PALESTINE

Grey River Argus, 1 June 1943, Page 3

PALESTINE

West Coaster’s Impressions

JEWISH COMMUNAL SETTLEMENTS. Sergeant J. W. Grey Scott, a wellknown Greymouth member of the N.Z.E.F.. now in the Middle East gives in a letter to a Greymouth friend, an interesting outline of the conditions prevailing in the communal settlements in Palestine, where Jewish migrants have been establishing themselves. “I would like,” he states, “to relate to you a very interesting visit I -had to a Jewish colony in Palestine. The most remarkable feat of these industrious people is the manner in which they have changed arid desert wastes into first-class pastures and orchards.. One has to actually see the contrast to appreciate it. First impressions on entering the little village of Kfar Vitkin were of the general cleanliness and numerous happy, healthy kiddies scampering about the place. The village consists of about 100 neat bungalows made of concrete, wi’th tiled roofs, plus a very modern store, bakehouse, dairy, community hall and storage sheds. The land is bought by a Jewish Finance Board, who erect all buildings and instal an efficient water supply which will be suitable for irrigation purposes as well as household ones. Very modern farm impliments are sent along by the Board and they also put a certain number of cattle on the land too. The folks then take up residI ence and start what to me would ’ have seemed an impossible job. but after 'ten years it is one of the prize pieces of land in the province of Sumaria to-day, a credit to its pioneers.

“The general community farm is about 500 acres, mostly worked by men and boys, the women going into the fields at busy periods. Wheat, barley, citrus fruits, grapes, and fodder are prominent crops. Besides this land, each house has approximately a half-acre dwelling allowance, and it is there the woman plays her doubly important role, for, besides building a healthy colony, she makes every inch of that half-acre produce to capacity. To gain land, fowl yards and sheds are built three feet .above ground, with fine mesh wire netting as floors, and under this marrows and pumpkins are grown. The home half-acre generally carries 100 fowls, a cow shed (as all animals are hand fed), a vegetable garden, and a few pomegranate trees. The woman must sll all her eggs and milk to the local store, which also takes any spare vegetables or grapes. As payment for these, her store account is credited, and at the end of every two months a general “square-up” is made. The store does a roaring trade, but I have not seen any money pass yet it is all on a chit system. Profits from general farm are pooled. Rent (11s a month), hospital and doctor (5s a month), water, education and land rentages are taken out, and then every family receives its share of what’s left. The store has first option over everybody’s profits, and shares its profits amongst the people.

“When children come of age (16 to 18) and decide what profession or trade they wish to follow, a Board takes care of them, sends them to university, if need be, to ensure they have a chance in life. The parents have no say in this question. They arc not asked to supply any money. “Dairying is. an important, industry here. All cows are milked three times a day (a women’s job). To ensure good breeding, three or four 500 guinea stud bulls are purchased. Here education bears fruit. A lad who has chosen the veterinary profession returns to take charge of these beautiful animals, is set up with a good clinic, and, as artificial insemination is carried out on all herds, the vet is kept busy. During off season, he works on the land. This method has good results, and diseases amongst herds are unheard of. “Should a woman take ill, the head

of the village will detail a woman each day .from a list of those not quite so'busy as others) to take over the household duties of the sick woman. This order is carried out cheerfully. Tn Nfar Vitkin people eat in their

respective homes and keep their own children. In another colony I visited, there was a community dining hall, where all meals are taken, the women taking more time there for working in' the field. There is also a communal nursery, and when a child is born, the nursery takes charge of it till it is eight years old, its mother only being allowed to see her child for one hour per day. It w.as here that I saw the largest collection of the healthiest children. At eight years, the child comes home and stays till 18 years, or instead is educated for a profession at the Board’s expense. Should the child not wish to take this opportunity it must, nevertheless, leave its home village for one year, and go and work elsewhere. At the end of the year, the child may return home. It is'the better of a year of hard experience gained. At this same village, they have marriage by trial ! A couple get married and live together for three months. If all is well, they stay married, but should either party be dissatisfied, marriage is annuled. This practice is not .allowed in all Jewish colonies. “All manures are bought m bulk by the Finance Board to get best price. It is then sold out to colonists for handling commission. The Jew is not a big meat eater, so grazing is not an important line. To outward appearances the people are happy. The results of scientifically directed industry sneaks for themselves. One hopes that when victory comes these peace-loving folk will be allowed to carry on their productive work unmolested.”