International Vegetarian Union (IVU) | |
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9th World Vegetarian Congress 1935 Daugaard, Denmark |
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From The Vegetarian News (London), September 1935: INTERNATIONAL VEGETARIAN CONGRESS
Oluf Egerod, a lovable Danish Inspector of Schools, was at his best when "giving," and was never too tired to answer one more question before bed-time. As Treasurer he is more deserving of the adjective "indefatigable" than can be imagined, but he also knows how trust those to whom he allots duties, without worrying himself or them all the time. In other words, he is a born organiser. Jens David Henriksen, a charming young doctor, was obviously Egerod's great support at all hours of the day and night, placating all who complained of anything, with a charm of manner that will ensure his success as a medical man. Thomas Spur, a quiet an cultured Dane who had found the religion which gave him poise and peace of mind, was in great contrast to his co-religionist, Simon Kupcik (pronounced "coop-chick") who clinched his lengthy arguments with quotations from the Bible, and lost no opportunity of holding it up and smacking it vigorously with his open hand. The personality of Hindede, was, of course, a thing to behold. His rugged ways were those of a beautiful enthusiast who has suffered many unjust attacks on his work, but without leaving him bitter or cynical. His powerful voice carried conviction, and his hearers were conscious all the time that they were listening to one who, by the wonderful success of his rationing system long since under War conditions, has made a permanent mark on the history of food reform. Dr. Jean Nussbaum, the only Frenchman at the Congress, was soon accorded a premier place among the speakers. As would be expected, he holds the view that vegetarianism should be scientific and capable of facing the world with adequate evidence of its superiority over flesh-eating habits. Serious in debate, the learned doctor was a charming raconteur after work was over, and, what is more, he was a good listener, appearing to enjoy the linguistic efforts of the English contingent.
Trips on the fjords and a final ceremonial bonfire by the waterside at night, when representatives of each country threw a branch into the fire as a symbol of fidelity to the cause, made a wonderful impression on everyone present, but most of all upon Egerod himself, who will ever retain in his memory the knowledge that his three months intensive hard labour had served to push the movement along one more stage in the history of mankind's struggle for freedom. S.A.H. Grateful acknowledgement is here again tendered to Dr. Constance Hurren for her most efficient work in organising the visit of twenty-three representatives from Great Britain who were present at the Congress. Such good representation is the more satisfactory having regard to the peculiar difficulties which, owing to the international complications, were attendant upon this year's proceedings. English people have likewise reason to feel proud of the work done at the Congress by Miss Phyllis Haigh, of Leicester, who holds a position on the staff of the Gymnastic Institute of Sileborg (Denmark). The full list of visitors from Great Britain was as follows [see photo bottom left, but not in the same order]: Mr. James Hough (Delegate of The Vegetarian Society), Mr. S. A. Hurren (Delegate of the London Vegetarian Society), Mr. H. H. Anderson, Mr. E. S. Clark, Miss E. Cohen, Mr. and Mrs. A. P. Haigh, Miss Haigh, Mrs. Hering, Mrs. Howard, Dr. C. E. Hurren, Mrs. Jelfs, Miss K. M. King, Miss E. Lander, Mrs. Morris, Mrs. Paterson, Miss E. W. Peel, Dr. W. L Presswood, Miss V. Richards, Miss A. Roberts, Miss H. M. Schooling, Mr. F. J. Smart and Mrs. G. White.
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