London Works By Candle Light

Greymouth Evening Star, 13 February 1947, Page 7

London Works By Candle Light

[N.Z.P.A. SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT]

(Recd. 2.10 p.m.) LONDON, Feb. 12. Flickering candles are one of the sights in London to-day. You can see them in offices, banks, tobacconists, cafes and hotels. They are doused abruptly twice during the day—at noon when power can be used for two hours and again at 4 p.m. when the restrictions end. Hurricane lamps are also popular, though they are not in such general use. The man with a boom on his hands is the managing director of a candle making company. He claims he is the biggest candlemaker throughout the world and says his factory is working at full pressure to meet the present demands. Asked why the price had increased by 27 per cent., he said it was fixed weeks ago. Candles now cost 10jd per lb. ■ Overcoats in Offices With so many buildings depending on electricity for heating, overcoats are the order of the day for thousands in offices. Those who work in buildings where there is central heating or gas are regarded with some envy. Shopping by candlelight is considered by many women as a “novelty”. But house detectives are watchful, lest some may have their own interpretation of the word. It is certainly differently interpreted by a crematorium, which had its power cut off in the middle of a cremation and had to make an urgent call to the Ministry of Fuel. Also London County Councillors who had to grope their way to the council chamber and read their papers by hand torch. The cuts have not reduced exercise. With no lifts working, many have to trudge long flights, while the downward escalators on the underground railways are also not moving. 100,000 Fewer Travellers As a result of the transport cuts, including trams, buses and trains, it is estimated that 100,000 fewer people are travelling. Many British restaurants, which were a feature of wartime life, have regained their popularity suddenly. The reason is the number of husbands, who, put out of work by the cuts, are

sent out for a meal by their harrassed wives. The Mayor of Wimbledon has a plan for those temporarily -out of work. He is sponsoring free afternoon concerts for them “until further notice.” “I thought it would be a good idea,” he said. “I will pay for everything out of my own pocket.” One Commoner who refused to allow the weather to interfere with his recreation is the Labourite, Mr. Lindgren. He bathes daily and a photograph showing him in a hole hacked through ice and snow in a swimming bath caused thousands involuntarily to shudder. But the weather proved too much for the women diehards who normally swim the year round at Kenwood pond, Hampstead. The ice is too thick to break and the approaches to the pond are knee-deep in snow. Smokers were further depressed today when it was announced that one of the biggest firms had decided to despatch no more cigarettes to the tobacconists. Visits by Inspectors To enforce the cuts the Ministry of Fuel is sending round inspectors in some areas to call on firms and make sure they are obeying the restrictions. Many managers, also housewives, have been telephoned by officials who stated: “We have reason to believe that you are burning electricity. Would you please, in the national interest, put off your light.” The Minister of Fuel, Mr. Shinwell, it is reported, has received sheafs of telegrams, chiefly from Labour organisations, insisting that he must not resign. One from Manchester stated: “You are still tops. Good luck.”

Letters in the evening newspapers indicate other opinions. One demanded “Give us Churchill and Woolton back for food, warmth and leadership.” Many doctors are having to cram in consultations between noon and 4 p.m. and in the evening. Dentists are also making similar decisions. The cinemas are not opening until 4 p.m. and theatre matinees have been cut out. Women hairdressers are cancelling all appointments during the “cut” hours.