KINDLY LONDON.

Dunstan Times, Issue 3360, 15 August 1927, Page 7

KINDLY LONDON.

(By a Visitor.) It is not too much to assert that no other capital impresses the visitor as vividly as dones London with the fact of its advanced state of civilisation. Its look/ of wealth and prosperity certainly contributes to this feeling, but it is by no means the main factor; the behaviour and manners, not to speak of the general wholesome habits and appearance of the multitude, also have their value. How small is the proportion of unkempt men and slatternly women and girls, excepting, of course! in the lowest quarters! How rare it is to hear foul language or discussions that are too lively! How seldom it is that policemen, porters and keepers of museum? or parks, railway officials of any grqde, omnibus conductors, and even cab-driv-ers fail to speak civilly or even to be helpful if they are asked for informa tion, though them patience must be constantly tried either by foolish questions or by fussy people. To put it briefly, the characteristic of the Londoner is kindlines. Good nature in England is general, but it cannot be doubted that the moral atmosphere of the metropolis has a softening influence, in spite of, or it may be n; consequence of, its climate! Not unlikely the parks and squares, with their general air of grandeur, and the mdgniticence of many buildings, bor.ii public and private, contribute to a refining of the general taste and a highei standard of intelligence. The result of environment varies with the racial temperament and individual dispositions—but that it has an effect is undeniable. Perhaps it might be aptly expressed by saying that tlxe masses act imperially without knowing it, as M. Jourdai’.i wrote prose. It is suggested that the people have been cast in an heroic mould, but certain it is that in no other capital will a total stranger meet with 60 much civility and find as much help at the hands of the public in general as he would in this “village.” Infinitely patient is the London policeman. He can retain his sangfroid in circumstances where many men would fall through indecision. Very seldom, I believe, are police signals, requests, or orders rebelled against, and that is largely because the public knows or feels that the requests are not arbitrary. A mounted constable stopping the traffic bn his own accord in such a thoroughfare as the Edgeware road in order that a crippled old beggar woman may cross in safety is a sight worth seeing. A blind man was recently making his way along,a street with which he was evidently familiar. But a telephone tent had been placed at an unexpected corner, and a policeman, instantly taking in the situation, rushed to guide the men, just in time to save him from a bad tall. if ever there is a bevy of nurses with children, or a small bunch of ragamuffins anxious to get across a roadway, up go the constable’s arms to clear the way for them. Young and old, rich and poor, plain and comely know that if there is a policeman in sight ho will ward peril. There are numerous institutions in England for a foreigner to admire and to wish transplanted to his own country. The London police is not the least of them. Next, perhaps, could be mentioned the bus conductors and drivers, who are. a.s a rule, not merely obliging but extraordinarily considerate both to passengers and pedestrians. Again, the behaviour of a London crowd whenever there is a pageant of any description is difficult to over praise, and few are the attempts made to usurp a coign of vantage. And as clear in the mind of the stranger a.s the mtmory of these goodhumored people remains that of the unique beauty presented by such places as Whitehall, the Government offices and the Horse Guards’ Parade seen from St, James’ Park, or, again, the Mall, with Buckingham Palace ending the vista, and Exhibition road, with its superb museums. These are sights that can never be forgotten.