IN RUSSIA TO-DAY

Hokitika Guardian, 17 November 1930, Page 8

IN RUSSIA TO-DAY

VISITOR ’ S IMPRESSIONS

LIFE IN MOSCOW

The following impressions of Russia by a correspondent, who was there in August have been sent to the “Manchester Guardian” for ptibln ation : We have done Leningrad and Moscow pretty thoroughly. We have motored freely about in botli cities and ■only seen one person the worse for drink. The price is prohibitive, about one shilling for a glass of light beer, but the quality is excellent. Vodka is equally dear. It is a Government monoply. Luxuries are almost unobtainable, the Government concentrating on necessities. Therefore two things strike one—the absence of shops, especially at night, giving a dull uniformity to the streets, and the uniformity of dress,. except when the native blouse and belt are worn, or one sees a messenger with his locked leather bag. The retail trade is almost entirely in the hands of the co-ops., and these are supplied by the Government, which keeps the wholesale in it own hands. The Government also has stores in which valuable antique goods are sold, ind - the prices are high, - • ORDERLY CROWDS. On Saturday we were out until after 10 p.m. The streets were very crowded with quiet,, well-behaved people, and at the co-pp were queues of people buying their necessities. Some, of these queues were long, but there was no crushing. All so orderly, and yet no official or guard to keep order. The people looked very clean and healthy, and were plainly but comfortably clothed, and all were shod. They admit there is nothing to spare, and that if there was more food and luxuries they would be glad. They are looking to the “five-year scheme” to produce it, and they are very sanguine, of success if they can only get ghe necessary m alchi neiiy. In our Moscow hotel we saw the dining-room well filled with most nationalities, except our own. I judged them to be largely on business. The motor-cars were mainly 'American and some Italian and Austrian and a fair number of Foi;d taxis of the new type. Tim buses were all Levland that I saw. RELIGIOUS ISSUE.

Now about the religions question Religious persecution as such they strongly deny, and all I spoke to agree they could go to church or not quite freely and without any question. Some of the churches and cathedrals are closed from lack of funds as the State has withdrawn any help. As one lady said to- me. “Those who want it ought to he prepared to nay. for it.’’ Where a church is also a museum of art, as in the Kremlin, then the Government pays toward the upkeep, and everyone has right of entry, with a competent woman guide on duty from the Soviet To'unst Department. There' is an anti-religious society, with headquarters in Moscow, but it is a voluntary, not a Government affair. We saw tins place several times at night, brilliantly illuminated with electric signs explaining the society’s views. .

One hears tales of cruelty, and the officers of tile cargo boats can tell of forced labour in loading, and even of men being shot for refusal. To this was relpied by one of our guides, “Well, if they won’t work why should they eat or even live?” You see, they have been taught to take their religion literally. “If a man won’t work, neither shall he eat.” “All men are equal in the sight of God, and should I be treated alike.” These were retorts made to me. THE CRECHE SYSTEM.

The creche system seems to be universal in the towns, and even “takes charge of the child while the parents go to' the cinema.” Then there are child welfares,” and most certainly the babies in arms and children generally are as well looked after as ours at home, as funds permit they are converting the larger “flats” into smaller ones to fit the needs of the workers. Also in the suburbs they are building small houses, like we are. Many of the mansions have been ailfl are being turned into rest houses, hospitals, and convalescent homes. In one mansion among many we visited were housed over 200 men and women for a fortnight’s rest. I he winter garden was the dining-room and the other rooms dormitories. The park was, public, with recreation

grounds and the lake for swimming and boating. The remarkable thing was the perfect condition of walls, floors, paintings, and decorations, showing how these poor people prized their new privileges. Though hundreds of folks were in the garden and park, there was no litter and good One |thing greatly surprised me. They have thrown open all the palaces, and one can view their art treasures and jewellery. All these precious things have been retained and are guarded and eared for, and the people visit them in great numbers. One would have expected them when so short of money, to have realised on them. Evidently the bowers that be value them for their educational value, for competent, guides take people round.