Another Seaman’s Peep Behind The Iron Curtain

Grey River Argus, 7 October 1949, Page 8

Another Seaman’s Peep Behind The Iron Curtain

AUCKIAND, Oct 6

A South African Indian, Danny Sing, assistant steward on the freighter Wye Valley which arrived at Auckland yesterday, said “Before I visited Russia I was inclined to think there might be something in Communism but, now that I have seen a little behind the Iron Curtain I strongly advise any person who preaches Communism to go and have a look, too—he will quickly change his mind.” On its previous voyage the ship carried a cargo of wool from Welling-

•>- in Knvn-n-cnc.cjp I nr l '-' About a mointh later in the Rumanian port of Galatzz on the Danube, a fellow seaman of Sine- was shot dead by a wharf guard. “At Novo.-ossv~sk the shin was thoroughly searched, everybody being ordered on deck meanwhile,” Sing said. While the ship was discharging the crew was allowed ashore, but were followed everywhere. “One dozen eggs cost Sing 17s 6d. A friend paid 30s for a seat at a circus Picture theatres were free but only ■n" nropaeanda films were shown. Russian workers were paid something like £6O to £7O monthly, but could buy nothing with the money. Jhe population seemed ragged, poorly fed, ’mhtened and wouldn’t talk to foreigners. At Galatz ragged children who begged for food and clothing wore chased away by guards.