Ruhleben Camp

Levin Daily Chronicle, 21 March 1918, Page 4

Ruhleben Camp

WHAT SULLIVAN SAYS OP THE

PRISONERS,

[Aust. and N.Z. Cable Association.] LONDON, March 17. Sullivan emphasises the necessity for doing everything to keep up the spirits of the prisoners at Ruhleben, whereof there are now about 45 Australians and ten New Zealanders, to prevent the monotony and weariness oi waiting undermining their mental am) physical vigor. Despite the excellent sport and pastime, and other outdoor diversions, the difficulty of resisting the depressing mode of life increases as the war proceeds. A number of promising men are shattered in health, some probably who will never recover. It is found that the older men stand the strain better than the younger. They are able to take a more philosophical view of their confinement, and their wasted years. Sullivan is convinced the sporting and gymnastic activities have been tho greatest boon. He found those studiously inclined are apt ,to go under first. He mentioned eases of clever young men who are slowly sinking into imbecility. Some of these are damaged in health, probably irreparably. He therefore used all his powers of persuasion to induce the others to keep physically fit, especially ■the Australians and New Zealanders. Me found them, on the whole, more .'disposed for strenuous diversions than

the others. Their health, when he quitled the camp on the 7th March, was reasonably good all round. Sullivan wants to impress upon the friends of the prisoners the importance of helping them to keep going physically. He mentions two shortages, particularly of indoor gymnastic shoes of various sizes to tho largest, preferably with rope soles, as rubber is probably barred by the authorities. He says it is difficult to keep men at the gymnasium, which is a godsend in the winter, because baro i'eet won't endure the rough floor, and-the regulation heavy clogs are disheartening. Other requirements are boxing gloves. The Australian committee is promoting tho welfare of the Australians and New Zealanders, especially social intercourse, in order to combat the prison gloom. The committee's work is invaluable, but, ho added, the only reedy was general repatriation. It is the saddest sight to see men, especially the younger generation, losing the most valuable year's of their life, and employing their best energies merely for tho purpose, of keeping up their spirits, and preventing general deterioration. He confirms the, view that parcels from home alone enable the prisoners to keep alive. It may bo that it was due to German neglect in the earlier periods, but ho is doubtful if Germany is able to do mueh. Recently, owing to our own food troubles, the prisoners' staple | food has long been potatoes and turnips, and a very small ration of meat once a week. No one could subsist _ \

thereon. Now the Australian Bed Cross has taken up the despatch of parcels it is anticipated that everything regarding delivery will be satisfactory. Ample bread was available from Holland, ,and over many biscuits were supplied. He "suggested other foods might be substituted. The mails are very unreliable, but there ia no means of ascertaining where the leakages occur.

Sullivan looks well, and is little altered. He attributes to his incessant activities his physical and social condition. He modestly refuses to accept the credit of keeping the camp in good heart, but other released prisoners place the matter beyond doubt.