GLIMPSE OF LIFE IN RUSSIA

Taranaki Daily News, 13 July 1929, Page 19

GLIMPSE OF LIFE IN RUSSIA

VICTORIA LEAGUE AFTERNOON. A charming and interesting afternoon was enjoyed by a large gathering of New Plymouth Victoria League members and friends yesterday, when Mesdames P. J. Knight and P. Hoby, Tataraimaka, were hostesses Pt a floral and musical tea. The club room was decorated with large bowls of wattle and hydrangeas, while the floral table was beautiful with masses of early spring flowers and ferns from the bush. Mesdames C. J. Harris and J. W. Connell and Miss Lucis Knight entertained with music and recitations. During tea the president, Mrs. C. H. Burgess, welcomed home Mrs, W. H. Skinner and farewelled Mrs. Campbell, a member of the council, who will leave shortly on a visit to Tahiti. Mrs, Burgess also thanked the hostesses for the enjoyable party they had arranged, remarking how pleasant it was to see so many country members present. She introduced Mrs. C. J. Harris, Oakura, who gave a fascinating word picture of life in Russia as it was in pre-war days. Mrs. Harris spoke from personal experience. One winter she crossed the North Sea in a “tramp” as an only passenger. The boat sailed up the Volga as far as winter conditions would permit. Then Mrs. Harris took train for Petrograd. On the trip across she had seen Elsinore, Hamlet’s castle, standing clear and distinct against an evening sky. The traveller’s introduction to Russia was by way of two shabby, heavily-bearded excise officers of fearsome appearance, who examined luggage and literature prior to passengers landing. Mrs. Harris sketched the customs and home life in Petrograd, a city built on islands. One could feel the romance of pre-war Russia when she spoke of “sledges with bells,” and of the mystic flame springing tn light the candles at an Easter Resurrection service in the famous cathedral of St. Isaac. The dome of the cathedral was at that time covered with fine gold and its sacred pictures set with precious gems; one wondered how much of its splendour was left.

“It is the peasants who are th© real Russia, and it is not they who have caused the revolution.” The hearer’s sympathy was drawn to the peasant, with his child-like, mystical mind and generous nature. Mrs. Harris gave a brief outline of Communistic fife, in its true sense, of the inhabitants of villages in remote, isolated districts. The intrigue of life in high places was contrasted with the kindly interest which many large land-owners took in the peasant living on their property. Mrs. Harris was applauded for the glimpse she afforded of life in littleknown Russia.