RUSSIAN LIFE

Hokitika Guardian, 23 September 1929, Page 5

RUSSIAN LIFE

REPORT OF COLLIERS’ VISIT. SCATHING CONDITIONS UNDER SOVIET. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright). (Received this day at 12.25. p.m.) LONDON, September 22. A remarkably original plan of the management of Tilmanstone colliery, which paid the expenses of two nun to visit to Russia, following a constant dispute at the colliery, was most successful. It was stipulated that if the men found the conditions preferable there, they should stay in Russia and their families would be sent to join them. Otherwise they were to quit the Company’s employ. The alternative was that they should publicly address the miners, and truthfully tell them what they saw. The men returned , and said they were lucky to get oufc alive. Addressing the miners, they gave such a scathing condemnation of the Soviet, that when the management subsequently offered to pay the whole expenses to R.ussia of any employee, none accepted. - One of the men statpd that on arrival at Moscow, although they were ravenously hungry, they could not eat food consisting of chunks of skewered beef, bread, and water.

Some-of the sights in the streets were revolting and indescribable, cripples and aged beggars of both sexes wore sitting or lying on the pavements and gutters.

Everything was most expensive. In street after street there were bread queues in which thousands waited all day for the daily ration. Housing w s terrible, and many families had to live and sleep in one room. Thousands were without work, and the sanitation was dreadful. There were millions of flies.

The miners houses were shacks. The colliers average output was three tons. This had to be obtained before a minimum wage was reached. If it were less ‘ the wages were reduced in proportion. There was an intense official dislike of MacDonald, Clynes and Henderson.