FOOD AND TRANSPORT

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9630, 10 April 1917, Page 6

FOOD AND TRANSPORT

GERMAN RAILWAY TROUBLES. STRAIN OF THE COMING OFFENSIVE. About fifteen American Consuls and double that number of civilians have passed through hsre from Germany during the last 24 hours (wrote a “Daily News" correspondent from Zurich on February 22nd). Opinions on the internal situation in Germany vary according to the district from which indivdual travellers come. For instance, those from Hamburg and northern ports generally report that things are bad. Those from Munich, on the contrary, say there is no shortage in the officially regulated supplies. It is, significant, however, that all welcomed the meal obtained after crossing the frontier. The most concise resume of the situation was given me by a civilian American leaving Berlin after two years’ residence who. unhampered by the hesitations of the Consuls, who consider it their duty to report to Washington before talking, declares that though there is no starvation there is hunger through vhe land. Things had become rapidly worse since the beginning of the year. The food supplies had been, however, so systematically organised by the Government Departments that the reduced food stocks were being equitably distributed. COMING TEST. It was, he said, nevertheless doubtful whether the machine will not fall to pieces in the near future over difficulties of transport. The Germans seem to have neglected the reconstruction of railway stock, which is being used up very rapidly. The average number of locomotives in the repair sheds is double what it was a short time ago. Lubricants are scarce, and delays caused by over-heated axles, etc., are frequent. The passenger train services are curtailed. My informant said he could foresee the possibility of the marvellous organisation built up in the last twelve months for the allocation and distribution of foodstuffs becoming disorganised if tbe approaching offensives take place In varied sectors and are so sustained that it will be necessary for Germany to employ practically the whole of her rolling stock for military needs. VEXATIOUS DELAY.

The principal complaints of the Americans were of delays in the arrangements for their departure, refusal of the choice of the country to which they travel from Germany, the inability of the Consuls to communicate with their colleagues until they found themselves collected at Munich, and the severity of the search on leaving the country. It was admitted, however, that certain of their number had got through with the greatest ease and speed. When the travellers were shown reports that Americans had been molested and insulted in Germany they expressed astonishment and declared that they had no knowledge of anything of the kind. ,