching a beautiful little orwegian doll, :- gift from the Norwegian Women‘s lnstituto»n souvenir of a memorable occasion. Oslo to Stockholm On Wednesday. September 6, the Canadians caught their first limpse of Swedish {arms as the train sped from Oslo to Stockholm. It is always difficult to compare, but the Ontario delegates were struck with tho simi- larity of Ontario and Swedish scenery â€"rollnv hills, bank hurl-iii, and reel painted‘huildings. it must be admit- tcil, Swedish farmers use more paint than Ontario farmers dol As well as rolling farmland there were also huge expanses of evergreen forests studded with lakes and rushing rivers in which mammoth logs floated along. The count looked prosperous. One could toll it ind not been ravaged by war. Miss Maj Hugo, secretary of the Swudlsh Wonwns institute, and Mr. Snuthmn of the i'anadlan lagatlon. met and welcomed the delegates. Since the week had been very strenuous by special i'l‘ iicst, nothing had been lan- lil‘ll for i of owning. How gin-r the Fireplace Interior of Shaman Museum. Stockholm. Canadians were to be able to snuggle under those famous Scandinswan eiderdowns and catch up with some sleepl In Stockholm Another rainy day greeted Phe qeie‘ gates, but did not dampen their ll:qu as they set out with their Swedish Women's Institute hostesses. I'l'bis day's itinerary included press interâ€" views, a. delightful tour of. Swedish shops, luncheon with executive mem- hers from the Sve'riges Hnfimo‘ief" forcningers Riksferbuud (the Swedish counterpart of the Women’s Insti- tute). an insight into Sweden's cult- ured and historic past'throughl cm“ prehensive and thrilling visit to “Skansen”, Stockbolm's out-door mini- cum, and ii friendly informal reception and afternoon tea at the home of Mr. and Mrs, Southam of the Canadian legation. The traditional and modern were artistically co-mingled in the colour- i'ul Swedish handicraft sho s. Here were to be found the logos y Dal- arns orange and blue horses and other gaily decorated wooden toys and umovnenu, hand-carved wooden San- iss. angels and Christmas decorations beautifully modern wooden salad bowls and utensils. Straw craft in- cludcd straw animals, table decora- tions and straw mats. The fine ex- amples of Swedish weaving, hem~ stitching and embroidery, the intri- rate and colourful design and pattern books, the “Swedish modern" and tra- ditional decorated pottery contrasts, the dolls dressed in authentic Swedish costumes the beautiful form and line scan in the Swedish hand-blown glass and the artistic design of the leather- craft and metal work, not only in- trigued the Canadians, but also gave them a priceless insight into Swedish style in arts and crafts. The Swedish food, Swedish cost- umes and Swedish atmosphere added such gsiety and zest to the lunch- eon party that the rainy, miserable west or outside was completely for- gotten. Warmth and friendliness melted away any langua e barriers and a happy time was ha as Swedes and Canadians compared notes on farming, homemaking and Women's Institute activities. Penis of laughter were heard at times when humorously wrong translations or interpretations were made. Such was the case when one Canadian asked how many child- ren the Swedish lady sittin next to her, hnd~ the Swedisb‘lady t ought for some time, than said, “Five hun- dred”â€"â€"thiuking she had been asked for the number of acres on her farm. Swedish country women, through their organization, contribute much toward social progress. Their main interests are concentrated on nes- iions concerning schools and e ucs- tion. home management and planning, the financial and legal position of the married woman, health and interna- tional affairs. For man years the S w cd i s h governments authorities have referred reports from Expert Committees to the S.H.R. (Sverigcs iiusmodcrsforenin ers Riksforlund) and ask {or its opinion its/era the res- olutions are brought up in the riksdag (parliament). During the last few years the Association has given its View: on several reports, among which were those concerning the new lag-is- lation on family life and domestic work, the rebuilding of the school syl- tcmnsclentific research on quali ra- gnrding domestic appliances, thidd- stufl's. cte., and information to con- sumers. The S.H.iL suesses the need for the homemaker: to acquire more and more knowledge in order that they in become better mothers and better citi- zens. Psychology, home mana ement and health courses are especiu y no - ulur. Both leadership trairiln when?! and local study circles are wl ely used to disseminate knowledge. Interna- tional affairs are studied not only through information from UNESCO. FAO. WHO. ate. but also through is:- dill-IKE “ails sud correspondence with country women in other lands. Aftvr this delightful luncheon party Overseas Tour Issue which provided much food for and. soul, the Canadians, an: wrt their charming, well-inform“ hostessa, tom-ed the world-{sum}s opem museum, "Shaman". Tins enclosure of several acrm. founded by Arthur Hazeli‘ us and first opened in 189;, contains a large consume" of ancient farm houses, town build. hiss. mills. belfms. an 18th centun church, a 17th century manor-hone; and eraftsmen‘s workshops. The glass. blower’s workshop was Danicularlv fascinating. l-‘lere glass-blowers in"; Dalarua and Sinaland produce exquis. ita pieces in the old-fashioned, 182.1 war hop. Several of the Canadians brought back treasured examples of these craftsmen’s art. A hurried “tidy-up", a change int“ dry clothing, and soon the Canadian. were out again, this time to have tezi at the home of'Mr. and Mrs. Soutbam where a cordial Canadian “'ElCOllic awaited them. Here an opportunii. was praVided to meet members of tin. Canadian Embassy, other Canadian in Stockholm, press and radio reprn, sentstives, and more executive menu. hers from the S.H.R. Friendly inter course and delicious food warmed in. women. 'l‘hey'forgot about being tired about the miserable day, and abou‘ their shrunken clothing, as they en. joyed this touch of Canada with opportunity to share experiences wnl. others. _ The rain clouds lifted and so, for some, the day was concluded by an enchanting stroll through the norm winding streets of quaint, medieval Stockholm and late evening dinnw sf: the famous Swedish restaurant, "Katarinahessin". Through modern developments in architectural plan ning this unique Swedish restsuran‘ juts out into space some nine stun. above ground. From here one ma: view with enraptured enjo ent th. bridges. canals and islan s of till "Venice of the North"â€"a delightfu' mixture of old-world grandeur blend ed with new-world invention an; promise. The bright lights, the “S\\'L‘li ish modern" functional mhitecturv and the availability of nommoditie and services, seemed indicative of th. progress and prosperity of this noril» ern kingdom. Folk-dancing at Vackstaniis Agricultural School, Sweden. Rural Sweden Bright sunshine, blue skies, and lleecy. white clouds provided a we]- come change for the full-day tour through rural Sweden as guests of the S.H.R. Many places of interest were noted en route, but a special Vlsll was paid to the beautiful? well re» served old stone church, ’Botkyr a". near Siidertalje, built in 1100 to the Vackstanis Home Economics School on the shore of lake Vallingen- and the WOO-acre farm (1500 of bush and 500 under cultivation) of Mr- Reiuius near I‘vetab . At the Vackstanigrgchool of Rural Economics, girls are tau litâ€"practic- ally as well as theoreti yâ€"plauuiris and organising at the day's work, In a country household, thus traininty them to become cfllu’ent mistresses of farm households. Tbs ten months 91' spacial schoolin includes courses In fpods and nutri on. clothing and tex- tiles Swedish weaving, infant 9nd child care, dairying, poultry raining. aluminum: and home management. For a anjn cut of tho the girls in prepared the typical "will! up lunch“ or Swedish Smargubordâ€" complete with sour milk soup, served With zinger cookies, II a starter, 019“ onion rings. tomato and cucumber

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