LIFE IN RUSSIA.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 219, 16 September 1930, Page 7

LIFE IN RUSSIA.

IMPRESSIONS OF TOURISTS?

LONDON, September 12,

A rosy picture was painted by Mr. E. B. Lucas, of Sydney, after a visit to Leningrad and Moscow. The Russian ship on which he travelled was most comfortable, and delicate foods were served. The captain 'messed [with the crew. A beautiful Russian woman bank Clerk scrubbed the decks, declaring that it was an ideal way of spending a holiday.

Mr. Lucas i 'd no unemployment was evident, and although the living standard was luxurious compared with that of the Czarist regime, it' wouldn't: suit Australians. In Leningrad one saw cobbled streets and tumble-down buildings which had not been painted since the revolution. It Was impossible to get a tramcar seat owing to the rolling-stock shortage; Everywhere the people were working busily. 'Women swing picks and shovels alongside the men:

"I offered a tip to a Russian, but he refused,, sayihg that the Soviet absolutely forbid gratuities," said Mr. Lucas. "We went to a Leningrad church with thousands of worshippers, and saw no religious persecution, although there were anti-religious moving p : rtures. Maybe we saw only what the Soviet wanted to .be seen." /*

Mr. Ernest Bryce, ex-secretary of the Sydney Zoological Society, found it very difficult to get food anywhere except at .the liig hotels. He. had booked a bed at the Metropolo-Hotel, in ■ Moscow, and arrived to find .the place .crowded out: Finally ail . old woinan offered him a bathroom..

"One man waited his turn for three months to buy a pair of boots, and is still waiting," sad Mr. Bryee.