STATE OF SOVIET RUSSIA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18888, 22 December 1924, Page 11

STATE OF SOVIET RUSSIA.

LABOUR MEMBERS' REPORT. BUDGET ALMOST BALANCED. RESTORING PRODUCTIVITY. SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC REFORM. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. (Received 5.5 p.m;) A. and N.Z. 'LONDON. Dec. 19. The preliminary report of the Labour deputation which visited Russia occupies a column on the main page of the Observer. It is likely to be the subject of acute controversy. A full report is promised within a few weeks.

The delegates specifically state that Russia has almost balanced her Budget and has restored her 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 6ome of the Government houses provided in Britain, are being pushed forward with energy and ability.

A great effort is being made to eliminate illiteracy. The Church has been disestablished, and no religious instruction is given in schools, but there is no interference with religious freedom.

Prostitution, gambling and other social evils are being rapidly eliminated by,educational effort and drastic State regulations.

Millions of new capital could properly and safely be invested in the development of Russia's enormous economic possibilities.