The Scandinavians in New Zealand

Abstract

When turbulence in the East drove the Scandinavians from their ancient home in the country to the North of the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, they settled in the lands which are now the kingdoms of Denmark, Sweden and Norway. These lands still remain their racial home, but coldness of climate and infertility of soil have made them constant wanderers. As Goths they sacked Rome; as Vikings they fought and traded throughout Northern Europe, and finally settled in France and the British Isles; as the Middle Ages drew to their close they seemed destined to play a decreasing part in European affairs. At times they re-emerged upon the battlefields of Europe, and played decisive parts in Europe's quarrels. But while Gustavus Adolphus was still winning victories on the battlefields of Germany, a new movement began, which was to continue slowly and intermittently for over two centuries, and then at last to increase into an exodus, which rivalled in importance the movements in the Middle Ages. It was the emigration of ordinary working men and their families. And before it was finished - for it still continues - it was to transfer one-third of the Scandinavian race to the North American continent. The cause of the new movement was basically economic. Denmark was thickly populated, and the man whose land could support two or three cows was considered prosperous. In Sweden the farm lands gave a precarious livelihood in the summer months, and in the winter the rural labourers migrated to the forests and worked in the lumber camps. The growth of manufacturing in Sweden during the 19th century was never sufficient to reduce effectively the pressure of population upon the land. In Norway fishing and seamanship were of considerable importance. In themselves they produced a race of wanderers and migrants, but their importance in Norwegian economy testified to the poverty of Norwegian soil. In small valleys and plains, bounded by hills and sea, farming was carried on in the midst of difficulties. 'Even the grassy walls of the fjords', writes Beard, 'were closely cropped by hungry herds; the daring goat was hoisted or lowered to little niches of grass that could not be reached in any other way.'