LONDON TO-DAY

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 157, 31 March 1937, Page 12

LONDON TO-DAY

Slightly Continental Trend ABDICATION OF KING British People’s Calmness in Crisis Many changes in tlie London of days gone by were seen during a recent visit there by Mr. E. F. Hollands, engineer and general manager for the Hutt Valley Electric Power Board. Mr. and Mrs. Hollands returned to Wellington from Sydney by the Awatea yesterday after a five months’ and a half trip abroad. They went to England via tlie Panama Canal and the West Indies, and returned via the Suez ('anal ami Australia. They were iu Euclid at the time of tlie abdication ot King Edward, and the destruction of the famous Crystal Palace by fire.

Some time was spent by Mr. and Mrs. Hollands in the Lake district of Cumberland and the moors of Yorkshire, and they also toured the South of England. Tliey are constituents of the Minister of Finance, Hon. W. Nash, and met the Minister and Mrs. Nash, with whom they had lunch at the Empire Club. They also met the High Commissioner for New Zealand in Loudon, Mr. W. J. Jordan. “On arrival in England we found a tense atmosphere regarding King Edward that became intensified as tlie days went on until the abdication.” said Mr. Hollands. "Tlie day of the abdication was a black day for the Empire and was particularly noticed in London. However, true to the British people’s calmness in any crisis there was no panic or demonstration. This appeared to amaze the foreign section of the community. “Business and the life of London went on as usual, but it was several days before the feeling of suspense lifted. King Edward’s going was a sad business and a big blow. The whole circumstances leading up to his abdication was unbelievable. During the Iteriod leading up to the abdication tlie British colonies were much before the public through the Press, and long statements were published by the Premiers of each colony and Dominion.” New Zealand House.

New Zealand House in the Strand, said Mr. Hollands, was a very busy place and they were impressed by the splendid window displays depicting New Zealand scenes and by the working models of the dairying industry. New Zealand House was a fine meeting house for New Zealanders abroad and was giving excellent service.

“Around London we noticed many changes,” said Mr. Hollands. “London is changing rapidly and visitors will not find the old world London of other days. It is a much changed city, modern and slightly Continental. Tlie old world is only to be found in odd corners. The West End, especially Hyde Park district, is entirely changed. Places in tlie district which were formerly exclusive residential areas now abound in shops and palatial flats. Loudon, however, is still a place of interest, and one’s interest never wanes from watching the amazing traffic, botli vehicular ami pedestrian. The way tlie traffic is controlled and the simplicity with which it is handled by modern signal devices is wonderful.” While in London Mr. and Mrs. Hollands saw tlie disastrous fire at the Crystal Palace. “The destruction of this historical building was felt by thousands of visitors,” said Mr. Hol lands. "It was a landmark, and its destruction was a loss to the nation.” Industries Kept Busy. Mr. Hollands visited a number of industries, many of which, lie said, were working at high speed on munition work. He also studied problems affecting electricity supply and especially street and highway lighting. England now led the world in this respect, and tlie development was stupendous. Another striking development was the housing problem. This was being tackled in a large way, and he had an opportunity of obtaining first-hand information as to what was being done in cities such as Blackpool. Liverpool, Manchester and London, where he was shown over large housing estates. He was fortunate iu meeting a large number of prominent engineers dealing with power supply problems, and he viewed most of the large power stations and supply authorities. He visited the important supply authorities in Colombo, Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney, and felt that his trip abroad would be of considerable value to his board and to himself. Mr. Hollands visited Croydon at day and night, and said that aeroplanes arrived and departed for the capitals of the world just like clockwork. “The air-mindedness of tlie people is astounding,” he said. Mr. Hollands said that Canada was well advertised in all towns and cities by huge posters and other striking advertising stunts. That was also noticed on the way home at the various ports they called at. Most, of the Dominions were well advertised.

"The exchange problem between New Zealand and the British Isles was much commented upon,” said Mr. Hollands, “and it has been forcibly brought home to me on this trip when adding up the’ cost of travelling abroad. However, it has been worth while, but we are glad to be back again in New Zealand.”