THE RUSSIAN FAMINE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18131, 1 July 1922, Page 11

THE RUSSIAN FAMINE.

HORRORS OF STARVATION.

SUFFERINGS OF CHILDREN.

An interesting lecture on " Russian Conditions To-day " was delivered by the Rev. W. G. Monckton in St. Matthew's parish hall last evening in aid of the Russian Famine Relief Fund. The Rev. C. H. Grant Cowen presided, and members of the citizens' committee in charge of the funds were among those present. Mr. Monckton quoted Mr. Hoover's • report that in one Russian town the population had been reduced by starvation to 2000, and that in many parts of the country only 25 per cent, of the children could be saved. In the Samara district, which is about the size of the North Island of New Zealand, no less than 90 per cent, of the children over the age of three years had died. He quoted the statement made by an American relief worker to the effect that of the children brought to one of the kitchens not a single child under the age of eight had a vestige of clothing on its body, and this in a temperature of 15 degrees below zero. Lord Wardale had that unless more help was forthcoming even many of the children already saved would die. Mr. Monckton concluded by saying that for every pound sent to' Russia one child could be saved, and for every shil- ■ liug sent one child could be fed for one * week.

The lecture was illustrated by a number of photographs taken en the spot, graphically showing the pitiable conditions to which the children were reduced by famine, and the admirable work carried on by the relief organisations.