SCOTLAND IN WAR TIME.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LII, Issue 53, 2 March 1918, Page 8

SCOTLAND IN WAR TIME.

A CLERGYMAN'S IMPRESSIONS.

"Conditions are getting worse every month,' .was the declaration in regard to Scotland made by the--Hew Robert C. Sands, formerly of Geelong. who has returned to Sydney after three and ahalf years spent in the land of "Bobbie" Burns. Resigning the Geelong charge in order to visit Europe and America, Mr Sands arrived in time to represent New South Wales at the United Free Church of Scotland Assembly at Edinburgh in war breaking out just prior to the date he intended to commence a tour of Europe, he remained for ministerial du# ties in Scotland. Mr Sands was, until he left for Australia, a couple of months ago, in close touch with Scotland under war conditions. Hence his statement that "conditions" are getting worse every month. - "The bread was so bad that it surpasses description," said Mr Sands, referring to the period just prior, to his departure. "People with sensitive or delicate constitutions were made ill byit, and in some cases it had such a serious effect that sufferers had to get medical authority in order to be supplied with-a different lcind-of -bread. Evgtjthin<r is diluted, even to clothing materi& and soaps. Even milk is diluted, chemically treated. The position became very acute about the end of September. Tea could be obtained only in very email quantities—4oz or Boz at a time; and no more than lib of sugar could be abtained at once. The queues that form in the poorer sections are growing longer and more numerous, and they have to be managed by the police. As regards coal, the people were advised by the authorities in the summer time _ to take in stocks as a 'precaution against certain dearness and scarcity in winter. Ah a general rule, they followed this advice. Prices are very high. A Glasgow merchant told'me that during the winter which is now in progress money would be of no great value, because the supplies would be too small to meet the demands." . Wonderful impetus haa been given to the production of. foodstuffs, Mr Sands said. Plots were, allocated to householders, and from them was produced abundance of vegetables—in fact, so many people devoted their small patches to potatoes that there was such a surplus that a problem arose as to what to do with the crops. The plotholders are not allowed to sell any of the produce, , though they may exchange with one another. The grass land in. public parks is being devoted to a continually increasing extent to these plots. Naturally this production has relieved the food •problem considerably. Of meat and fats there is no shortage, though prices are very high. Butter, for instance, was, when Mr Sands .left, ruling at 4s 6d per pound, and. at that price could be. obtained only on special arrangements being made. Eggs cost from 4d to 6d each. .'The people of Scotland are displaying a wonderful war spirit." Mr Sands continued. Especially is this so in regard to the women, whose courage and fortitude are inspiring. Thev take the enlistment of fathers, husbands, and brothers as quite the right thing, and would be surprised if the menfolk did otherwise. They are determined to see the thing through to the end, and think nothing of making sacrifices. Their motto is: "The war must be won."