TEACHER’S TRAVELS

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 150, 20 March 1936, Page 12

TEACHER’S TRAVELS

Conditions in Russia and

Germany “HITLER A NEUROTIC” Dominion Special Service. Dunedin, March 19. Some exciting experiences in Europe ami some interesting observations on current affairs in Russia and Germany were recounted to-day by Mr. Alfred C. Notman,’ M.A., Dip. Ed., who has just returned to Dunedin after spending 16 months as exchange teacher under engagement, to the London Education Authority. Mr. Notman said all conversation, in Russia had to be undertaken through an interpreter, and this constituted a considerable disadvantage. He had been in Leningrad and Moscow in the middle of winter, with snow falling to a depth of two feet, and tempera tares below zero practically all the time. He had been surprised to find that at this season of the year a comprehensive programme of building and street remodelling was being carried out in Moscow. He had concluded from his observations that Stalin was the man who made Russia what it was to-day. Speaking of Russia’s efforts to become self-sufficient, Mr. Notman said that every effort was being made to develop the immense natural resources of the country, and 10 years of peace would probably result in its becoming the most powerful country in the world. The people were very quiet, and their outlook was definitely more Eastern than Western. They appeared to be weii satisfied with the conditions obtaining, but as very few of them ever had an opportunity of travelling, they had no Standard of comparison. Education was being given the closest of attention, and the aim was to extend education to all from seven to 18 years of age. There were five children’s theatres in Moscow, and the greatest players of the day were required by the State to provide suitable plays for children. The trains were described as exceptionally poor. The rolling stock was antiquated and the heating method's primitive in the extreme, though the temperature was below zero most of the time. Little effort was made to ensure comfort of passengers and travelling was less attractive there than anywhere else he had been. Mr. Notman made two visits to Germany, and on the second occasion he was particularly impressed with the advance in prosperity which was apparent in the 10 months which had elapsed since his first visit. He had not actually seen Hitler, but had formed the opinion from what be had heard that the dictator was a neurotic and a creature of passion and instinct rather than reason. Civil obedience had been brought about by force, and it appeared that there was a slow upward pressure of dissatisfaction. Hitler’s lieutenants, Goering, Goebbels and Schacht, were not a happy team, and it seemed there might be party disruption, in which case it was not unlikely that Hitler would follow the example of Mussolini and go to war.