RECOVERY IN RUSSIA.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18262, 22 December 1924, Page 11

RECOVERY IN RUSSIA.

OPTIMISTIC SURVEY. ! LABOUR DEPUTATION'S REPORT. (by cable— press association— copyright) I (AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION.) (Received December 21st, 51.5 p.m.) LONDON. December 21. The preliminary report of the Labour deputation from Russia occupies a column on the main page of the "Observer," and is likely to bo the subject of acute controversy. The full report is promised in a few weeks. The delegates state specifically that Russia has almost balanced her budget, and restored her productivity relative to the pre-war standard at a rate comparing favourably "with tho general European average. New housing schemes, making provision for tho erection of model cottages superior to sojne of the Government houses provided in Britain, are being pushed forward with energy and ability. A great effort is being made to eliminate illiteracy. The Church has been disestablished, and no religious instruction. is given in tho schools, but there is no interference with religious freedom.

Prostitution, gambling, and other vices are being rapidly eliminated by educational effort and drastic State regulations. Millions of new capital could be properly and safely invested in the development of Russia's enormous economic possibilities.