RUSSIAN BUDGET.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 22 December 1924, Page 5

RUSSIAN BUDGET.

— ALMOST BALANCED. LABOUR DELEGATES’ REPORT BY CABLE—PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT LONDON, Dec. 21. The preliminary report of the Labour deputation . from Russia occupies a column on the main page of the Observer, and is likely to be the subject of an acute controversy. Tlie full report is promised in a feAv Aveeks. The delegates state specifically that Russia has almost balanced her Budget, and has restored productivity relative to the pre-war standard at a rate comparing favourably .with the general European average. New housing schemes, making provision for the erection of model cottages superior to some of the Government houses provided in Britain, are being pushed forward Avith energy and ability. A great effort is being made to elim-inate-illiteracy. The Church has been disestablished, and no . religious instruction is being given in the 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 neAy capital could be properly and safely invested in the development of Russia’s enormous economic possibilities.