1946 AHEAD!

Evening Star, Issue 25679, 31 December 1945, Page 5

1946 AHEAD!

PROSPECTS FACING BRITAIN FIRST SIX MONTHS WILL BE HARD • IN.Z.P.A. Special Correspondent.) LONDON, December 29. The old year ends in Britain on a notp of hope—rather dour hope, perhaps, but, nevertheless, it is a much lighter note than prevailed a year ago. when bitterness was mingled with cynicism at the possibility of a protracted war. That mood has been replaced to-day by dourness, based on the realisation that 1946 will be another year of testing and trial for the nation as a whole. The fact is accepted, if not cheerfully, then at least patiently, that Britain’s fortunes must be rewon, and, while a few confirmed pessimists take a gloomier view, the average man and woman appreciate that there is only one thing to do and that is to carry on with the job the same as they did throughout the war. Already one can detect a note of confidence that in another six months everyday life will be more congenial than it is to-day and that conditions all round will be easier and austerity less austere. This is based on the belief that industrially the country will by then be moving more rhythmically, and that, in spite of suspicions of the American loan, the country will benefit from it in many ways. What the public is looking for chiefly is an improvement in the many things that, though small in themselves, yet taken together make everyday life a more cheerful affair—shorter queues or the abolition of them; the eventual removal of rationing, or, at least, an enlarged and wider range of rations; more clothes and a greater variety of them; more opportunities for travel during the holidays, and not only in Britain; and. above all, a return to regular home life and a settled job. EYES ON DOMINIONS.

While many peoole, however, adopt a hopeful outlook—for to do anything else would be over-depressing—doubts about the future are not difficult to find, and many people are convinced that their best hope lies in one of the dominions. This is, of course, a sign of the times, engendered among some by a feeling that life in Britain will continue to be dour and dull for several years. Some take a gloomy view of the trade outlook. Others are. not enthusiastic about the political situation and the effect of the Labour Government’s policy. Others, again, particularly servicemen and women who have travelled to, or who have lived in, the dominions, have decided that they want to live there, while some elderly people desire to eke out their fixed incomes in countries where there, is less income tax and more sunshine. Certainly, when shipping becomes available, people will leave this country in their thousands, while many more would like to go if suitable opportunities arose. This in itself is no bad thing, for certainly it will do nothing to weaken the ties of Empire—or Commonwealth, if you prefer it—while for the ordinary British man and woman there should be years of steady employment once demobilisation and full conversion to peace-time industry are completed. In fact, it does not take an unreasoning optimist to suggest that Britain with the world of trade to conquer is as much a land of opportunity as ever it was for those with the ability and lust for work. There is no subject that will be watched more closely, unless it be domestic politics, in the coming year than Britain’s trade position, and at heart Britain is still a nation of shopkeepers. CONTINUING THE REVOLUTION.” In the political field, the Labour Government still has its biggest tasks confronting it, with its policy of nationalisation and social reform. Today the Government is more firmly in' the saddle than ever it was. and the majority of the country is glad to see it there despite the Churcliillian fears which, of course, are entertained by many. , , Certainly, 1946 will be another lively year, in which Britain’s. “ bloodless revolution ” will be continued. Another thing that Brtiain is looking forward to is the eventual greeting of visitors from abroad. The country intends to develop its tourist trade to" the greatest possible extent, but it is realised that this must be a gradual process, and 'can only occur as general conditions improve, buildings are renewed, and shipping increases. It will be a proud and patient country that visitors will find. .

In sport Britain _is anticipating a slow and steady revival, to which visits by the Russian “ Dynamos.” the South African and “ Kiwi ” footballers, and the presence during the summer of the Australian cricketers, have already given an impetus. A Britain with flourishing sport once more will be another indication of the country’s being in “ good heart.” Dourness and some doubt; some impatience, as seen in industrial unrest, and restlessness, as evidenced by a desire to seek homes and livings abroad —this, then, is Britain’s mood at the turn of the year. Underneath it all there is a feeling that the British people are rather interested and curious to see just how they will fare in the sea of troubles ahead of them. There is a curious trait in the British character that rather likes to be told that the odds against the country are winning out. Then, it likes to show that it just can stop it. It has something to do with the British remembering their glorious defeats —Dunkirk and Arnhem. It is character rather than pounds or dollars that will pull the country together in the next decade.- And few will be convinced that Britain is bankrupt of character —or brains — even though she may have precious little hard cash.