ENGLAND TO-DAY

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 106, 1 November 1930, Page 10

ENGLAND TO-DAY

CHANGES TAKING PLACE

MOTOR OUSTING THE RAIL

(By The Rev. Dr. J. T. Pinfold.) AV'ork iv many parts of England is very scarce. Owing to keen foreign competition and local high prices, orders that used to be received are going to other countries. Hence the machinery of our great works and mills is doing less and less, the turn-out of goods is becoming smaller, and the number of men out of employment is daily becoming greater. As one travels up and down, especial- j ly in the North, it is painful to see the buildings, for example, among the ironworks of Lancashire or potteries of Staffordshire,, that a few years ago were hives of industry, now closed or in process of demolition. Strange to say, however, houses are going up iv a'l directions. To make room for these Mid to obtain money to pay taxes, especial'y death duties, many of "the stately homes of England" are being sold and the adjoining parks cut up into sections. Long main roads are being made straight through the properties. In many places the country is assuming a different appearance. There remain still many quaint spots with serpentine narrow lanes and little stretches of lovely scenery; but they are becoming the exception rather than the rule. THE SPIRIT OF TRAVEL. The extraordinary growth of the spirit of travel' that has taken possession of people in these modern days, due greatly to the introduction of the automobile, is revolutionising the whole of life in Great Britain. 'There are thousands of motor-cars rushing through the country every day of the week. During the holiday season there are char-a-bancs continually plying for hire night and day between various centres and different pleasure resorts. I have stood on a pathway in a small provincial town and watched about twenty service cars filled with passengers go by in half an hour. All were labelled Blackpool to London. In many parts, especially Yorkshire, motor-buses have girl conductors. In both trams and buses' dogs are ■ permitted to travel among the passengers: often a by no means pleasant experience. A big trade has sprung up in transporting freight. Goods are carried through the country nearly from one end to the other.. Travelling by night between London and Manchester our car passed many times a procession of twenty motor-lorries piled high with goods: merchandise that a few years ago would all ha.ye been sent by the railway. Of course, it is making a great difference in the financial returns of the railway companies. The incomes are much less than they used to be. Unfortunately, the officials are striving to lure the people to travel about on the Sabbath by offering ridiculously low return fares. Instead of it being a quiet restful day, as it used to be, it is becoming a day of excitement and effort. Effects of this hurtful change are already visible throughout the country. We hope they will soon lead to the stoppage of the trains and a change of policy. ■ LONDON'S TRAFFIC PROBLEM. Traffic in London forms a huge problem. ■ Already trams are not allowed in the centre of the city. Many thoroughfares are declared "one way" streets and there are already rumours of overhead roads being made to relieve the congestion. Speaking of London reminds one of the great amount of begging that is done there. Very little ground can be traversed without meeting some appeal for help. There are also in the streets artists, with crayon drawings on cardboard or pictures drawn with chalk on the pathways, attracting attention and seeking alms. Italian organ-grinders and small bands of musicians, apparently returned soldiers, one or more being short of some limbs, are also amongst the beggars. Generally the one who holds the cap to the passer-by is minus a leg. But he is usually smoking a cigarette, and we are afraid, that hinders many persons from helping who otherwise would be disposed to assist. IMPROVED CHURCH ATTENDANCE The swing of the pendulum has changed in its direction regarding church attendance. It is much improved from what it was three years ago. Wherever I worshipped and in whatever part of the country, with one notable exception, this fact was evident. There is unfortunately a practice growing up in some churches of dismissing the children as soon as thenaddress has been given. This leaves a gap in the church which is not pleasant to see; worse still, it prevents the cultivation amongst the children of a love for worship and service. As far as one can judge, there is a decided improvement in congregational singing, especially in the North of England, where it is hearty and good. What preaching we heard was thoughtful and helpful, though, if one may venture a criticism, it had too much philosophy and not enough evangel. The British Broadcasting Company gives every morning a short religious service consisting of hymns, prayers, and1 a lesson. It is intended chiefly for invalids and sick persons confined to their homes, but we found it greatly appreciated by a wide circle of listen-ers-in. The practice might be extended to New Zealand with profit.