CHANGING SCENE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 234, 2 October 1940, Page 7

CHANGING SCENE.

LIFE IN CAPITAL.

Civilian Defence For Winter Months. United Press Association.—Copyright. LONDON, Oct. 1. Plans for changing the living conditions of Londoners to accord with their position in "the front line of the war" were to-day revealed by the newly-appointed "evacuation dictator," Mr. Willink, who advocates the evacuation of every possible citizen who can be removed without loss to the national effort.

"There are considerably fewer houses, and most probably there will be progressively fewer still," said Mr. Willink. "The confinement-..0f living to the ground floor and basements has further reduced living space.

> "I am considering the establishment of hostels for men who must stay at work in London. They and their wives and mothers require the best possible housing and protection.

"Emergency shelters have been improved greatly in the past week. One shelter, in spite of the absence of cooking facilities, served 500 two-course dinners a day. Hundreds of officers and volunteers are doing their utmost to alleviate the sufferings of the homeless."

The "Daily Express" says in a leader: "Autumn is here, and winter comes within two months. Which will do more damage—Hitler or the winter? Medical science has the answer to pneumonia and typhoid and influenza epidemics, but the best answer is to check the spread of conditions breeding these scourges. A good job must be made of fitting up the tube etations, because they provide sleeping room for many thousands of Londoners. Bunks, canteens and sanitation must be installed."