BRITAIN'S HOME FRONT

Evening Star, Issue 25003, 23 October 1943, Page 6

BRITAIN'S HOME FRONT

COMMENT ON CURRENT EVENTS (N.Z.P.A. Special Correspondent.) LONDON, Oct. 21. Few recent events have given more pleasure throughout Britain than the impending return of 5,000 prisoners of war, especially the wounded, from Germany. Arrangements for. their reception include their sending free telegrams to relations as soon as they arrive at a British port. The wounded will be sent to a special hospital. Jt is understood that no New Zealanders are arriving in Britain, but are going to the Middle East. The exact number is not yet known in London.

In spite of Mr Churchill's House of Commons statement on the coal situation last week, there is a feeling that the position has not changed and that what is required is a technical overhaul of the industry and the introduction of more up-to-date methods in the mines, but the prominent question of coal seems to have been glossed over, [f Britain has a severe winter it will undoubtedly again crop up. The call of the Archbishops of Canterbury and York for a stand against promiscuity is receiving wide attention. It endorses previous outspoken statements on the war's effect on young people, and fears for their future. Whether this tendency is more pronounced in Britain than in any other countries or during previous wars is open to question, but this country's leaders are hoping that public opinion may be formed to combat the menace.

The flat racing season which has just ended was notable for heavy backing. One bookmaker said: " Betters have been backing up to five and six times the amounts they put up before the war. The anti-post betting on the Derby was the heaviest I have known. Generally it has been a winning season for the book. Business in the ring has been terrific. Ours has improved at least 50 per cent."