LIFE IN RUSSIA

Manawatu Herald, Volume LII, Issue 4685, 21 November 1931, Page 1

LIFE IN RUSSIA

VERY LOW STANDARD

“There is n very low standard ol' living in Russia. People apparently have enough to eat, hut they are all reduced to a eonrnion h'vel. below whieh it would he dillieull to Midi," said Dr. .T. Cunning, a Harley Street specialist ,on his arrival in Sydney recently in the course of a 'world tour.

Dr. Cunning, who recently visited Russia, said that practically no constructive work had been done in Leningrad since tin* war. The roadways were Cull of holes, and Iho few dilapidated vehicles jolted across them precariously. The shop windows were dirty, and generally empty of attractive commodities. The buildings were in a state of disrepair, and badly needl'd coats of paint.

Every few hundred yards was a book-shop, which was a centre of Communist propaganda. These bookshops and the food queues were among the most pronounced impressions the visitor received in Russia.

The great palaces of the ruling classes before the revolution had, in many instances, been .converted into holiday homes for the workers. They were packed with labourers spending their M days’ holiday a year. The men and their families seemed miserable, and quite out of place as they wandered ill-dad through the gilded rooms of the houses, which had become more and more disreputable as time went on. No attempt was made to repair the ravages of the weather or the vandalism of the occupants. Workmen spent most of their time playing games, generally dominoes, and appeared glad to return to their work.

Dr Cunning said that the definition “worker” meant anyone who worked with his hands. A doctor, who worked day and night, was not considered to have the status of a workman. He was paid more than he was a few years ago, but the taxes and high price of food brought him back to the level of the labourer. Food was very dear. The Russians seemed apathetic. They had enough food to stave off hunger, though they often had to stand in queues to obtain if. They were badly clothed, and seemed content to sleep in rooms occupied by .1(5 or 17 people.