PENWOMEN'S CLUB.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 117, 20 May 1933, Page 13

PENWOMEN'S CLUB.

Sirs. R. Laidlaw gave a lecture on her experiences during a short, tour of Soviet Russia to the members of the Penwomen'3 Club on Friday afternoon. The speaker visited Leningrad ar:d Moscow, and mentioned the line buildings in the former city and the empty shops. In Moscow the red mausoleum of Lenin, which is open to the public for two hours daily, affords an impressive sight. A procession of workers is continually passing the tomb where the embalmed body of Lenin can be teen. Mrs. Laidlaw was impressed by the beauty of the art galleries and Hie crystal and the lapis-lazuli rooms :n the palace of the Czar. She spoke of the ideas of the Government concerning the education of the masses, and said that an allowanco was granted to enable workers to pass through the universities. The'food of .the people was mainly cabbage soup and black rye bread, but they were better clad than formerly and wore shoes. Creches and nurseries were attached to every factory, and women workers were allowed eight weeks' vacation before and after the birth of a Child. Marriages could be dissolved for two shillings. There were no illegitimate children. Religious instruction was forbidden to children under IS years of age. The president, Mrs. CarrRollett, presided.