The value of this system of managing the colony may be illustrated from one example, typical of many, which reflects credit upon the captains and civic organising committee.  Butter was a luxury and could not be purchased in the camp for less than 3s. 2d. per pound.  Yet this figure was decidedly below that ruling in the shops of Berlin for this article of food.  Under these circumstances one might wonder how we were able to sell butter at a cheaper figure than the native tradesmen, and readers might be disposed to entertain the opinion that here, at all events, we did receive a valuable concession from the German authorities.  But it was no such thing.  The camp treasury secured a quotation for butter and at once realised that the terms were far too high for the prisoners as a whole.  Consequently they decided to place this and margarine upon sale at attractive and possible prices.  The purchasing department was allotted a certain figure for purchasing, but as this was insufficient the difference in the prime cost was taken from the common fund.  Hence we never paid more than 3s. 2d. per pound retail in the camp, although the price was soaring in Berlin, so long as the article was obtainable.  This division of the cost between the communal shop and the common fund brought butter within the reach of those who otherwise would have had to be content with dry bread, because very few of us could have afforded the luxury had Berlin prices prevailed in Ruhleben.  Incidentally the price of butter serves to convey a tangible idea of the economic conditions reached in Germany and that within nine months of the outbreak of hostilities!

When the prisoners discovered that they could obtain the majority of things which serve to make life bearable even under depressing and oppressive conditions they commenced to launch out in the acquisition of things for improving creature comfort.  With the money drawn from the banks and other institutions they purchased beds, cupboards, utensils, electric reading lamps, clothes, and what not to render their living quarters attractive and to improve their personal appearance and conditions.  This extra work threw a heavy strain upon the clerical department which, within a short time, demanded organisation.  The position of auditor was assumed by J——­, who gathered a competent staff, and they worked like Trojans on behalf of the camp.  Many times, while on night patrol as a policeman, I found J——­ and his assistants burning the midnight oil at 1 a.m., straightening out the accounts and posting the books of the treasury.  He and his staff deserve the greatest credit for the high-spirited manner in which and the hours they worked on behalf of their fellow-prisoners.

The shop-keeping industry received a decided impetus when the British Emergency Relief Fund was inaugurated.  Under this scheme, five shillings per week were paid regularly through the American Embassy to all prisoners who were in need of financial assistance.