CONDITIONS IN RUSSIA.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 19732, 24 September 1929, Page 11

CONDITIONS IN RUSSIA.

BRITISH MINERS CURED. SUCCESSFUL EXPERIMENT. (fxitfcft taut uaociAT.-ox—bt ilecteio mtasixta copyright.) LONDON, September 22. Tht remarkably original plan of the <Bftllft|ement of Tllmaußtone Colliery, which paid the expenses of two men to Visit Russia following constant dispute* at the eollierv, was most successful. It was stipulated that if the men found that conditions were preferable there, they should stay in Russia and their families would be sent to join them, otherwise they were to quit the company 's employ. An alternative was j that they should publiclv address the minors, and truthfully tell them what they saw. The men returned and said that they were lucky to get out alive. Addressing trie miners they gave such a scathing condemnation of the Soviet that when the management subsequently offered to pay the whole of the expenses to Russia of any employee none accepted. One of the men stated that on arrival at Moscow, although they were ravenously hungry, they could not eat the food consisting of chunks of skewered beef, bread, and water. Some of the sights in tho streets were re volting and indescribable. Cripples and aged beggars of both sexes were sit ting or lying on the pavements and in the gutters. Everything was most expensive. In street after street there were bread queues, in which thousands waited all day for their daily ration. Housing was terrible, and many families had to live and sleep in one room Thousands were without work and sanitation was There were millions of flics. The miners' houses were more shacks. The collier's average output waa three tons a day. This had to be obtained before the m.nmum wage was reached. If it were lesß, wages were reduced in proportion. There was intense official dislike of Mr Mac Donald, Mr Clyhfcs, and Mr Henderson. — Australian Press Association. MINERS' HOURS. STEPS TO REDUCE THEM. (Received September 23rd, 7 p.m.) LONDON, September 22. The Minister for Mines, in a'speecli at Sheffield, declared that as soon as Parliament reopened, steps would be taken to reduce the miners' hours. Parliament would be tested on the issue.—Australian Press Association. | BRITISH RELATIONS WITH SOVIET. RESUMPTION TO BB DISCUSSED. (fttms* omcni wtixtaaa.) (Received September 28rd, 5.5 p.m.) RUGBY, September 21. The Soviet Government has informed the British Government, through tho Norwegian Government, that M. DovaleVski, Soviet leader in Paris, will leave Paris for London on September 93rd, to discuss the resumption of Anglo-Russian diplomatic relations. . CRITICISM OF MACDONALD GOVERNMENT. (Received September 23rd, 7 p.m.) LONDON, September 22. The Moscow correspondent of the British United Press states that M. Rykov, addressing the Congress of Soviets, emphMised that M. Fevgalevsky's authority was strictly limited to Siestions of procedure. He attacked • Mac Donald Government for playing the dubious game of eatching Labour votes and Conservative goodwill at the aame time.—Australian Press Association.