MAY DAY.

Evening Star, Issue 21710, 3 May 1934, Page 3

MAY DAY.

TO THIS EDITOR. Sir, —In dealing with the above subject you make two statements which are inaccurate and extremely misleading. When referring to Russia you say: “ Red rule in that country is still maintained over a deluded and unhappy people.” 1 would like to ask why you say deluded? And I believe that they are not unhappy. As a matter of fact, after reading impressions of many visitors to Russia I am satisfied that as a people they are very much wide-awake and extremely happy. In the January issue of the ‘ New Zealand Co-operator ’ is an article showing that 90 per cent, of the commerce is carried out by the cooperative societies. This will satisfy most of your English and Scottish readers as to whether they are deluded or not. Then from time to time some very enlightening articles appear in the Chicago ‘ Christian Century ’ dealing with Russia from a social, moral, and Christian standpoint, and they have proved conclusively that Russia is deflnitely on the up-grade, producing a people of a high moral type; and, further, they claim that as a result of visiting Russia many religious leaders in America are changing their outlook, and view Russia with distinct favour. So much for the deluded and unhappy people. In the same article, when referring to the Austrian clash, yoUjsay it was a rising of the Austrian Social Democratic Party, and purely a Red (revolt. This is the most misrepresented and misleading statement that has appeared in your paper for some time. The affair in Austria was a deliberate, unprovoked attack on the workers by the Dollfuss Government for no other reason than that, owing to the success of the Socialist administration in Vienna, the vast majority of the population were showing signs of supporting the Social-

ists. When the affair took place the British Press was unanimous and loud in its praise of the Socialists’ work in building the fine, commodious workers’ dwellings and transforming Vienna into One of the finest cities in the world, and it also trenchantly condemned the ruthless slaying of men, women, and children by the Dollfuss forces. I think all Christendom should have raised its voice in protest against the Dollfuss brutality, but instead you deliberately mis-state the position. 1 believe you would have earned the deep gratitude of many of your readers if you had allied yourself with your British brethren.—l am, etc., W. Dickinson. May]. \