BRITAIN'S PART.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16164, 19 March 1918, Page 7

BRITAIN'S PART.

PRISONERS OF WAR. . THE LIFE AT RUHLEBEN. (By Cable.—Press 'Association.—Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cablo Association.) LONDON, March 17. Mr Tom Sullivan, the New Zealand scullor, who was recently released fi om tho Ruhleben internment; camp in Germany, emphasises tho necessity of doing- everything to keep up the spirits of prisoners at liuhlcuon (of whom now about 46 arc Australians and 10 New Zealanders), to prevent the monotony and weariness of waiting and the undermining of their mental and physical vigour. Despite tho excellent sport and pastime, and other outdoor diversions, tho difficulty of resisting the depressing influences of prison camp life increases as the war proceeds. A number of promising men have been shattered, and somo, probably, will never recover. Mr Sullivan found that the oldor men stand the strain better than the younger mon, as they are able to take a more philosophical view of their confinement. Ho is convinced that sporting and gymnastic activities have been the greatest boon. Those who were studiously inclined wero apt to go under first. Ho mentioned tho cases of clever young men who wore slowly sinking into imbecility. Somo of these had suffered probably* irreparable damage. He therefore used all his persuasion to induce othors to keep physically fit, especially the Australians and New Zealanders. He found them, on the - whole, more disposod towards strenuous diversions than others. Their health, when he quittod tho camp on March 7th was reasonably good all round. Mr Sullivan wants to impress on the friends of the prisoners tho importance of helping- them to keep going physically. He mentioned two shortages, particularly that of indoor gymnastic shoes of various sizes, to tho largest, preferably with rope soles, as rubber would probab'y be barred by the authorities. He says that it is difficult to kee*> the men at the gymnasium, which is a godsend in winter, because their bare feet will not endure the rough floor, and tho regulation heavy elons are disheartening. One other equipment is boxing gloves. Tho Australian Committee has boon active in promoting the welfare of Australians and Now Zealanders, especially in social intercourse, in order to combat tho prison gloom. The com- j mittec's work was invaluable, but, Mr Sullivan addod. the only remedy was general repatriation. It was tho saddest sight he had seen to observe men, especially the younger men, losing tho most valuable yoars of their lives, and employing their b n st energies merely for the purpose or keeping up their spirits and preventing general deterioration.

Mr Sullivan confirms the view- -that

parcels from home alone enable the prisoners to keep alive. This might bo duo to German neglect in the earlier periods, but it was doubtful if Germany was able to do much, recently, owing to hor own food trouble®. The prisonors' staple foods had long been potatoes and turnigs, and a very small ration of meat onco a week. ISo one could subsist on that. Now tho Australian lied Cross despatches j*ircels, and it is anticipated that everything regarding delivery will bo satisfactorv. Amplo bread was available from Holland, but. over many biscuits were supplied- He suggested thatother food might bo substituted. Mails wore very unreliable, but there was no means of ascertaining whero tho leakages occur. . Sullivan- looks well, and is little altered. Ho attributes this to his incessant activities. LABOURERS' MINIMUM WAGE. LONDON, March 17. The Agricultural Wages Board has fixed 30s weekly as tho minimum wage for labourers. COTTON" FOR THE ALLIES. (Australian and N.Z, Cable Association.) (Router's Telegrams.) March ISth, 7.30 p.m.) LONDON, March 17. Tho Press Bureau announces that Britain, on behalf of the Allies, is taking over the Egyptian cotton -rop from August next: also the residue of the present crop. DETAILS OF AGREEMENT. ("The Time*.") (Received March 18th, 11.30 p.m.) CAIRO, March 17. Tho cotton agreement gives over double tho pre-war prices. Britain provides a maximum of £10,000,000, and the banks, jointly, an equal amount. Egypt guarantees the interest.. Britain -will control tho Liverpool prices, sales and all subsequent industrial stages. RESTRICTIONS TO SAVE COAL. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Recoived March 18th, 10 p.m.) | LONDON, March 17. ! The "Daily Telegraph" states that a now Ordor is to-be issued, closing ' theatres, music halls, and oincmas at 9.30 at night after April Ist. I The "Telegraph" believes that the | Order will also apply to <flube and restaurants. Tho Coal Controller is responsible for the measure, the object of which is to effect economy in coal, i Theatrical managers are alarmed, and fear that the measure will mean giving up their evening performances. I The Controller is receiving a deputation of theatre employers and employees to-day.