SCOTLAND IN WAR TIME.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 January 1918, Page 3

SCOTLAND IN WAR TIME.

A CLERGYMAN'S -IMPRESSIONS. "Conditions are getting worse every month,", was the declaration in regard to Scotland made by the Rev. Robert C. Sands, formerly of Geelong, who has returned to Sydney after three and a-half years spent in the land of "Bobbie" Burns. Resigning his Geelong charge in order to visit Europe and America., Mr. Sands arrived in time to represent New. South Waleij at the United Free Church of Scotland Assembly at Edinburgh in May, 1914. The war breaking out just prifcr to the date he intended to commence a tour of Europe, he remained for ministerial duties in Scotland, and his first responsibility was to relieve the Rev. .T ,T. Pride from the parish of Penpoat, in Dumfriesshire, in order that he might take up war service. He was also for ten months in charge of the Auchtertool parish, Kirkcaldy. ~ Mr. Sands was, until he left for Australia, a couple of months ago, iri close J touch with Scotland under war conditions. Hence his statement that "condi|tjonß arc getting worse every month." "The 'bread was so bad that it surpasses description," said Mr. Sands to a Herald reporter, referring to the period just prior to his departure. "People with sensitive or delicate constitutions were made ill by it, and in some cases it had such a serious affect that sufferers had to get mofical authority in order to be supplied with a (Tifferent kind of bread. Everything diluted, even to clothing materials and soaps. Ewn milk is diluted, chemically treated. The position became very acute about the end of September. /*Fea could be obtained only ih very smiill quantities—4oz or 807, at a 1 time; and no more than lib of sugar could at once. The queues that form in the poorer sections are, growing longer and mere numerous, and they have to be managed by the police. As tegards coal, the people were advised btf the authorities in the summer time j to take in stocks as a precaution against certain dearness and scarcity in winter. As ft general rule, they followed this advice. Prices are very high. A Glasgow merchant told me that during the winter, which.is now in progress money would Be of no groat value, because the supplies I Would be too small to meet the demands." Wonderful impetus has been given to the production of foodstuffs, Mr. Sands said./ Plots/were allocated to house-1 holers .and from them was produced aWindance of vegetables—in fact, so Wny people devoted their small patches to potatoes' that there waa such a surplus that a problem arose as to what to do with the crops. The plot-holders are not allowed to sell any of the produce, though they may exchange with one another. The grass land in public parks is being devoted to a continually increasing l extent to these-plots. Naturally this production has relieved the food problem considerably. Of meats and fats theTo is' no shortage, though prices are very hio-h. Butter, for instance, was, when. Mr. Sands felt, ruling at 4s Gd a pound,! and at that price could be obtained only 1 on specia.l arrangements Ibeing made, j Eggs, cost from 4d to 6d each. "The people of Scotland are displaying a wonderful war spirit," Mr. Sands continued. Especially is this so in regard to the women, whose courage and fortitude are inspiring. They take the enlistment of fathers, husbands, and brothers as quite t'he right thing, and would be surprised if the menfolk did otherwise. They are determined to see the thing through to the end, and think nothing of making sacrifices. Their motto is: "The war must be won." "Being from Australia," Mr. Sands concluded, "I .was very struck with the admiration the Australian soldiers excited wherever they went; hut especially in. Edinburgh. Large numbers of Australians, New Zealandcrs, and Canadians visit that city—in fact, they are advised l).v the military authorities to do so in preference to remaining in London, whilst on furlough. They all appeared to enjov themselves, and certainly the Scottish people are always prepared to welcome them, and do what they can to mako their time enjoyable."