The Oakes times., 1911-06-22
NORWAY.

II. AscnelnOug q CO., the prominent
publishing house of Christiania, has
obtained the consent of Waldemar
Ager. of Eau Claire, Wis, to issue an
edition of his latest book, Christ be-
lore Pilate." for distribution in Norway.
This is regarded as significant evidence
of a growing appreciation in Norway
for art and literature produced by Nor
wegians on this side of the Atlantic.
AS already stated in this column, Nor
wegian-Americans have had feeling
In the past that the mother country
has been Indifferent to them and has
regarded them as provincial and lack
ing in culture, but that of late there
has been signs of change, manifested
In more ways than one.
Norwegian papers of the United
States have of late contained much
sharp criticism of the promoters of the
Fines mine near Trondhjem, which,
1t has been discovered, is worthless
property. despite the alluring promises
held out to Norwegian-American in
vestors. A new report from Chris
tiania gives the following account of
this mining venture: Norwegian
newspapers are expressing regret over
the unfortunate attempt in mining
operations made by the Norwegian
American Copper Mining and Smelling
company. This company was organ
lied several years ago and the venture
was enthusiastically supported by Nor
wegians in America, about a thousand
persons investing their earnings. The
company had a choice of several places
in which to begin operations, finally
deciding in the Fines mines in the
Trondhjem district, in spite Of the fact
that Prof. Vogt had declared that the
Skardal mines in Nordland contained
the richest deposits.
A large amount Of money was ex-
pended in preliminary work, erecting
houses for the workmen and officials,
constructing wharves, and the like.
In all about $150,000 were expended.
Now 1t is found that the Fines mines
are practically worthless, as the ore
contains only about one-fourth to one
half per cent copper, instead of the
estimated 4 to 6 per cent.
The company also lost its title to
mine in Signaldalen, it's ownership
having been disputed by the original
owners and the company losing out in
the courts.
The affairs Of the company have
lately been further complicated by the
payment Of loans amounting to over
$25,000, which the Norwegian man
ager had made to carry on the prelim-
mary work. Accusations are also
made against two Of the stockholders
in Norway Of having Influenced the
action Of the management to begin
work in the worthless Fines mines. one
of them having the original title to
these mines.
Much regret is expressed by Aften-
posten at the outcome Of the attempt
by Observation-Disclosures to invest
money in mining operations in Nor
way, as successful beginning might
have induced others to make further
and heavier Investments.
The bureau Of statistics announces
that during the first quarter OF the
present year the imports were half a
million crowns less than during the
same period last year. while the ex-
ports show an increase Of nearly nine
million crowns. This il certainly an
excellent showing.
The new power plant at the Rjukan
waterfall will soon be completed and
viii be one Of the largest in the world.
There are ten massive turbines. each
capable of producing 14.5oo horss
| power.
One Of the features Of the 18th Of
May celebration, ct Christiania. this
year, was thssunveiiing Of q monument
Ito Nordraak. the Norwegian composer.
The work Of raising funds tor this
monument was begun IN 1900 and was
headed by Edward Grieg, Who was q
warm friend Of Nordraak and was
greatly inspired BY him while they
l,were students together In Copenhagen.
Nordraak composed the melody 70
lBjornst1erne Bjornson's IA VI elsker
Tdette iandet." !" and was . musical ge.
MUS Of the highest order. but died while
ISstiil ! youth. before his genius had
fully 1ipenee.