CONDITIONS IN BERLIN.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 August 1916, Page 3

CONDITIONS IN BERLIN.

IMPRESSION OF NEUTRALS. THE JUTLAND ILLUSION. A small party of neutrals, subjects of a State which, under the present circumstances. can be most conveniently readied via Russia, recently arrived in Pctrograd after a stay of one month in Berlin. The party consisted of half-a-dozen boys, who had been receiving a European education at Brussels, and three gentlemen of their own nationality, who bail been sent to bring them home to their parents. The following notes of tlieir experiences will be of interest at the present moment:— - "The Germans have lately been showing unusual kindness to Belgians, evidently with the intention of winning the i flections of the people and erasing the memories of Louvain and other unpardonable horrors. The order oi the day is now—in Brussels, at any ratesuavity and mildness. The eflect seems dubious, but it is difficult to judge. "We came through Berlin and bad to stay there a month. The moment we arrived our first care was to visit our Consul, -who took us to the police to get bread and meat tickets, as the primary essentials of life in Germany nowadays. Meat can be had nominally five days a week, beinrr absolutely forbidden fov two days. But, although provided with tickets, we never got any meat during our stay. Bread cannot be got at any price anywhere except by the .presentation of a ticket for a very limited quantity. Berlin is full enough of people, but it is very dangerous to go out in the evening except in a few of the best streets owing to the daring bands of apaches. "Hatred and abuse of England and everything English seem to form the staple of conversation. We were in Berlin when the news was published of the 'glorious victory' over the British Fleet in the North Sea. Berlin went mad with joy. Not a man, woman or child anywhere but war adorned with flowers and ribbons. The streets Were gav with Hags, and all the vehicles were decorated with Hags, ribbons and llowers. "The Germans seem excessively afraid of anything in the nature of information leaving their country. All passengers, ■however highly accredited, are stripped to the skin, as a matter of course. There are male and 'female searchers, and a minute examination is made both of the person and of every stitch and shred of clothing, to say nothing of luggage. Everything in the nature of wfSting is immediately impounded. Yes, the Germany are certainly suffering .from ji shortage of food, but they are not starved, though they look thin. But in Brussels every scrap oi food the Belgians can get is prompt!" '"''fln for the Geu- . josm soldier*."