SCOTLAND IN WAR TIME.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 30, Issue 19, 8 March 1918, Page 6

SCOTLAND IN WAR TIME.

A CLERGYMAN’S IMPRESSIONS. “Conditions are getting worse every month,” was the declaration in regard to Scotland made by tho Rev. 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 May, 1914. The war breaking out just prior to tho date ho intended to commence a tour of Europe, he remained for ministerial duties in Scotland. Mr Sands was, until he left for Australia, a couple of months ago, in close touch with Scot' land 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 by it, 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 kind of bread. Everything is diluted, even to clothing materials 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 small quantities —4oz or Boz at a time; and no more than 11b of sugar could be obtained 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 tho summer time to take in stocks as a precaution against certain dearness and scarcity in winter. As a general rule, they followed this advice. Prices arc very high. A Glasgow merchant told me that during the winter which is now in progress money would be of no great value, because tho supplies would be too small to meet.the demands.”

Wonderful impetus has been given to tho production of foodstuffs, Mr Sands said. Plots were allocated to house-, holders, 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 arc 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 arrangement 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, whoso courage and fortitude are inspiring. They take the enlistment of fathers, husbands, and brothers as quite the right thing, and would bo surprised if the menfolk did otherwise. They are determined to sec the 'thing through to the end, and think nothing of making sacrifices. Their motto is: “The war must bo won. ’ ’