GERMAN METHODS.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume III, Issue 926, 29 January 1917, Page 8

GERMAN METHODS.

THE SLAVE RAIDS. AN AUTHENTIC ACCOUNT. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON, January 27. The Belgian Government has secured the first authentic narrative of the slave raids from some Ghent deportees. These accounts show that the men were marched to the stations between troops in the middle of November and herded in wagons. They travelled without food all night, and the only food they had in 28 hours was a bowl of rice and meat. They were then marched in darkness to a farm, and 650 herded in barns and stables. They slept on straw placed on the bare ground. Only one-third per day got boards on which they could sleep. Half of the deportees were exhausted by their journey. Their quarters were not heated. One victim collapsed the first day and nearly died of cold. After a meal of bread, cheese, and rice broth they went without food for 24 hours.

At 5 o'clock in the morning a bugle call summoned the men to work, but they were so worn out with hunger and fatigue that they refused and the order was postponed for two hours, when half the number agreed to work. They were given picks and shovels, but saw German military pioneers working ahead, and refused to go farther, pointing out that they had been promised proper food and lodging and that they would not be employed on war work. The men were then marched back lo the farm, but later, when the deportees again refused to work, an officer informed the Pioneers' commander and the latter ordered the Belgians to begin. When they refused two German officers rode into the Belgians whipping them while soldiers kicked them. The German commander began parleying, but without success, and ordered 20 soldiers to load and present their arms. Some of the Belgians were overcome by fear and yielded, and the rest followed them, and work began. The conditions were of the most unhealthy nature. Their clothes were drenched with rain and there were no means of drying them. The men became weaker every day. They ate raw cabbages and potatoes, and were glad to cook a hedgehog. The weak fell exhausted, and the strongest sickened of complaints and cold and hunger. No heed was taken of this, despite repeated promises, and the men grew seriously ill. Every day comrades died in fireless and bcdless stables. Their sufferings lasted for a week and then the Germans, evidently realising that it was useless to employ men under such conditions, allowed them to return. Some arrived in Ghent after journeying for 28 hours without food or drink: