LONDON LETTER

Evening Star, Issue 24137, 6 March 1942, Page 4

LONDON LETTER

[By M S. i’ltiMMKK.'l HOW TO GET GIRLS. December 18. There's a mild controversy going on just now. You must know that the Government is bent on roping in women to do some form of war work. It’s not now a question of only young ones, over thirties will have to do something, too, and over forties and older ones may he put to “ nurseries,” to enable mothers to leave their children in safe and healthy surroundings, The argument is how to get all these to volunteer instead of using conscription. The lirsfc poster was of a “ glamorous girl.” Most of us thought that unsuitable for such a serious time as now, especially when our attention was drawn to the very lino Russian appeals to women. So, with the advent of a new commandant to the A.T.S., we see on every street corner, and in every newspaper, the " now ” girl, a strong, silent type, her mind made up, just the sort that would accept with joy the caption that goes with the poster, “Adventure through Service.” But the quarrel doesn’t end here. What about lipstick and other mild make-up, and jewellery, too? The answer differs in various services, one even forbidding the wearing even of engagement rings, unless the stone is turned inwards. On the whole, however, regulations are not too stringent, and women, from conductresses to land girls, look trim, neat, and feminine. Which is only right: “We want girls when wo have a day off, not uniformed automatons,” say the callod-up males. This lipstick question has led (indirectly, it is true) to legislation. With the supply quite inadequate to the demand. the market has been flooded with stuff that has caused injury to the skin. One unfortunate lady found her lips so badly burnt that the husband took it up in court, with the result that now the name of the firm must he marked on the article as a guarantee of a fair deal for your money.

There’s another problem for us women after Christmas. At the time of writing the Government is releasing some millions of pairs of silk stockings, the .last, alas, “for the duration.” So in two months wo shall he dependent on the now “ utility ” stocking, a mixture of rayon and cotton, or just rayon, and priced up to 2s 7d a pair. 2 coupons. The awful part is that they will be seamless (meaning wrinkled at ankle), and non-fashioned. What a. triumph for the girl who has really shapely legs! And there’s no way of hiding under long skirts, for Service uniform is always on the short side. Perhaps trousers will bring solace.

SHELTERS TO-DAY. For a long time now we have been free of serious air attacks, more especially in London. Translated into everyday life this moans that hundreds, nay thousands of evacuees are returning to their towns of origin, preferring the remains of their homes, with prospects of the delectable “ fash and chips,” to the greater safety and boredom of the country. It has also meant in the towns themselves that shelters for sleeping out are not nearly as nauch used. A visit last week to some of London’s undergrounds late at night was as good as any film and much more interesting. By 10 o’clock bunks are made up. People supply their own bedding, and so here you will sec Mrs X. comfortably installed with a thin folding mattress, sheets, pillow case, and a blanket (one is enough, as the underground is always hot, not to say fuggy). Air Y. can’t be bothered with alb that. “ I sleeps well anywheres and anyhow after 10 hours’ work every dav.” So he throws off his coat, tucks away his cap, puts his boots by bis side, and is snoring in a few minutes. Alodest ladies erect a little curtain; untrusting ones bring string bags bursting with most of their worldly goods; loving couples dislike single and rather public hunks, ami betake themselves to darker corners, where they are soon comfortable, albeit their mattress is on the stone floor. What one does dislike- is the sight of youngsters tired-looking, and completely focl-np with not being able to undress and “ tuck in.” but this is not possible, as the whole idea is to be ready in case of an alarm. FOR CHILDREN ONLY, Some underground stations have tackled this problem of better rest aud surroundings for little ones, and have evolved a good system. A avail is erected shuttiaag off a part of the platform, and within this area two storys are available. In each bunks are provided with all bedding, facilities for washing, nurses to see that all is well, and even a playrooan.* Unfortunately hpre, and in adult parts, too, all have to anove off early (7 a.an., as then traffic begins in earnest), and platforms must bo cleared of rubbish and swept. At the best it is not a good night’s sleep that you get; too short aiid too broken, what with trains till midnight and lights all the time. It was on one of these visits that T had a whiff of undiluted Suffolk. She was obviously from the country. With her was her boy. an intelligent youth. “ Looks a fine lad,” I said. “ How old is lie?” “Oli, him; he’s 15 next ‘ muck-spread.’ ” “ Why. you must come from the oast.” I exclaimed in glee, for “ muck-spread ” is local for autumn. “ What are you doing hop-e?” “ He wants to go in to air cadet work, aud we’ve come for a few days with relations. But I don’t like London, can’t breathe with the dirt, or sleep for the noise. So I’m off bade to-morrow.” Sensible woman. i