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From The Vegetarian Messenger (Manchester, England), August 1894,
p307: -
HOLLAND. - Herr. A. Verschoor, of Rotterdam, has issued a pamphlet,
"Een Bond voor Vegetariërs!" advocating the formation
of a Dutch Vegetarian Society, to be called the Nederlandschen Vegetariërs-Bond.
In the pamphlet, which contains a number of recipes, are forms to be
filled up by those willing to join a future Dutch Society, as
either members or associates. Should a sufficient number of persons
be willing to join Herr Verschoor he intends to organize the society.
From The Vegetarian Messenger (Manchester, England), December
1894, p433: -
THE DUTCH VEGETARIAN SOCIETY.- The end of September saw the establishment
of the "Dutch Vegetarian Society." Its virtual founder is
De Herr Verschoor, who wrote the small pamphlet which we have already
noticed in these columns. In response to that, 34 names were sent in
as members of 13 associations, and Mr. Verschoor and his friend Mr.
Valk called together an initiatory meeting at the Hague for the 30th
September. They had great difficulty in forming a committee. Though
De Herr Verschoor knew three doctors who were vegetarians, he could
not induce these gentlemen to place themselves at the head of the movement.
However, at last the thing was done. A committee, consisting of five
gentlemen and three ladies, was formed and the meeting was convened.
The committee asked the Rev. Adam von Scheltema, the president of the
Dutch Total Abstinence Society, and who has been a vehetarian for two
years, to take the chair, but owing to his extreme age (for the rev.
gentleman is 80) he had to decline. The meeting was only sparsely attended,
but many letters of sympathy were received, empowering members of committee
to vote for the uniters. Rules and statutes were passed, and the long
contemplated society was established. The committee have since arranged
with the manager of the Krasnapolski Hotel at Amsterdam to provide vegetarian
dishes. But they hope soon to be in a position to open a restaurant
on their own account. De Herr Verschoor speaks hopefully, and we wish
the society all success! We must not forget to state De Herr Verschoor's
correction. By misadventure we printed his name as Dr. Verschoor. He
tells us he is only a clerk, and does not like to place himself in others'
feathers.
From The Vegetarian Messenger (Manchester, England), December
1895, p409: -
Holland.- The Dutch Vegetarian Society held its first annual meeting
in the "Diligentia," at the Hague, on the 6th October. The
President, in his opening address, showed the progress which vegetarianism
was making in other countries, after which the election of officers
for the ensuing year was gone through. There have been several changes,
but the services of Den Herr Verschoor, as President of the Society,
have been retained, the vice-president being a lady, Medr. C. van der
Hucht. There are besides her two other ladies on a committee consisting
of eight, which we consider a very hopeful sign for the Society. Starting
with 16 members and 37 associates, the "Bond" now counts 48
members and 42 associates. The Society has now joined the Federal Union,
and has also been duly registered by the Dutch Minister. The work done
during the first year may be called distinctly satisfactory. Though
the funds must of necessity be small in a body of such short existence,
the Society has undertaken to translate and publish Dr. Anna Kingsford's
work on Food, which can be obtained by members at 50 cents (10d.) It
has been prefaced by Dr. Fr. van Eeden. A vegetarian cookery book is
in preparation, and may be expected by the end of the current year.
Had funds permitted, the committee desired to be represented at the
Amsterdam exhibition, but this scheme had however, unwillingly to be
abandoned. Neither do they at the present stage feel justified in establishing
a vegetarian restaurant. The amount of subscription is left to the discretion
of members, provided it does not fall below 1 florin (1s. 8d.); but
a provision exempts any members who state that they are unable to contribute.
During the year the work of the Society has been several time brought
before the public through the general press. Though articles have not
always been favourable they have led to discussion, and the ventilation
of the subject will do good, as the Dutch public are said to be very
ignorant about vegetarianism. - Articles from vegetarians have been
accepted by Gids and Elzvier's Maandschrift, and De Heeren
Verschoor and Valk have given lectures at the Hague and Amsterdam. The
last named city has been chosen for the next general meeting of the
society.
From The Vegetarian Messenger (Manchester, England), January 1897,
33/4: -
The Dutch Vegetarian Society. - By the courtesy of Den Heer
A. Verschoor of Rotterdam, I have received the second annual report
of the "Neederlandsche Vegetariërsbond." The annual meeting
of members and friends was held on the 11th October, in Amsterdam, Mr.
Verschoor presiding. The president made a fitting introductory speech
in which a hopeful ring was noticeable. He showed that though the number
of members belonging to the Vegetarian Society was still small, a great
advance had been made in the attitude of the general public and the
press. He cited passages from the leading newspapers, which showed that
the writers understood the question better than they did a year ago,
and were hence much less inclined to cavil. When they criticised they
did so in a more friendly spirit. The medical profession were beginning
to lose their faith in the absolute necessity of a flesh diet. The speaker
next pointed to what was being done in other countries, and concluded
with a note of cheer and a call for strenuous effort. From the Society's
report which was next read it appeared that the society began its second
year with 48 members and 42 associates. During the year three members
dies and two associates withdrew, whilst 14 new members and 13 associates
were enrolled. Other three associates applied for membership on becoming
vegetarians, so that now the Society numbers 64 members and 48 associates.
During the course of the past year a Vegetarian Cookery Book has been
brought out, under the auspices of the Society, at the price of 1s.
3d. Though the Executive think this is a low price, I am inclined to
thinkthat it is too expensive. We have cheaper cookery books in England
and earnings are much lower in Holland. The sale must of necessity be
small, but a sacrifice on the part of the Society would have helped
to spread the knowledge of vegetarian cookery. On the other hand, I
do not forget that the Dutch eat less meat than the English and that
Dutch housewives are more skilled in the preparation of vegetables for
the kitchen than the average English woman, and hence a vegetarian cookery
book is less needed. But if it is to sell then it should cost less than
1s. 3d.
Dr. Anna Kingsford's "Perfect Way in Diet" has been translated
into Dutch and copies of it and the cookery books were sent to all the
cookery schools in Holland, along with an explanatory letter from the
vice-president. Three of the pricipals (out of 14) of these schools
sent letters expressing their sympathy with the aims of the Society.
So far it has not been possible to establish a vegetarian restaurant.
Meanwhile the Committee has hit upon a plan which does them credit.
They have asked other caterers to supply vegetarian dishes in their
dining-rooms and are offering prizes to those which, in the opinion
of the Committee or of Judges, hereafter to be appointed, shall have
catered most efficiently in this direction. The Committee holds that
if no other object is attained, they have here at least a good advertisement
for our views. Several papers on vegetarianism have appeared in the
public press - the Volksdagblad, De Vrouw, In en om de Keuken, De
Volksvrend, Wetenschappelyke Bladen, De Toekomst. [continued at some
length with details of papers and talks given]
From The Vegetarian Messenger (Manchester, England), October 1897,
343: -
The Dutch Vegetarian Society maintains a vigorous attitude.
We have just received the first number (September) of its newly started
magazine, which has done us the honour of copying our title, for Vegetarische
Bode is the Dutch for 'Vegetarian Messenger.' It has struck me in
this connection that in a country where vegetarianism is as new as in
Holland, an organ of this kind must be more of the nature of a herald
than a messeneger. The new organ, which is a bi-monthly, is under the
joint editorship of Messrs. D. de Clercq and F.L. Ortt, and Mrs. C.
van der Hutch, the last being the vice-president of the Society. [details
of the first issue followed]
From the VFU Annual Report, 1897:
From The Vegetarian Messenger and Review (Manchester), January
1898, p41: -
Dutch Vegetarian Society. - The thirs annual meeting of this
Society took place on Oct. 10th, 1897, at Amesterdam, under the presidency
of Den Heer Van Ortt, who, in his opening address, set forth the high
and comprehensive aims of vegetarianism, which teaches the "Gospel
of Love." The various aspects of the question were touched upon
by different speakers, some interesting discussion following the papers.
A banquet, which was well attended, brought the meetings to a cheery
close, all giving at parting a hearty "Au revoir!" The Hague
was proposed as the meeting place for 1898. We may refer readers to
the Bode for full reports. The Society has now 123 members, of
whom 46 are associates, and the treasury appears to be in a healthy
condition.
From The Vegetarian Messenger and Review (Manchester), January
1898, p41: -
The Dutch Society has again applied for affiliation to the [Vegetarian
Federal] Union. It will be remembered that they withdrew owing to some
politacl articles which appeared in the Review, and now finding
that the Vegetarian Federal Union is definitely keeping to its role
of working for humanity and not for races or creeds or countries they
have again consented to join in the Vegetarian Federation of the World.
From The Vegetarian Messenger and Review (Manchester), October
1898, pp442-449:
- a very long and detailed article by M. Hompes 'Amongst the Dutch
Vegetarians', which included a report of their 4th annual meeting at The
Hague.
From The Vegetarian Messenger (Manchester), July 1899, p189: -
Dutch Vegetarian Society. - The annual meeting is announced
to take place in the open-air in the neighbourhood of Utrecht on July
30th.
From The Vegetarian Messenger (Manchester), September 1899, p304:
-
Holland. - The number of members of the Dutch Vegetarian Society
now stands at 264.
Right - a pre- 1st World War badge used by NVB. The inner part of the
design was also used by the London Vegetarian Society and appears to have
been promoted by the Vegetarian Federal Union.
The following was contributed by the Soyfoods Center:
Vegetarian Messenger and Health Review (Manchester, England).
1908. "The International Vegetarian Union." Oct. p. 258-259.
Describes the formation International Vegetarian Union and the Union's
first Congress. "Dr. Meyroos [of Rotterdam] brought hearty greetings
from vegetarians in Holland, and informed the Congress of the work the
Netherlands Society had carried on for children. Although the Society
was formed only 11 years ago, they had progressed at a rapid rate."
Note: 11 years before the Congress would put the formation of the society
in 1897, which differs from the 1894 date in earlier Vegetarian Messenger
articles. The evidence is fairly clear, however, that a society was
indeed established in 1894.
In 1909 a report in the Vegetarian Messenger (UK Vegetarian Society
magazine) quotes a prominent member as referring to 'the fifteen years
that the Bond has existed' - which would make the foundation in 1894.
The following extracts are the October 1908 issue of The Vegetarian
Messenger (Magazine of the UK Vegetarian Society):
... Dr. Meyroos,
Rotterdam, secretary of the Netherlands Vegetarian Society ... Dr. Selss,
Dr. Meyroos, and Mr. William Simpson made a suitable response to Herr
Dressler's welcome ... it was finally unanimously agreed that "An
International Vegetarian Union" be formed, and that for the present
no financial call should be made upon any of the Societies forming the
Union. Dr. Selss (Baden-Baden), Dr. Meyroos (Rotterdam), and Mr.
Albert Broadbent (Manchester, England), were appointed to act as
a Committee.
... Dr. Meyroos brought hearty greetings from vegetarians in Holland,
and informed the Congress of the work the Netherlands Society had carried
on for children. Although the Society was formed only 11 years ago they
had progressed at a rapid rate, and their prospects for the future were
very encouraging. In dealing with the subject "Why are we vegetarians?"
Dr. Meyroos made an earnest plea on behalf of the moral claims of vegetarianism.
... The speakers included Dr. Selss, Dr. Meyroos, Herr Dressler ....
-- and from the December 1908 issue of The Vegetarian Messenger:
Among the delegates who attended our first International gathering
was Mr. A. Meyroos, LL.D, who represented the "Nederlands Vegetariër-Bond."
He congratulates the Meeting on its good results, in as much as a provisional
committee was formed, and a meeting for next year projected in Manchester,
to which he looks forward with delight, and from which he hopes great
things. Mr. Meyroos praises the good cordial understanding which reigned
throughout the meetings, and also Mrs. Thesmar's excellent catering
and homelike hospitality.
The March 1909 Messenger:
The International Vegetarian Union. - The Committee of the International
Vegetarian Union (A.Meyroos, LL.D., Rotterdam ; Dr Nyssens, Brussels
; Dr Selss, Baden-Baden ; and Mr A, Broadbent, Manchester), met at Rotterdam,
on the 14th February.
- and the December 1909 issue, reporting on the IVU Congress held in
Manchester in October:
Dr Meyroos spoke for Holland, where vegetarianism is growing apace
and commanding attention in the public press. Holland has good vegetarian
restaurants, a sanitorium, a children's home, a good organ, De 'Bode,
and has borne a child in the Vegetarian Society of the East Indies.
The February 1910 issue:
The Vegetarische 'Bode [Netherlands] contains Dr. Meyroos' glowing
account. He evidently had a good time among us, and from what we remember
of him, I should say he carries his own good spirits with him everywhere.
Whether he liked that happy name some one found for him, or not, "the
genial giant" certainly suits him. Dr. Meyroos is impressed with
the English way of work. He holds that we all feel the ethical side
of our movement (I hope he is right) but we do not neglect the business
side of our organisation. The English business spirit pervades all.
He refers to our stores, which are carried on at a profit, and withal
do a grand service to our members, and we pay our officials in a fair
manner, so that they can devote themselves to our service. Dr. Meyroos
highly appreciates our hearty welcome to the visitors and the home-hospitality
held out to them. This gave a sense of common, brotherly feeling, a
hearty, living spirit "which they have carried home and should
turn to profit. This meeting, " concludes Dr. Meyroos, "may
well stand as a model for future International Congresses." The
Dutch version of the paper which Dr. Meyroos read at Manchester appears
in the current issue of the 'Bode.
Some extracts from the report of the 1923 Congress, held in Stockholm,
Sweden:
Hugo Nolthenius at the 1923 Congress |
... After extending a hearty welcome to all, he called upon the Hon.
Congress Secretary, Madame Lombard (Stockholm), to read the Roll Call
of the Delegates. Each rose as his or her name was called. The following
is a full list : ... Holland - Professor Hugo Nolthenius (President
of Dutch \/egetarian Society), Laren N.H. ; ...
... We give the full list of papers in alphabetical order :- ... C.
De Clerq "The Miracle of the Sun,".. Hugo Nolthenius "Report
for the Dutch Vegetarian Society," ...
... FINANCE. The Hon. Treasurer (H. Nolthenius) next proposed that
the fee for membership be settled. ...
... General Secretary : Miss Hompes expressed her desire to retire.
... Miss Hompes proposed the Honorable Miss Ortt or the Hague as her
successor and Miss Ortt was duly elected to the office of Honorary General
Secretary of the International Vegetarian Union. She accepted the office.
... Hon. Treasurer: Mr. Hugo Nolthenius, of Laren, N. Holland, was re-elected.
...
Some extracts from the report of the 1926 Congress, held in London, England:
... Full particulars may be obtained from Miss M. J. C. Ortt (Secretary
of the International Vegetarian Union), Haagweg 71, Delft Holland ;
... the delegates were introduced to the assembly, and the following
is the order in which they responded to the roll call ... Mr. de Clercq
and Prof. Nolthenius (Holland), ...
... A "National Day," on which meetings were held throughout
each country, had been observed yearly in Denmark, Holland and Sweden.
...
... Professor NOLTHENIUS, the Hon. Treasurer, made a brief statement
on the financial position of the International Vegetarian Union. ...
The Honorary Secretary's report and the Honorary Treasurer's statement
were duly approved and adopted. ... Miss Ortt intimated that she was
not able to continue to act its Hon. Secretary, and her resignation
was accepted with keen regret. A resolution of thanks for her excellent
services was passed with acclamation. ... The following officers were
elected ... Hon. Treasurer, Professor Hugo Nolthenius, Holland ; ...
Professor H. NOLTHENIUS (Holland) presided over the Thursday morning
session ...At the Thursday afternoon session, presided over by Mr. ERNEST
BELL, M.A., a paper was read by PROFESSOR H. NOLTHENIUS (Holland), on
"The Ethical Basis of Vegetarianism.'' He paid tribute to the British
as being among the earliest propagators by both speech and action, of
the principles of vegetarianism, and also of the cause for humane treatment
of animals. The sustaining power that lay behind life was love, and
love forbade the killing of animals in order that their bodies might
he used for food. Nature gave all animals the right to their existence,
and that right should be mutually respected. In killing animals for
food they interfered the course of nature. For animals this was a world
of fear and death, but it was the duty of man, who claimed to he actuated
by the principle of love, to shew that this was no longer necessary.
...
Some extracts from the report of the 1929 Congress, held in Steinschönau
, Czechoslovakia:
Thirteen nations in all were represented at the Congress - ... Holland,
.... As a result of the lamented death of Professor Nolthenius, elswhere
referred to, Herr Egerod [Denmark] will now take over the position
of Hon. Treasurer of the Union. ...
Some extracts from the report of the 1932 Congress, held in Berlin/Hamburg,
Germany:
 ...
A discussion on the three principal addresses of the day followed, and
Mr. Borrendam [photo right] is to be congratulated upon the masterly
manner in which, as chairman of so large and cosmopolitan gathering,
he directed the course of events, under difficult circumstances, to
so satisfactory a conclusion. ...
... A proposal from Holland resulted in the formation of a small international
committee which would meet whenever there was important business to
transact. The appointed committee consisted of the new President, Mr.
C. J. van Borrendam (Amsterdam), ...
Some extracts from the report of the 1935 Congress, held in Daugard,
Denmark:
There was a thoroughness about the work and play of the Congress that
was due in no small measure to the part played by the officials responsible
for the arrangements. Mr. Oluf Egerod, honorary treasurer of the International
Vegetarian Union was a very popular leader, and he was ably supported
by Mr. J. C. van Borrendam, president, ... Mr. C. J. van Borrendam (Holland)
was re-elected president, ...
 Some
extracts from the report of the 1938 Congress, held in Norway:
Dr. Rogler, as Congress secretary, extended a welcome to Norway to
all present and then called upon the President of the Union, Mr. C.
J. VAN BORRENDAM (Holland) [photo right with Mrs van B. at the Congress]
to address the assembly. ... Herr Durr (CzechoSlovakia), now in his
82nd year, who spoke in a charming manner, said that he had attended
every Congress since the war and was looking forward to being in England
in 1941 and Holland in 1944. ... [cancelled due to the next war....]
On Tuesday morning, after a short speech by the President, Mr. J. C.
van Borrendam (Holland), the Congress banner was hoisted and delegates
assembled for the business meeting of the Union, ... Mr. C. J. van Borrendam
(Holland), was re-elected President, ...
From reports of the 1947 IVU Congress, held at Stonehouse, England:
... The Scandinavian countries and Holland were strongly represented
...We hope that by 1950, when the next Congress is to be held in Holland,
the food situation throughout Europe will be easier and that travel
restrictions will be less irksome and restrictive. ...
... Mr. W. A. SIBLY, M.A. (Oxon.), J.P. Stonehouse, Glos., referred
to the passing (during the war) of the Union's former President, Mr.
C. J. van Borrendam, of Holland, ... The delegates stood in silence
before continuing the proceedings.
... Brief speeches were made by the overseas delegates - Mr. G. van
Nederveen, as President of the Dutch Vegetarian Society, invited the
Union to hold its next Congress in 1950 in Holland. ... He was followed
by ... Mr. J. H. Bolt (Holland). ...
... Mementos of the Centenary of The Vegetarian Society [UK] were presented
from Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Holland, ...
... The business included reports from representatives ofSocieties
affiliated to the I.V.U., and were given by ... Dr. T. Kaayk (Holland),
...
... Introduced by Mr. J. H. BOLT (Holland), consideration was given
to the publication of an international vegetarian magazine, ....
... An important report was read by Mr. J. H. BOLT (Holland), Hon.
Secretary of the I.V.U., on his enquiries through affiliated Societies
regarding the position of Vegetarianism in wartime. ...
... as Mr. J. H. BOLT (Holland) was unable to continue as Hon. Secretary,
Mr. KAJ DESSAU (Denmark) was unanimously elected. ...
...Mr. J. H BOLT (Holland) expressed the thanks and appreciation of
those present for the opportunity of meeting together in London....
[refers to a post-congress meeting]
From the Vegetarian World Forum, Spring 1948:
NEDERLANDSCHE VEGETARIERSBOND
Vegetarianism in Holland recently suffered a great loss on
the retirement of Mr. Felix Ortt, who for half a century has been the
spiritual leader of the movement.
A remarkable man, scientist, scholar and prolific writer, the flow of
ideas and books from his lonely country house have nourished all those
who stand for a better life, protection of animals, new medicine, and
anti-vivisection. His magazine (The Messenger) is being continued, and
it is hoped that it will become an important feature in the development
of food reform, hygiene, health and spiritual unfoldment.
A group of members are co-operating to establish a Vegetarian Centre to
provide a home for old folks, a camping ground, social centre and clinic.
The scheme is taking shape and over £7,000 has already been collected.
A committee has been formed to prepare for an International Congress in
1949 or 1950.
J. H. BOLT, Amersfoort, Piersonlaan 14.
From the IVU Executive Committee meeting, October 22, 1950, in Manchester,
England:
CENTRAL INSTITUTE IN HOLLAND Letters were submitted from Mr.van Nederveen
and Mr.T.Hagtinius, (Holland), relative to the work of the Central Institute
at Haarlem and of its co-operation with the I.V.U. Whilst viewing the
suggestions with sympathy, time did not permit of full consideration
of the possibilities envisaged and the matter was therefore deferred
until the next meeting of the Executive Committee.
1958 - The Vegetarian World Forum, July 1958, carried
a complete list of IVU " Affiliated Societies - and others in association
with the I.V.U." These included:
- Nederlandsche Vegetariersbond, Mej. H. Pothoff, Schouwtjeslaan 38, Haarlem,
Holland
- De Jonge Vegetariers, Mr. H. Olff, Kapjeswelle 1, Deventer, Holland.
More World Congresses:
The Nederlandse Vegetariërs-Bond today can be found at: www.vegetariers.nl
(in Dutch)
If you have any more information about anything on this page please contact
John Davis - webmaster@ivu.org
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