The Vegan Spring 1969 by The Vegan Society

T H E VEGAN SOCIETY Founded November,

1944

Veganism is a way of living which excludes all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, the animal kingdom, and includes a reverence and compassion for all life. It applies to the practice of living on the products of the plant kingdom to the exclusion of flesh, fish, fowl, eggs, honey, animal milk and its derivatives, and encourages the use of alternatives for all commodities derived wholly or in part from animals. Veganism remembers man's responsibilities to the earth and its resources and seeks to bring about a healthy soil and plant kingdom and a proper use of the materials of the earth. President: Dr. FREY E L L I S , Deputy Presidents: Mrs. E. B. Vice-Presidents:

SHRIGLEY

, Epsom, Surrey. and Mr. J. SANDERSON.

Mrs. E . BATT, M r s . M . DRAKE, D r . C . NIMMO, Miss W .

Miss M. SIMMONS, Mrs. E. SHRIGLEY, Dr. F . WOKES. Secretary : Mrs. LOUISE D A V I S , , London, S.E.12. Treasurer : GRACE SMITH (to whom all subscriptions should be sent), So N.14. 01-886 6408. Librarian : Mr. W. H. C. WRIGHT, , Enfield, Middlesex. Committee: Mrs. E. BATT, Mr. H . BONNIE, Mrs. S. COLES, Dr. F . ELLIS, Miss T. LARKIN, Mr. J. SANDERSON, Mrs. E. SHRIGLEY, Mrs. G . SMITH, SIMMONS,

Dr.

F . WOKES, M r . W

W R I G H T , M r s . J . FUGEMAN.

Minimum subscription, which includes " The Vegan 15s. per annum (and 7s. 6d. for each additional member of one family at same residence); 7s. 6d. if age under 18; payable in January. Life Membership, £10 10s. Od.

THE VEGAN JOURNAL OF THE VEGAN

SOCIETY

The Editorial Board does not necessarily agree with opinions expressed by contributors to this magazine, or endorse advertisements. Please send articles, classified advertisements and letters for publication to 123 Baker Street, Enfield, Middlesex. Advertisements must be in keeping with the principles of veganism, and the Publishers reserve the right to refuse any advertisement, or cancel any order without explanation. Editorial Board : Mrs. E V A BATT, Mrs. SERENA C O L E S , Dr. FREY E L L I S . Editorial Adviser: Mr. JACK SANDERSON. Vegan bution Secretary: Miss THELMA LARKIN, West Horndon, Brentwood, Essex. Adver : H. H. GREAVES LTD., 106/110 Lordship Lane, London, S.E.22. Rates: Whole page—£10 0s. 0d.; Half page—£6 0s 0d.; Quarter page—£3 10s. Od. Published quarterly: Annual Subscription, 10s.; single copies, 2s. 6d. plus postage. Obtainable from the Hon. Secretary.

LITERATURE " T h e Reasons for Veganism." 4 page leaflet. 3d. S.A.E. only. " Vegan Protein Nutrition." 12 page leaflet. Is. 3d. post free. " A Handbook of Practical Veganism." 24 pages with cover. 2s. 9d. post free. " T h e Vegetarian and Vegan Food Guide." 2s. 6d. post free. " The Vegan Kitchen " by Freya Dinshah. 5s. 6d. De luxe edition, 7s. 6d. post free. " Quick and Easy Menus " by K. Keleny. 2s. l i d . post free. " Vegan Recipes." A collection of members' favourites. 10 sheets, Is. 9d. post free. All obtainable from the Secretary. (Cheques and postal orders should be made out to " The Vegan Society.")

Journal of the Vegan Society Vol. 16, No. 1

SPRING, 1969

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE'S REPORT For the Year Ended September 30th, 1968 READ AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING ON NOVEMBER 9th, 1968 The twenty-fourth year of the Vegan Society, although not marked by any epoch-making happening, has certainly not been lacking in activity and enthusiasm. A Garden Party was held at Mr. and Mrs. Jannaway's home at Leatherhead in June. The weather was perfect and, in spite of the " work to r u l e " on the railways at the time, enough people were able to get there to make it a very happy day indeed. Even though these occasions mean racing about with teapots, etc., for the officers and helpers, they are a most welcome break from the daily round. On September 7th, a well attended Extraordinary General Meeting was held in London for the purpose of electing an auditor. Mr. T. Leacock was nominated by Mrs. Smith, seconded by Mrs. Batt and adopted unanimously by-the members present. The meeting was held in the Restaurant of the Nature Cure Clinic kindly loaned to us for the day, and was followed by a Cookery Demonstration by Mrs. Mabel Cluer, which was enthusiastically received. Lectures on The Vegan Way of Life have been given at Eastbourne Natural Health Society; Girton College Vegetarian Society, Cambridge; . Attingham Park Conference on Animal Welfare; Medway Vegetarian Society, Rochester; and the National Campaign for the Abolition of Factory Farming at Caxton Hall. Mrs; Batt was the speaker on each of these occasions. The next lecture is on Veganism in Practice at 7.45 next Wednesday at the Civic Centre, Southend-on-Sea. The invitation comes from the newly formed Southend Vegetarian and Food Reform Society. And on December 16th at Torbay there is to be a talk on Vegan Travellers. 1

Meetings, " ..•, ........ ~ We cannot hold ' frequent vegan meetings ' because our members are so widely scattered that very few of them can be expected to attend. For this reason we appreciate the opportunity to co-operate with other groups sympathetic to, our ideals, and the A.G.M. of the Vegetarian Nutritional Research Council is always such an occasion. "This year by kind permission of Drs. Gordon and Barbara Latto, it was held in their garden at Reading. Special provisions for vegan refreshments were made and Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Batt were in charge of these. Several members kindly sent donations of vegan cakes and savouries. Dr. Wokes has asked us to say how pleased he is to see so many fellow vegans at the V.N.R.C. meetings. Between ten and twenty per cent, of the active members of the Centre are vegans. Vegans again represented the Society at the Vegetarian May Meetings at the Mecca Restaurant in London where we had vegan shoes on display. Several members camc along to help. There was also a good sprinkling of vegans at the Beauty Without Cruelty Fashion Show at the Rembrandt Hotel in September and several new vegan cosmetics have been introduced by B.W.C during the year. Our Secretary had a vegan stall at the Garden Patty' given by Mrs. Fugeman during the summer and we had bur usual stall at the Animals' Fair in November. We find that homemade vegan savouries attract much interest and we just never have enough of them. One of our members, George Tiritner, conducted the London Mozart Players at the Queen Elizabeth Hall (Royal Festival Hall, London) on September 20th. -They, and he, received a most enthusiastic ovation from the music ldvers. Our members will remember that at the A.G.M. last year our member Mr. B. Gunn-King kindly offered to represent our Society at the I.V.U. Congress in India. He will be telling us something about it after this meeting. Mrs. Coles and Miss Larkin attended a . conference of the Nature Cure Society of Great Britain in October.by invitation. Delegates from all societies endeavouring to foster the natural ways of living and compassion to the 'creature kingdom were present. It was hoped that the "co-operation of the societies, for the ideals which they shared, would be more purposeful when trying to obtain a hearing by. parliamentarians. ' The feeling of the. meeting was that it was necessary to restore normal conditions of clear air, pure water, healthy soil, food free from dyes, and natural methods of, healing' for those who wish for positive health. -.. • The launching on May 2nd of the scientific periodical Plant Foods for Human Nutrition is probably the, most importantstep towards nutritional education—and therefore veganism— made this year. . ; m 2

It is produced by the Vegetarian Nutritional Research Centre and the Science Council of the International Vegetarian Union. ' Pergamon Press describe the scope and aims of this Journal as follows: â&#x20AC;&#x201D; " The present nutrition journals deal mainly with animal foods, but economic forces are leading these to be replaced' more and more by plant foods which already constitute the greater part of the world's diet. The need has therefore arisen for a journal devoted entirely to plant foods, enabling the most comprehensive study of their part in human nutrition to be undertaken. The journal contains original articles dealing specially with microbiological and physico-chemical assays, dietary surveys and clinical trials, as well as abstracts of important papers; the reviews of significant books in this field. Particular attention is paid to ecological and economic aspects from the individual consumer to the large-scale production of. new foods from plant sources. The problems of acceptability and the presence of undesirable constituents will also be considered carefully. The aim of the journal is to collate and summarize, with the aid of international experts, essential scientific information that can provide a basis for a rational world food programme." , It was ,at the launching ceremony in the Commonwealth Institute, London, that a number of representatives of commonwealth countries, and industrialists; as well as many well-known vegetarians and vegans; had .their first taste of the new texturised plant protein foods; samples of T.V.P. flown over from America and Holland for the occasion. Milk tokens. Mr. W. Wright, our librarian, has been pressing the Ministry of Food for the right of vegans to obtain a vegetable milk for young children. We feel that vegan families should not be debarred from enjoying the privileges extended to nonvegans in the form of low priced milk for young children. If enough of usâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;whether or not we have babies, write to our M.P. or the Minister of Health and press for milk tokens in the Welfare Scheme to be made exchangeable for. vegetable milks, we shall be doing a great service to veganism, as well as the babies and young children who are allergic to cows' milk. One of our members in Holland is very active in writing to the papers about the fallacy of cows' milk as essential nutrition. One of the latest reports on school milk states that more children in this country suffer from overweight than under-nourishment, and milk is largely to blame. It is now considered a bad thing to give such a fattening food to these children. Membership. Fifty-five new members have joined which more than replaces those we'have lost during the year. Some forget to notify us of a change of address and sometimes it is years before they re-contact us. Literature. There has been a steady sale for our booklets 3

during the year and many people have written in for information and free leaflets. We are pleased to say that the Food Guide is to be revised shortly, and the London Vegetarian Society has undertaken the publication of the new edition. We shall, of course, be able to help with the vegan commodities. Mrs. Davis has been able to get several Health Food Stores to stock our magazine including the Wholefood Bookshop in Baker Street, London, where it is on display. Commodities. We are pleased to welcome a new food from the makers of Plamilâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;namely Pease Pudding. On the debit side we have to report that Sun Pat Peanut Butler is no longer suitable for vegans, and now Tide washing powder also contains an ingredient of animal origin. " Killer " Diets. Under the above heading there appeared, in several newspapers last summer, some adverse publicity for veganism. Upon investigation it was shown that each of the deaths which had been attributed to the vegan diet by a doctor, were, in fact, the result of elderly people living for some time on a diet consisting mainly of tea and buns; erroneously described in the papers as vegans. While it is very necessary that lonely people livings for one reason or another, on a totally inadequate diet of this kind should be looked into, it is very dishonest to describe them as vegans. On June 14th " The Times " published an article, " Vegans Defend Killer D i e t " with a picture of Jack McClellandi and also a statement by him. This article also quoted statements from Dr. Frank Wokes and Dr. Frey R. Ellis as well as an adverse comment by " The Times " medical correspondent. The "Sunday Telegraph's " article on June 16th entitled "New Hope for Killer Diet" by John Dclin was a fair article and quoted Mrs. Batt and Dr. Wokes. Other Publicity Another article. " Vegetables are Sufficient was published in the Manchester Guardian on August 16th. At the same time a letter written by Jack McClelland appeared in Health for All which has proved most valuable publicity and the Secretary has received many enquiries as a result, from as far away as New Zealand, Australia, Sweden. Denmark and Jordan. Some have ultimately joined the Society. We also hear that a Health Food shop in Leeds has made a window display of this issue and our magazine. The San Francisco Herald made some facetious remarks about us last winter. The article was written by Ivor Smullen of the " News Chronicle " as a result of an interview he had with Mrs. Batt when she was Secretaryâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;about two years previously. 4

The post of Public Relations Officer is open and volunteers willing and, able to serve the Society in this capacity are warmly invited to contact any member of the executive committee. Vegan Athletes The vegan sportsman. Jack McClelland, has broken another swimming record. We understand it was the toughest test of his careerâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;twelve miles of storm-tossed sea from Long Island to Donegal. Another active vegan athlete is Fred J. Chamberlain of Ohio who specialises in weight-lifting and bending iron bars. Such practical demonstrations of the soundness of our diet are of greater value than all the words one could write. The Journal. Four issues have again been produced, now under extreme economic pressure, for not only have the printing costs risen considerably, but the postage has also been increased. This is a lot to absorb in one year and it will become necessary to reduce either the size or the number of issues if production costs rise again for . any reason. Naturally we should be very reluctant to do this and will carry on as we are for as long as possible. The editors wish to thank all those who contribute to their work by sending cuttings (we could do with many more of these), letters and articles. Also our appreciation goes to Miss Larkin who performs the mundane but most essential task of sending out the journal. We could do with more advertisements. The (voluntary) post of advertising agent is still vacant, alas. Perhaps someone will come forward this year? The Library. Mr. Wright has had several donations of books during the year and a new and complete list of all the books now available to members is being prepared. He further reports a steady flow of borrowers. The charge of 2/6d. does not now cover our costs because of the recent increase in postal rates, but it is not proposed to make any alteration at this time. Tests on Vegans. Dr. Cotes of the M.R.C. research establishmentâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Cardiff, is examining the physical efficiency of vegan women and will compare them with a group of control omnivores. So far fifteen of our female members have attended. â&#x20AC;˘A survey on the nutritional and clinical state of children and adolescents brought up on a vegan diet is being performed by Mr. D. S. Miller, Miss P. Mumford and Dr. F. R. Ellis. Also the abnormalities of the electro-encephalogram noted in the past has been more extensively investigated at Belmont and Kingston Hospitals during the past two years. Modern Methods of Food Production. Although we all believe that veganism is the first essential for the release of animals from the bondage of man,, we invariably find our 5

members taking an active part in any and every group working to relieve the suffering of men arid animals; whether or not they are connected with vegetarianism. We are pleased to see that a number of. our members are working with Mrs. Lucy Newman (also a vegan) in the National Council for the Abolition of Factory. Farming, for indeed, with the position of animals deteriorating as it is, veganjsm is not enough. It was Dr. Wokes who reminded us recently that in ; the last ten years Factory Farming has received ÂŁ800 million from various subsidies. Vladimir Filip, our member in Czechoslovakia, paid us another short visit this year, but his arrival home coincided with the trouble there and we are sorry to say we have not heard from him since that time. Needless to say he has the good wishes of us all in these difficult times. A collection of poems by ' Dorothy Thomson has been requested by several people and anyone having one of these: which has not already been published in " The Vegan ", is asked to send a copy to Mrs. Batt. Our thanks are due to the Nature Cure Society for the use of their premises for our meetings. Also to Mrs. Jannaway for the use of her garden, to all members who help by paying their subscriptions without several time-and-stamp consuming reminders, and all who have helped to further veganism in any way during the year.

RECENT ACTIVITIES In the winter " Vegan" the date of the Brains Trust at Morden was given incorrectly as February 15th. It should have read the 25th and we very much regret any inconvenience this error may have caused. December.â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Torbay New Health and Veg. Society. A warm welcome was extended to Mrs. Batt when she gave an illustrated talk on her adventures in Rio earlier in the year. The breakdown of her car on the way was the culmination of a series of off-putting incidents that only dogged determination could overcome, but she arrived on time, having borrowed her daughter's car (who went along for the ride but was soon conscripted to help) and her pictures of islands in the West Indies, Brazil and personal anecdotes were enjoyed by all who braved exceptionally heavy rain to get to the Torbay Hotel . A talk and display of vegan food and wear was given to the Llanfa'irfechan Women's; Institute in November,, 19.681 by Jeannie 6

and George Lake, Plas-y-coed Vegetarian and Vegan Guest House, Llanfairfechan, Caernarvon. Much interest and surprise was shown in the great number of delicious savouries and sweets that could be created without dairy produce, and all our vegan back numbers and leaflets soon disappeared in the crowd. Talk about student demonstrations when the audience were offered free samples. Great interest was shown in the ViVa and non-leather shoes, handbags, etc., and mention was made of the lovely cosmetics, produced without cruelty. A seed was sown, because we have been asked to give a repeat in May, wish you could all be with us. GEORGE LAKE.

The 80th Annual General Meeting of the Vegetarian Cycling and Athletic Club was a great success and some 140 people were privileged to meet some well-known vegetarian athletes and entertainers. We have not space to list them all. The vegan athlete, boxer and valued member of the vegan committee, Harry Bonnie (known as the " Gentle Giant"), entertained with songs, and other vegans present included James Chase, of " Z Cars," etc., Mr. R. Lane, and the now famous vegan swimmer and all-round sportsman, Jack McClelland. Other young entertainers were a group of three boys and a girl, daughter of Mrs. Roberts, who manages and writes the music for the group. They are known as " The Middle Set " and have been signed up by E.M.I. They are also appearing in "Opportunity Knocks"—we shall look out for them.

RESERVE THESE DATES ! Sunday, April 20th.—3 p.m., Vegan Society Extraordinary General Meeting, 42a Mount Pleasant Road, S.E.I3. The only business of the day will be to appoint an auditor, and this will be followed by buffet refreshments and " Your Questions Answered." All are welcome. Admission free. Through buses from Victoria. 36 or 36B (about forty minutes), or Southern Railway from Charing Cross to Ladywell Station then seven minutes walk through the park to Mount Pleasant Road. Or train to Lewisham and take Bus 1, 36. 36B or 47 to Mount Pleasant Road (trains to Lewisham are more frequent than to Ladywell). Saturday, September 27th.—3 p.m., Kensington Public Library. Illustrated Lecture on " T h e Ethics and Practice of Veganic Gardening." Speaker: Mr. Kenneth Dalziel O'Brien. Admission free. Vegan refreshments. Come along and learn how to grow fruit and vegetables with the "no-digging" method and purely vegetable organic compost—and see the 7

results! If you have no experience-of veganic methods of food production, you are going to get a big—and pleasant— surprise! This meeting is being organised jointly by The Vegan Society and the London Vegetarian Society. Saturday, December 6th.—Annual General Meeting at 6 p.m. followed by Anniversary Dinner - Dance - Social at 7 p.m. at the Cora Hotel, Upper Wobum Place. London, W.C.I. Tickets 39/6d. Those who came to our 21st birthday party at the Cora have been asking ever since " When are you having another?" We shall hope to have the pleasure of greeting many new members as well as old established friends on that night. The tickets are not yet ready but Mrs. Batt is making reserve bookings now, so write as soon as you like and pay later. Non-members welcome. We already know Chat a party is coming from Holland.

COMPASSION IN WORLD FARMING Thursday, April 3rd.—Lecture. Mr. Peter Roberts. " Food and Health v. Factory Farming." Church House Hall. Chalk Lane, Cockfosters, Herts, (near tube station). 7.30 p.m. Vegan refreshments. Mini Mart. Thursday, May 8th.—Lecture and Mini Mart. Chairman: Dr. B. Allinson. Arthur Henderson Hall, East Barnet Road, New Barnet. Buses 261, 107, 34 from Barnet Station. "Your Health and Food." Questions answered. Vegan refreshments. Tickets l/6d.—all welcome. . Both the above meetings are organised by the National Society for the Abolition of Factory Farming.

OTHER COMING EVENTS April 1st.—Surrey Healthy Life Society, Redhill,. Surrey. " Why I am a vegan." Speaker: Mrs. E. Batt. 7.45 p.m. AprO 16th.—Northampton Natural Health Society. "Veganism for Beginners." Speaker: Mrs. Batt. Friends Meeting House. Northampton, 7.30 p.m. Friday, May 16th.—Bournemouth Vegetarian Society. " The Next Step". Talk on veganism. Speaker: Mrs. E . ^ a t t . 7.30 p.m. at The Salad Centre. Post Office Road. Bournemouth, Hants. Saturday, June 28th.—A Garden Party in aid 6f The Nature Cure Clinic at the home of its founder. Miss Nina Hosali, , Biggin Hill, Kent. It is hoped to have a Guest Speaker and entertainment by The Challenge Arts Group, who proved so popular at our A.G.M. in December. A coach will be arranged to leave from the Baker Street 8 -

area at 12.30 p.m. and those wishing to travel by this means, or those wishing for further details, should contact the Secretary, The Nature Cure Clinic, 13 Oldbury Place, London, W.l.

THE JEWISH VEG. SOCIETY Wednesday, April 2nd.—First Vegetarian Communal Passover Seder at 13 Adamson Road, London, N.W.3, and Sunday, May 18th.—Outing to Tekels Park Guest House, Camberley, Surrey. Luncheon, tea, etc. Details on application to the Jewish Vegetarian Society. Non-members welcome. VEGAN GROUPS Mr. James A. Doouss, of 10 Enmore Road, S.W.15, would like to hear from any vegans living in the vicinity (Putney, Richmond, Sheen, Barnes, Wimbledon), with a view to the exchange of ideas and generally helpful co-operation. Please write to Mr. Doouss direct. CONGRATULATIONS Mrs. Mary Fanthorpe of Torquay Road, Paignton, Devon, is a healthy energetic vegan who has just celebrated her 88th birthday. Whenever we are in the district we try to call at the Health Food Store run by Mr. and Mrs. Fanthorpe, J nr. and the reply to our enquiries about mother's health is invariably that she is "fine" and often that she has just returned from a trip somewhere—or is about to go away! She attributes her energy and enjoyment of life to veganism. Congratulations and best wishes to Mr. Brian Gunn-King, Dip.T.P., A.M.T.PX, M.R.S.H., M.L.T., of 11 Old Ballymoney Street, Ballymena, Co. Antrim, N. Ireland, on his appointment as Hon. General Secretary of the International Vegetarian Union on the British unification programme to develop The Vegetarian Society's new headquarters. FLUORIDATION OF PUBLIC WATER SUPPLIES The Bolton Town Council are to be congratulated on their unprecedented- action in organising a referendum to assess the wishes of the public before deciding whether or not to have sodium fluoride added to the public water supply, an action all councils are being urged to take by the Ministry of Health. The result was that the people rejected fluoridation by a massive, majority, 63,000 out of 87,000 who voted were against fluoridation. 9

ALL THINGS BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL An Easter Hymn for' the Very Young All things bright and beautiful, All creatures great and small, All things wise and wonderful, The Lord God made them all. The muddle-headed hero, The war-tide running strong, The courage in the bloodshed That sep'rates Right from Wrong. The anguish'd in the famine— The Oxfam task unwon— The well-fed in the Hilton, He made them ev'ry one. The white man in his fastness— The blackman stands and waits— He made them, Jew and Gentile, And gave them diff'ring states. The vicar in his pulpit, The trapper with his knife, God made them good and holy, And order'd them in life.. Each little new-hatched turkey, Each little hen encaged, He sees them hurt and fearful, He sees them all ravaged. The cattle on the greensward In meadows where we play, The shambles in the city With slaughter ev'ry day. He gave us eyes to see them, And lips that we might tell How great is God Almighty, Who has made some things hell. MRS.

EXPORT

ALEXANDER.

(Slightly altered by Alan Long.)

Greenford, Middx.

LIVE

ANIMALS

FOR

VIVISECTION

The House of Lords dismissed a Bill calling for the cessation of the export of animals from these islands to vivisection laboratories abroad, where there may foe little or no protection for them at all. and often, we understand, no anaesthetics. 10

BROILER TROUBLE Salmonella virchow had not been a .common cause of foodpoisoning until the end of 1967, when there was an outbreak at Bolton and on Merseyside. In January, 1968, a case appeared in Liverpool, and in June the infection erupted on Merseyside, with at least 160 cases, thirty-five so serious as to need hospital treatment for periods from eleven to twenty-one days. Patients took a couple of months to eliminate the infection. The trouble was traced to intensive farms in Cheshire providing poultry for a slaughterhouse and packing-station. The birds were being given infected meat-and-bone-meal and offal-meat in their rations; some of the farm-labourers were carriers, and the effluent from the farm spread the infection, for instance, to a herd of cows grazing in nearby fields. At one time half the birds from the broiler-unit were infected. The packing-station produced three types of carcass: " New York dressed," which were plucked, but not disembowelled; " oven-ready," which were plucked and disembowelled; and "deepfrozen," which were specially refrigerated oven-ready carcasses. The packing-station supplied retail shops, one of which was unhygienic. The carcasses were spit-roasted, without adequate thawing out (one hour instead of three hours), so that deepseated pathogenic bacteria were not subjected to lethal heating. The kitchen was infested by rats and mice, and not regularly washed, so there was cross-infection from the working-surfaces and store-room, with implication of other foods sold there (e.g.. cooked meats and cream-cheese); further, eight of the eleven staff at the shop and thirteen of their family contacts were excreting S. virchow. The epidemic fulminated after a tennis-club function in Liverpool, catering for which was provided from the dirty kitchen. The shop was closed as soon as the unhygienic conditions were discovered. The public health authority recommended fumigation, some rebuilding, and extermination of vermin; the infected staff were put under medical care, and the shop was reopened three weeks later, with a rigorous schedule of cleaning and supervision and twice-daily visits from the public health inspectors. The outbreak emphasizes the warnings constantly uttered by opponents of factory-farming. Broiler and like units spread infection like wildfireâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;through food, feed, and by bacteria borne by the effluent to grazing land. Other foods may become contaminated. Vegetarians having to store their food with â&#x20AC;˘ meat (including pet-foods) should treat it as liable to contamination, i.e., they should keep it well covered, cook their food well, and curtail the storage of once-cooked foods; working surfaces, cutlery, and hands should be washed frequently. All broilermeat should be regarded as a source of infection, especially the 11

" New York dressed '' varieties, and care~should be taken that meat-eaters using the same kitchen thaw out frozen meat for three hours, and that they continue spit-roasting for the full time. The outbreak of food-poisoning was described in the British Medical Journal, 1968, 4, 801 and 804, in reports from the Ministry of Health and the Veterinary Investigation Service, Liverpool, the Public Health Lab, Chester, and the Ministry of Health Mid-Cheshire Local Authority. A L A N LONG.

BLOOD

DONORS—FIRST

CALL

FOR

HELP

Mrs. Lucy Newman would like to thank all those who have assisted her since her unfortunate accident last December. Just a slip stepping off a kerb, yet it needed six weeks hospital treatment and a new hip joint to put it right. However she is at home now and getting around the house very well with the aid of crutches, and visits to hospital three days a week for medical therapy. The surgeon is very pleased indeed with her rate of progress, but such an active person must find it extremely irksome—until she is again able to get about at her accustomed pace. She is very grateful to those who rallied round to give blood in a great hurry, and no less to those who did the 'phoning, visiting, and caring for her pets. The hospital staff, once they understood the facts, were quite co-operative, although the food was very monotonous, consisting of warmed up meatless steaks, etc., and the usual offering of drowned cabbage and over-cooked potatoes. However, Lucy could compensate to some extent with fresh fruit, although this was not supplied by the hospital—their idea of " fruit " was always tinned! However, she was allowed to take tablets prescribed by a naturopath friend in place of the drugs normally prescribed after operations. By the way, Mrs. Newman tells us that she did not find it necessary, fortunately, to resort to any painrelieving medicine—much to the surprise of the staff. She felt no pain except when being moved, she said. This was the first urgent call for vegan blood since the scheme was organised by Mr. Bonnie (vegan blood donors are now separately listed in the National Blood Transfusion Service) and although it was possible to get three donors, with suitable blood, in time, this may well have been beyond us if the patient lived farther out or required a less common type of blood. It is therefore very necessary that we have many more vegans willing to co-operate in this way if we are to offer a full alternative service to the hospitals. Please write to Mr. Bonnie if you f accident victim in this way. His address :s: , London, W.7. 12

EVITA'S COLUMN The Vegan A few copies of the last issue of " The Vegan " were delivered unstapled in error. Miss Larkin put aside the faulty copies before posting, but it is possible the odd one may have passed unnoticed. If you should have received an unstapled copy, please let her know and she will be happy to send you another one. Our members have responded handsomely in returning the questionnaires sent out in the last issue of our magazine. Extra copies are available from Miss Larkin. One of our members who has been abroad for some years found that when he was back enjoying an English winter he suffered from chilblains. He will be pleased to hear from other members who may have had this trouble, on how to prevent a recurrence next winter. Many years ago I remember being advised alternate hot and cold water followed by the application of some witch-hazel lotion. Of course we can make sure that lack of calcium is not a contributory factor by taking calcium rich foods such as dates, watercress and. almonds. We often hear from members who, like myself, do not live near a Health Food shop. There are stores which specialise in sending orders by post however, and although this may not be as satisfactory as personal shopping, many people are glad to take advantage of this service. Tn Sussex there is Dietmart Ltd., Freshwater Parade, Bishopric. Horsham. And in Hants, send to Health Foods; 13 The Square. Winchester, for excellent service. Of course, for the store which specialises in vegan Health Foods, write to Healthiways. See advertisement at back of magazine. In reply to Mrs. Dawes' enquiry about a warm alternative to wool. I suggest Damart for underwear. For the first time this winter I have tried it and am more than satisfied with the results. Unfortunately it costs more than wool but it does not shrink and should therefore have a longer life. I got mine from the showrooms at Oxford Circus but the garments can be ordered by post. For illustrated list write to: Damart Thermawear (Bradford) Ltd., Bowling Green Mills, P.O. Box 23. Bingley, Yorks. -

Hatha Yoga and a Still Mind One of our long-established members recently commented that " The Vegan " alone among the magazines he reads, never contains any information on Yoga. Well, we have taken it to heart,'and the summer issue of our journal will include " A n 13

Introduction to Yoga." A most interesting and informative article on the subject, written for us by Mrs. Rosa Dalziel O'Brien who, with thirty-five years experience from which to draw, came to adopt veganism through yogic means. It is, says the author, a natural progression. ^'â&#x20AC;˘V'WELFARE

MILK

A number of our members have been writing to the Ministry in support of our efforts to have a vegetable milk made available to vegan families under the National Scheme. The following correspondence shows the position as it stands at the moment: â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Letter to the Ministry of Health dated January 3rd, 1969 "Dear Sirs, We refer to our correspondence with you in the autumn of 1967 on the question of plantmilk being available under the Welfare Foods Order for the benefit of children who are allergic to cows' milk or whose parents wish their children to have our alternative to cows' milk for a number of reasons, e.g., dietetic or ethical. It would appear from correspondence we had at that time that there was no provision under the Order for our alternative to cows' milk; but we understand from Mrs. Joyce Butler, our interested M.P., that a Bill went through Parliament some time ago expanding the designation of Welfare Foods and Mrs. Butler is under the impression that our product may now well come within the terms of the Order. We await your confirmation. Yours faithfully, for and on behalf of, PLANTMILK LTD. C. A. LING, Director." Letter from the Department of Health and Social Security, Ministry of Health, Elephant and Castle, London, S.E.1, to The Secretary, Plantmilk Ltd. " D e a r Sir, 28.1.69. Your letter of January, 1969, refers. The legislation to which you refer in your letter is the Health Services and Public Health Act. This gave the Health Ministers power to extend the definition of Welfare Foods by O r d e r but no such Order has been made, or is at present envisaged. I am, therefore, unable to confirm that plantmilk is available under the Welfare Foods Order. This still provides that only liquid cow's milk or National Dried Milk can be obtained with milk tokens. Yours faithfully, L. G. T.

1,4

WEIR."

COMMODITIES It is with much regret that we have to correct the announcement in the winter, 1968 issue concerning Granose Christmas Puddings. The statement was made in good faith but was rather premature. At present these puddings do contain eggs although tests are being made in the hope of producing an equally tasty vegan product in the near future. E.T.O. soups.—None of these are entirely free of animal ingredients. Vitaquell is a new margarine, now on sale in Health Food Shops in this country, which appears to be vegan. The container says nothing about milk or milk extracts but neither do some others which we know contain a small quantity of cows' milk for flavouring purposes. At the time of going to press we have not received a reply from the manufacturers in West Germany to our enquiries on this, and other points. For instance the source of the vitamin D content. We hope to be able to give full details in the next issue of the journal. Cakes.—The Protheroe Bakery confirms that they are still making their Fruit Gingerbreads which are, as far as we know, the only vegan cakes available in the shops. The manufacturers explain that although they could make other very good vegan cakes, they would not keep well enough for distribution through the shops. A pity. Sugar.—We hear that Woolworths in Braintree always carry good stocks of B.S.C. Brand sugar (for new readers this, and Sankey's Brand, are the only white sugars which have not been bleached with BONE charcoal). Sankey's sugar can be bought at the Pure Food Co. Ltd., 100 High Street, Croydon, Surrey. Members unable to get Sankey's sugar in their district should write to The Sankey Sugar Co. Ltd. at Earlestown, Newton-leWillows. Lanes., for the address of their nearest stockist. Biscuits.—Paterson's Farmhouse Oatcakes are vegan. Smith's 'Potato Crisps.—The original salted crisps are, as always, vegan. Also the Tomato Sauce, Salt 'n Vinegar, and Cheese and Onion flavours are free of any animal ingredients, but " Crispy Bacon," " Bovril," and " Chicken Fry " flavours do contain " a considerable quantity " of animal material. Compost—Powlings, V.G. (veganic) compost is 100% organic,1 guaranteed to contain no animal matter and no chemical additives. It is a' fine, sweet smelling, easy to handle product. It can be 15

used for fertilising and; improving the soil " in all gardens, and will benefit vegetables, flowers, lawns and shrubs. Plantmilk Ltd., in line with its policy of handling no product containing animal ingredients, has been appointed as agents for this humane organic compost. The minimum quantity is 1 cwt. 42/-.carriage paid. Leaflets and quotations for larger quantities are available on request. Our readers will remember that Marinure Pure Powdered Seaweed Manure is available in 56 lb. bags for the person like myself with a small back garden. For full descriptive leaflet write to Wilfred Smith (Horticultural) Ltd., at Gemini House. High Street, Edgware, Middlesex, mentioning " The Vegan". Marinure is also available in liquid form. To move to another field: — Do not imagine that only " real " or cultured pearls are not vegan. " Imitation pearls are manufactured by a compound from fish scales" writes a London jeweller. Household Products.—Ariel washing powder is not vegan. Comfort is O.K. Toiletries and Cosmetics.—Several of our readers have been wondering why Beauty Without Cruelty have recently decided to give extra attention to such non-essentials as mascara, lipsticks and nail varnish. There is an excellent reason for the research on this apparently; for when we put the question to Mrs. Kathleen Long, who is responsible for the production of all Beauty Without Cruelty toiletries and cosmetics, she explained that make-up of this kind often bears a greater degree of guilt than creams and lotions when it comes to the number of animal-based ingredients involved, some of which are the end result of very cruel practices ("horrific" was the word she used). Therefore, as an ever-increasing quantity of eye shadow, etc., is now being used, it was decided to produce a range of popular make-up without the stearic acid, eosin or any of the other objectionable substances usually used. Mascara, which is vegan, will be in the shops by the time you read this and also a new nail varnish with the latest pearly finish. Normally one of the ingredients for this kind of " beauty a i d " is contributed by a fish, but Mrs. Long has been able to get the same result without the fish ingredient. • A reminder. No need to feel concern about the application brushes, they are a special kind of soft nylon filament. Animal hair is not used, we are assured. Please enclose stamped addressed envelope in letters calling lor reply. 16

FOOTWEAR

Correction Just as we were going to press with the winter number of " The Vegan" the good news about the Gravestock shoes for men was 'phoned in and as we wanted to waste no time in letting our readers know we chanced printing it instead of waiting for confirmation from the manufacturer (page 114). This, we now know, was our mistake. Fortunately the main facts; that the shoe is entirely without leather and has Corfam uppers; is quite correct, but they are not made in size 12 unfortunately. We are very sorry to learn that quite a few readers were inconvenienced by our error (but it does show that a number of our members bother to read their magazine!). Also the correct address, from which they may be ordered by post with confidence is: — Messrs. Brown & Co. (Footwear) Ltd.. 80 Russell Street, Kettering, Northants. The price is 7 9 / l i d . plus 4/6d. postage and the style numbers are: — 8950 Black Tie Shoe, 5950 Brown Tie Shoe, 8965 Black Elastic Gusset, 5965 Brown Elastic Gusset. Somervell Bros, have added to the range of their nonleather shoes for men. Three new styles in the " K Rainmaster " group are: — Mariner (79/lid.), Anchor (79/1 Id.), and Navigator (69/1 Id.). The model Richard (69/lid.) was listed in the winter issue of " The Vegan ". These are now fairly widely on sale at K shoe shops and K shoe agencies. AM of these have uppers of Clarino (often known as Kaylin) and we are assured that the soles and linings are O.K. Once again 11 is the largest size made. Pirelli Shoes.—We have often included Pirelli slippers and mules in these lists of vegan footwear. Now we are pleased to introduce two sandal-type shoes from this manufacturer. They are Suva and Santiago. Both slingback, open toe styles. Sizes 3—8. . Recommended price 2 9 / l i d . They come in white, honesty (off white), tan, navy and black P.V.C. and should be generally available. Manufactured by G. E. Goudge & Sons Ltd., Palladium House, 1—4 Argyll Street, London, W.l. Dunlop Sports and Leisure Footwear;—We are pleased to have the assurance that all the items (twenty-eight) listed in the 1969 catalogue are entirely without leather, wool, silk, etc. This includes shoes for men and women. Uni-Royal ladies' Keds (casual or leisure shoes). The following are vegan and come in a variety of attractive colours: — Sierra, Skin, Spray, Capri. Sizes 3—8, Prices around 30/-. 17

Mail Order . Bury Boot and Shoe Co. Ltd., Braridlesholme Road, Bury, Lanes.—There are fewer vegan styles in their catalogue recently, the current one contains four models in ladies' shoes: — W541 Tie shoe with Norzon upper in black only. W559 Tie casual with corduroy upper in copper brown. W540 Slip-on elastic gusset shoe in green Norzon. W558 Lightweight tie shoe with Norzon suede uppers in mushroom shade. All the above are broad fitting and have low heels. Sizes 2—9. Ideal for the elderly or those with "difficult" feet. Marshall Ward, Bridgewater Place, Manchester, M.4 8AD.— Two models in black plastic with rubber soles: — No. 25 Gibson style with three eyelet tie. Sizes 6—11. 29/1 Id. No. 44 Chelsea boot in simulated leather. Side gussets. Sizes 6—11. 27/6d. Boys', sizes 2—5. 23 /6d. Further to our remarks about the component parts of Luxalam fur fabric lining for boots, etc. (winter, page 117), we can now assure our readers that this is all-nylon and does not contain any wool. Children's Shoes One member has been able to get toddlers' plastic bootees, fabric lined, from one of the Mothercare shops. They sell at about 36/- and, for safety, can be had in white. A Rose by any other Messrs. P. B. Cow of Slough in spite of their unfortunate name, are manufacturers of special purpose vinyl compounds for the shoe trade. You Have Been Warned! Soon we may be offered shoes with " synthetic" uppers of PEDURA. Do not buy them for, although in a sense it could be described as man-made, the basis of the new material is leather fibre, disintegrated by a new process and re-bonded by means of a specially developed synthetic binder. The manufacturers, Armstrong Cork Co., have had the process under development for some years in America, and they can now offer it to the shoe trade in various grain finishes such as ostrich, crushed calf or even turtle. Because this process makes use of off cuts, poor quality or blemished hides and other "waste" leather, it will be economically attractive to footwear manufacturers. So be prepared, remember the name, and avoid it. .We are sorry to learn that I.C.I, are discontinuing the supply of Velvon upper material to the home trade, although it will 18

continue to be made for export. Those of us who have bought Velvon shoes from the B.W.C. Boutique or elsewhere will know how comfortable and adaptable it is. From mimosa to poison gas A news item explains that the leather-tanning industry is. suffering from . rising prices of raw materials, a major one is mimosa, from which a tanning extract is made! Not only noxious but dangerous fumes are created in the process of tanning hides and when, last, year, it was necessary for workmen to enter a drain they were overcome by fumes and had to be rescued by the Fire Brigade. The company was fined for allowing the workmen to enter a confined space without special breathing apparatus. The poison gas was hydrogen sulphide which has such dangerous characteristics that as little as 20 ppm. is dangerous, and 1,000 ppm. is lethal (S. & L. News. October. 1968). New materials A new range of vinyl-coated materials specifically for the handibag trade are due shortly. The material is called Glencoe and will have a distinctive mark but whether this will appear on each article is not quite clear. The patterns will include some cloud-effect finishes which were introduced by the company and much admired at the Semaine du Cuir last year. The manufacturers of Xylee; Glanztoff A.G., Wuppertal. Germany; from whom we have heard practically nothing since its introduction in mid-1967, are now marketing the material and sample shoes with Xylee uppers have been shown to the trade in Dusseldorf recently. We are told that Xylee has been "greatly improved" in the intervening eighteen months and also that, unlike many poromerics, Xylee has moisture vapour absorbent fibres which give the material the ability to expand in relation to the normal daily swelling of the foot. , The company are working on modifications of Xylee for other uses, such as handbags, clothing and synthetic window leathers. The latter will be sold under the Dutch A.K.U. trademark, butare not yet on the British market. The Ostrich loses either way Now that most British women are above wearing ostrich feather plumes on their heads, we are to be wooed into accepting ostrich skin shoes. The following is an extract from " The Shoe and Leather News." January, 1969: â&#x20AC;&#x201D; "Ostrich boom.â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Ostrich leather may be coming to Britain in a big way, if plans materialise for the establishment of an ostrich leather tanning industry at Oudtshoorn. between Cape Town and . Port, Elizabeth. . .. . . -19

â&#x20AC;˘ " The leather is.already being used in some shoes and leather goods. One store in Texas would like to take ' all it can get' of articles made of the leather. A few shops in the West End of London are selling some highly-priced ostrich-skin leathergoods." Corfam News A new type of Corfam is being developed for children's shoes (and it cannot be ready soon enough for vegetarians) which will be known as Corfam 116 we understand. One leading French manufacturer was using it as far back as last May. but so far we know of no British firm which has even done wearer trials on it yet. The patent finish Corfam, used for a very few girls' shoes, was not really suitable for regular use, and anyway they were all leather lined. If anyone sees or hears about children's shoes in Corfam 116 before I do, please let me know. Before we leave Corfam here is an item of news from the U.S.A. In the past year all the U.S. Military Services and the Post Office department approved it " for optional purchase of replacement dress shoes by the uniformed personnel." Another new shoe upper material is coming from Du Pont this year, it is a special type of nylon, in fabric form, and comes in . various weaves and many colours, one of which is a straw effect which should prove very popular. London and Surrey Plastics have introduced a two-tone finish, semi-gloss, vinyl-coated material called Antiqua in their Suvina range of upper materials. We have not yet seen this one. DOCTOR RECOMMENDS VEGAN DIET In a most comprehensive talk given at the Friends' Meeting House in London last year, Dr. James B. Williamson. M.B., B.S., M.F., Horn., who frequently, prescribes a vegan diet for his patients with certain complaintsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;refers to the recipe book " Eating Your Way to Health " (Ruth Bircher. Fa'ber & Faber. 10/6d.) as the best of the good recipe books and adds: " I find that most people will improve on the vegan diet in this book." It contains 400 recipes and details of special diets and much general information on nutrition. " All based on fifty years experience at the Bircher-Benner Clinic in Zurich." Dr. Williamson reminds us that " T h e way one eats has a bearing on the assimilation of food. Eating in a quiet room with a contented and thankful heart, chewing well, avoiding drinking liquids with solid foods and only eating when you are hungry and drinking when you are thirsty are a few guiding rules." A booklet based on Dr. Williamson's talk " A Way of Healing and Prevention of HI Health through Nature Cure " is available from Friends' Vegetarian Society, 108 Bishop Road, Chelmsford, Essex (9d. each). 20

ONCE THEY WERE BRANDED POISON Our most popular vegetables today—tomatoes and potatoes —were once believed highly poisonous. These botanical cousins called solanacae, are related to the poisonous nightshade, belladonna, and even the tobacco plant. Botanically, the tomato fruit is a berry, and is akin to potatoes and to bell peppers and egg-plants. South American Indians are known to have used them as food since 1500 A.D., and they were introduced to Europe by Italian explorers (perhaps in a pizza?) about 1550. But it was not until 1825 that they became widely known in the U.S.A. Commonly called " love apples," they were first grown simply as an ornamental plant for the garden, and some years later took the Mexican-Indian name for the fruit, tomatl. It has been only within the past century that tomatoes have become recognised as a valuable food. ; Potatoes have a stormy history. South America and Italy play prominent parts in the introduction of potatoes to the world before the discovery of America. They were grown experimentally in England before 1556 and were introduced to Ireland by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1588. . The Old World wasn't ready for this New World Food. The press and pulpit denounced potatoes as unfit for human consumption and the Irish opposition formed an anti-potato faction who called themselves the " Society for the Prevention of Unclean Diet." It is from the initials of this group of dissenters that potatoes got their common nickname, " spud "! Two centuries elapsed before the potato came into general cultivation — chiefly because of deep-seated prejudices against such new articles of diet. Nevertheless, potatoes became a staple in Ireland; and when a blight on the crop brought starvation to the isle in 1719, immigrants flocked to the shores of New Hampshire, bringing seed spuds with them] It was from this point that we get their sobriquet, Irish potatoes. (.Extract from " Today's Food "). A

REMINDER

Kindly make a note of the dates by which we must receive your letters and reports for inclusion in " T h e Vegan": — For the Spring issue—Before February 1st. For the Summer issue—Before May 1st. For the Autumn issue—Before August 1st. For the Winter issue—Before November 1st. Please do not leave your letter until the last day, avoid disappointment and help us by posting as early as possible. T H E EDITORS.

RESEARCH Studies of the Incidence of Osteoporosis in Vegetarians Osteoporosis can be defined as an absolute loss of bone which predisposes the individual to vertebral compression fractures, pain in the bones and joints. Studies have shown that osteoporosis affects a'bout 25% of women and 5% of men over the age of sixty and the incidence increases with age. The reported number of affected persons has steadily increased because a greater number of people live long enough to fall into the age group thai is susceptible to this disorder. This is becoming a major geriatric problem. Certain known causes of osteoporosis are hyperparathyroidism, hyperthyroidism, osteogenesis imperfecta, immobilisation, multiple myeloma, calcium, protein and vitamin C deficiency. However, in the majority of cases of osteoporosis there is no easily recognisable cause of the disorder and hence no definitive treatment is available. Wachmann and Bernstein suggested that in certain cases, osteoporosis may occur insidiously due to the consumption of omnivorous diets " which result in a life long utilisation of the buffering capacity of the basic salts of bone for the constant assault against pH homeostasis." The rationale behind this hypothesis rests on the fact that omnivorous diets produce an " acid ash " in the body which draws on the calcium and phosphate in the bone to neutralise the acid load. Contrary to this, vegetarian diets produce an " alkaline a s h " and therefore do not require the 'buffering system of the bone to the same extent. Thus the increased consumption of fruits, vegetables, vegetable proteins and moderate amounts of milk are tentatively suggested to counteract the production of an acid ash. It is of importance to determine the validity of this hypothesis and it is therrfore intended to examine the incidence ,of idiopathic osteoporosis in about one hundred vegetarians. Radiological examinations of the bones, coupled with estimations of serum calcium and phosphate will be performed in subjects over sixty years old and the results compared with a similar number of controls. F . R . ELLIS:

EATING OUT IN LONDON In response to a request from a member, we asked one or two restaurants where we have had a vegan meal on occasions, to let us know the present position with regard to the availability of vegan dishes. Cranks have replied; very helpfully; and they send the following list of foods which are usually available in the Restaurant and are certainly quite vegan: â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 22

Nut Rissoles, Risotto, Vegetable.Casserole, Jacket Potato with vegetable margarine and Lentil Casserole with Garlic Bread Croutons. Flapjacks and Coconut Flatties. And, of course, salads with French dressing and bread rolls. Miss Swan adds that all the staff at Cranks have been instructed about vegan requirements and should be able to give advice, but if not, the manageress or one of the partners will be pleased to help. The address is: Cranks Ltd., William Blake House, Marshall Street, London, W. I (this is just around the corner from Carna'by Street). Sharuna Vegetarian Restaurant, 107 Great Russell Street, W.C. I. The following items on the menu are all entirely vegan: â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Bhel Puri, Pani Puri, Potato Puri, Idli Sambhar, Chappatis, Parathas, Pulao, Biryani, Dal Soup, Pickle and Pappad (Indian Crackers), Mango Slices, Alphanso Mango, Lychees, Guavas, Fruit Salad. There are many other dishes which are served with one (or perhaps two) non-vegan accessories. It is a simple matter (when you know which is what) to order one of these, and to help you we add a list of the nonvegan items to avoid. (All the dishes are detailed on the menu.) Coconut Sauce (mixed with yoghurt) (tomato sauce can be served as an alternative), Yoghurt Sauce, Kadhi, Strikhand, Dahi Raita. P.S.â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Masala Dosa with fresh green salad is my favourite in this restaurant, but we are to be introduced to a new "Special " vegan dish next month which is based on rice. Make sure your meal is cooked in vegetable ghee rather than butter. The choice is yours. THE UNION OF ANIMAL SOCIETIES The above society met on October 5 th, 1968, when the New Codes of Practice were discussed and it was agreed that they would' not, in general, improve the lot of intensively-reared animals. Hens would not benefit and, even if white veal production in this country were stopped, there are still 900 calves exported to Belgium every day. Only the prohibition of live animals for export would prevent breeding in other countries. There is a growing tendency to describe factory-farmed foods as quality foods and individuals were urged to write to. the Press and particularly to the women's papers. It is hoped that our members will do likewise. It is with great regret that we have to announce the passing of Mrs. Gladys Osborne Leonard, an enthusiastic vegan and a Life Member of this society. 23

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Vegan Diet and the Transformed Man The almost miraculous healing properties, capacity for sustained physical endurance, increased, stamina, heightened mental clarity, awakened latent psychic faculties and restoration of psycho-physical harmony traditionally attributed (by vegans) to vegan diet, are not desperate delusions engendered by persistent wishful thinking, Utopian fantasy or idealistic day dreaming. Nor are they mere eccentric ideas, notions, suppositions or opinions but rather easily ascertainable and verifiable fact. In my own case they are a conviction and certainly born of knowledge recently acquired by interpenetrating observation and evaluation o f . my own system, during an acutely critical period. Such observation is, of course, subjective and relative to a considerable, if not complete, degree. Years of lacto-vegetarianism perhaps enabled me to survive, after a fashion, serious injuries sustained during a road accident. They undoubtedly contributed towards a remarkable healing of the flesh and a comparatively speedy discharge from hospital. It is probably just as well for the kitchen and nursing staff concerned seemingly suffered much difficulty understanding or actualising vegetarian nutrition and its relationship to bodychemistry. Vegan catering would have doubtlessly caused acute distress but luckily or unluckily that was never put, by me, to the test. Relatively good recovery or not I remained in poor physical shape, and bad mental condition, for some time after discharge from the accident-ward. Being a Buddhist (in the creative, psycho-experimental tradition) I fully realised that the root-essence Ahimsa (harmlessness) doctrine demanded a vegan diet but continued to rob the cow and hen and was thus an utterly hypocritical Buddhist. Yet in my post-accident shattered mind the vegan-seed was slowly germinating. With my poet wife Tina Morris I am presently assembling " a literary and sociological study of the human beast's monstrous crimes against other animal species " and Tina asked Luise Davis to contribute an article on veganism. Her unanswerable arguments flowered the vegan-seed into ecstatic blossom under the undulating sun. It also bestowed many precious, cherished and unexpected gifts. I am now fully physically recovered and vibrating with energy; feeling and being lighter and brighter. A shambling, ponderous, torpid wreck transformed into a power-house of explosive energy. Nerves taut with tension, mental anguish, suicidal depression, impending insanity become serenity, peace and clarity. I distort and exaggerate in every instance here and yet it is impossible to do so with that which is beyond classification. That is the knowledge of the inner-identity and solidarity of all beings and things; that interwoven tapestry of life and 24

death. A certainty of infinite motion and that there is a way beyond wisdom. Not the intellectual or philosophical certainty I had as a lacto-vegetarian or flesh-eater before that but rather a knowing at all levels of my being. To abandon such ornate and meaningless prose and simplify and clarify in the terminology of the market-place I cannot,1 for my tongue fails to grasp words in which to communicate these things. A vegan but a short time yet a completely new man; healed and transformed in a way. albeit perfectly observable and obvious to me, which defies any language I manipulate or know. DAVE

CUNLIFFE.

Blackburn, Lanes.

vegfAm We would like to thiank supporters of VEGFAM for their generous donations to the work of alleviating famine without the exploitation of animals, such as the introduction of cattle farming, pig-keeping, etc.. which—apart from the ethical considerations which vegetarians/vegans will have in mind when supporting a charity—may in many cases lead to further problems of. food production by over-grazing and wastage of crops by use as animal feeding stuffs. During 1968 VEGFAM financed irrigation for a training college in Uttar Pradesh. India, where intensive methods of cultivation for human consumption are taught, at a cost of £150. We had difficulties regarding help for Biafra famine victims, due to the general difficult situation facing all relief organisations but VEGFAM has now bought and sent off with a United Biafra Appeal ship via Rotterdam, four tons of soya flour, at a cost of £368. A project for plant-protein extraction is under consideration, but we have to reach £300 for this. R U T H AND FRIEDEN H O W A R D (Trustees). The Sanctuary, Lydford. Nr. Okehampton, Devon. Adequate Nutrition I have read a. few letters from vegans complaining about lack of vitality and in the winter issue, a Mrs. Judith Dawes asks about vitamin D and malt for her children who suffer from colds. To both these complaints I would say, from mv own experience, that the protein and oil intake, in the form of nuts, is inadequate. We must remember that protein cannot be stored in the body and the daily, or nearly daily, supply of nuts is very essential to our health. These contain good protein for body-building •and an.;abundarice of oil for cold resistance. Personally,; I eat

a pound (shelled) of mixed huts a week and this is in addition to any other protein. • When I first became a vegan, over three years ago, I became wobbly at the knees—mainly through sheer fright at the drastic change. However, by increasing the protein food in the form of nuts I quickly regained a. feeding of well-being and although I aoi in sole charge of three acres of hospital garden I never lack strength for the job and never feel "over-tired," which I sometimes used to as a lacto-vegetarian. '••• Another point I would like-to make is that 1 mince up a lot of my food. 1 found this essential because with say half an hour for breakfast and-, an hour for lunch, 1 would spend nearly all the dinner hour chewing one cabbage leaf. With a hand mincer I can mince cabbage, onion, carrot, turnip, nuts and anything else I fancy and have a good meal in about twenty minutes. In cold weather I add a little water and warm-up—it is then a most appetising hot meal. Wishing you all joy and goodwill; and once again, don't forget—plenty of mixed nuts for vegans! •

(We saw a very Bournemouth Times that cow's milk and and your local paper

W I L F R E D CRONE.

interesting letter from Mr. Crone in "The " recently. We cannot stress often enough eggs are not essential foods for humans— is the best medium to use for this.—ED.)

Beauty Preparations I should like to say how delighted I am with the B.W.C. Cucumber Cleansing Lotion you recommended. It is attractive, pleasant to use, and very efficient. 1 see that it is made with Almond Oil, real cucumber juice, and real oil of geranium. 1 am told this is extracted from the leaves of the plant and passed over—or through—rose petal water. It all sounds very glamorous, I hope I may get to Grasse one day and see the processing of the floral perfume bases. I wrote to B.W.C. who told me that, instead of bees wax, the Cucumber Cjeansing Lotion .contains a purely vegetable emulsifier arid a moisturiser from natural vegan sources. It is such a pleasure to find really lovely products which we can use arid enjoy with a perfectly clear conscience. E D I T H BRADFORD.

Extract from a letter from down under South Australia grows some of the finest fruits on earth. All the citrus fruits grow here, plus many, many varieties of lovely table grapes, and all the common fruits such as apples, peaches, apricots; plus, cherries, nectarines, figs, pomegranates, persimmons, etc. The shops in Adelaide are generously supplied with, such .tropical fruits as bananas;-pineapples and avocadoes, which are ?6

•

grown mainly in Queensland. Unfortunately we are not able to get pawpaws, mangoes, custard apples and various other tropical fruits in this area. But I have sampled these on my trips into Queensland. There are many little incidents which caused me to become a vegan. One of these occurred about fifteen years ago while I was attending an auction sale in Cassopolis. Michigan. Before the sale began an American Indian got up on a wagon and he motioned for the farmers to gather round him so that he could speak to them about the so-called virtues of the medicine he was selling. The medicine was made from roots and herbs which he had gathered from the fields and it was supposed to cure all man's aches and pains. The Indian began by saying: " I think the white man is crazy. First he takes carrots and potatoes and he peels off the skins where most of the vitamins and minerals are. These he throws away. Then he puts the vegetables in water and he boils out the most soluble and nutritious juices. These he throws away! Then he eats what's left. No wonder he is sick! " The Indian's words remain indelibly fixed in my memory but it took a long time before I saw the light of veganism. STANLEY

YANKUS.

Strong Man I saw mention of myself in the autumn issue of " The Vegan " and thought I would let you know of my recent progress in weightlifting. I do think it is good propaganda to be physically strong on vegan food. I had been working on a special lift I devised—to build strength in the shoulders, arms, chest and thighs. Tt is done by loading a platform at chest height and, facing the platform, I push up one end of the platform with both hands, just an inch or even less. After several weeks work on this. I lifted up the load of about 800 lbs. this way. Actually leverage was helping me so I wasn't really moving a full 800 lbs., but a good share of it. Also, by loading up this same platform on one end—to the limit of about 1.350 lbs.—I squat down several inches, place my shoulders up against the loaded end, brace my hands against my thighs (to take the strain off my lower back—my thighs can push much more than my back can support of course) and then straighten my thighs, thereby pushing up the load about two or three inches. This is called a "push s q u a t " and is much more weight than T have ever had across my shoulders before. Of course in the years ahead I shall improve greatly. My progress could be 100% faster and greater under more ideal conditions. My work as a house painter is fatiguing and uninteresting, sometimes I have to work very late and during weekends, then have no work at all for a while.. When I work till 9 o'clock at 27.

night, then come home and prepare my evening meal, it doesn't leave much time for my work-out! I prepare all my own food as I am single. And I am not an expert cook by any standards. Occasionally I can persuade my mother to prepare a vegan baked dish like stuffed peppers with brown rice or navy bean soup. Of course I would enjoy " ice cream " made with soya milk and fruit if I had someone to prepare such delicacies for me! Well, I do the best I can. Obviously I have not grown any weaker on vegan food, even under unfavourable circumstances. However, if I ever do get work that is less exhausting and more interesting (and a wife to cook for me) I honestly think I can become one of the strongest men there is. I see no reason why I could not be. I expect to grow stronger until I am fifty. My present health and energy (at the age of thirty-seven) surpasses anything I have known, greater than at seventeen. I have no doctor bills and use no drugs, etc. I have read of Jack McClelland's achievements and congratulate him! My best wishes go to him. What a wonderful advertisement for veganism! I just thought I'd let you know I am still 100% vegan and still pushing and pulling weights. Keep up the great work. Toledo, Ohio. FRED J. CHAMBERLJN. Being Prepared. As a vegan, anti-vivisectionist, food reformer, anti-druggist and believer in spiritual healing, it has troubled me for some time past—what would happen if I were involved in an accident with no one knowing my beliefs and ideals. I have solved the problem to the best of my ability by writing a letter which I carry in my purse—inseparable from me—giving instructions regarding diet, etc., and the prayer of faith. I wonder if any other vegans have faced, and solved, the same problem—if so, how? I love life—but I love righteousness better. MARGARET E .

LAWSON.

The above is one of several letters we have received on this subject. It has therefore been decided to have some cards printed which could be filled in and carried in purse or wallet. These would give general information on diet and treatment, and especially treatment not desired. We have no way of knowing how many of our members would like one, so perhaps some of you would drop us a line if interested. The cost should be quite negligible and we hope to have full details for the next issue. Dispensing with animal milk is no problem at all with me as, if I do have any milk at all, it is either soy milk or coconut milk. We get plenty of coconuts, from North Queensland and New Guinea or cashew nut milk or almond-sesame-sunflower 28

for everyday health Granose

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milk. However, I 'find it a little difficult to give up cottage cheese and fertile eggs. I made tofu according lo recipe, and it came out alright, but I have to acquire a taste for it. Concerning nut cheeses, I prefer the unfired kind of nut cheese. I made soya butter and it's very nice. Regarding eggs. I shall be grateful if some vegan can tell me what is the nearest (vegan equivalent) to one fertile egg (how much agar-agar, how much soya flour, how much sesame and sunflower meal—how much of all these would make up one egg? 1 am in favour of raw foods as far as possible—only legumes such as beans (soya, garbanzos or chick peas, lima, broad, string beans) need to be cooked, properly cooked, of course in order to retain most of their food value. Ripe banana is my favourite starchy food; then comes millet bread—Hunza style (in the form of a pancake or chapattis; and it takes only ten minutes to cook on a concave hot plate); then raw potato very finely grated almost to a pulp with its skin and mixed with minced raw celery and onion and a crushed clove of garlic and some very finely grated beetroot, all mixed with some unsaturated cold pressed oil, lemon juice and a little clear honey. New South Wales. RICHARD FELLING. MORE PUBLICITY The following appeared in the "Keynsham Weekly Chronical" in January: — " Provocative talk at Keynsham ' Fireside ' " Mr. S. Swain of Keynsham, a member of the Keynsham Fireside Fellowship, spoke at Thursday's meeting on "The Vegan Society." The society, comparatively unknown and commercially small, propagates a way of living which excludes all forms of exploitation of and cruelty to the animal kingdom and includes a reverence and compassion for all life. It encourages the use of alternatives for all food derived wholly or in part from animals. It also seeks to bring about a healthy soil and plant kingdom and a proper use of materials of the earth. Vegans also are generally non-smokers and in the main avoid intoxicants. This address provoked a very full evening of questions-anddiscussion, challenging as it does a good many of our notions and opinions in both the religious and material spheres. Mr. S. Swain was very warmly thanked for his provocative address. We are pleased to announce that the first two books by Vera Stanley Alder are now available as paperbacks. Revised and published by Rider & Co. " T h e Finding of the Third E y e " and " The Initiation of the World." 30

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