CONDITIONS IN RUSSIA

Waikato Times, Volume 119, Issue 19889, 19 May 1936, Page 9

CONDITIONS IN RUSSIA

“LEGACY OF HOVELS.” LETTER TO HAMILTONIAN. IMPROVEMENT IN HOUSING. Some Interesting information giving the Russian opinion on conditions in Russia is contained in a letter written by the chief editor of the Moscow Radio Centre to a Hamilton listener. “We are glad to know the* you are one of our listeners,” the letter states, “and that you find something of interest in our broadcasts.” “We note,” the letter continues, “What you say about the travellers who have been to our country complaining of bad housing conditions, dirt and squalor, etc.” The writer emphatically disagrees with the views expressed by such travellers. They had not opened their eyes a great deal when they were in Russia. The writer claimed that it could be said without any exaggeration that they were carrying out the biggest construction of dwelling houses ever undertaken within such a short space of time. “Legacy of Hovels.” “We do not deny,” Ihe writer added. “that there are still with us as a legacy from the pre-revolutionary days, many hovels that we, as well as any travellers, dislike very much, but we are firmly convinced that just as our five year plans have been eminently success Bui, and also our plan for large scale collective farming with modern machinery, that it will not be very long before the remaining legacy of hovels will disappear.” It was also stated that the Russian cities could compare more than favourably with cities in many countries for cleanliness. In conclusion, the writer stated that comments and criticisms of the broadcasts would be welcomed.