Los Banos Rotary Club History
Delhi Vineyardist Tells Of Travels

Francis Fiorini, semi-retired Delhi vineyardist, world traveler and civic worker, was guest speaker Tuesday noon at the Rotary Club luncheon. He gave a brief resume of his observations and experiences on a trip to North African, Spain and Southern Europe.

He was particularly interested in Spain, he said, because of our government's refusal to recognize that country's present government; and because he wanted to learn, first hand, of the conditions that inspired such attitude.
Fiorini arrived at Lisbon, Spain, by airplane and went to Madrid by train, where he talked with people of all walks of life. First exchanging a sum of government money for Spanish currency at the government rate of 16 to 1, he later learned that black market value for the same exchange was between 40 and 50 to 1. Only drawback, he said, was the government's pointed reminder that in black market operations both seller and buyer would face prison terms, if apprehended.

He was much impressed by the country's architecture, which he said was exceedingly interesting and outstanding. Particularly interesting to him were the old Moorish mosques at Lorejo, now owned and maintained by the Catholic church; the historical buildings and architecture at Granada, now in ruins; and the country's many wineries, where the art of wine making is a closely guarded secret handed down from father to son through the centuries. As a welcome guest he sampled sweet wines some 200 years old and dry wines 300 years old.

Fiorini was at Seville during Holy Week festivities, when the merchants and businessmen doubled their regular prices, not as a profiteering gesture but in an effort to discourage the huge crowds gathered there for the observance. He said the religious spectacle, lavishly participated in by the Catholic churches of the city, was especially beautiful and impressive.
Both agriculture and industry in Spain, he said, were almost primitive, with little modern machinery. Irrigation was principally by windmill, and agricultural power usually a donkey.

As to Spain itself, Fiorini said it was his observation that America should take a broader view of the situation, and evidence a deeper appreciation and understanding for the people of that country. He also suggested that some of the financial aid that has been so lavishly heaped upon other European countries should also be extended to Spain so that the people there might have a better life and their government more stable.

Fiorini also told of a brief visit in Italy, where the main problem is one of over population and of finding enough work for everyone to earn a living. The population, he said, is increasing faster than the jobs, and solid thinking government officials told him the only solution seems to be that a portion of the population migrate to other countries.

Nowhere in Europe, Fiorini said, is the American traveler more sincerely welcome than in Italy, where the people genuinely appreciate what American money and friendliness is doing to help them recover from the financial wounds of World War II.

Fiorini was introduced at the luncheon by program chairman Charles Kaljian.
A new Rotary member, George Hutchins, was officially welcomed by T. D. Toscano. Hutchins, a native of Missouri, is local manager of the Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Co. He came to Dinuba with his parents in 1921; moved to Fresno in 1939, and has been with the telephone company since 1942, excepting three years during the war when he served with the Army. He is married and has three children.

August 8, 1950

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