The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1940. A NEW BRITAIN.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 September 1940, Page 4

The Guardian (And Evening Star , with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1940. A NEW BRITAIN.

The war experience is revealing a new Britain with a wonderful feeling of tolerance, and a readiness to bend to the stern necessities of the times. The voluntary service, and the preparedness to do everything possible for those distressed by the war, shows a phase of benevolent socialism, which, pervading the nation, may come to stay. It is "j this strain which will develop the new Britain. In the bombing of London and other great cities, much of the closely populated areas suffer. Homes and tenements are destroyed and levelled to the' ground. Fresh homes arc' found for the people, and every assistance given to set them up in life again. * Both the authorities and the com-

inanity jointly co-operate in this work of good will, while Ministers of the Crown interest themselves and proclaim the national will to help. The wiping out of the slum areas will prepare the way for an era of new buildings on modern lines, and at least some good will come out of the experience. But on the'social side generally there will be reforms, as the London members in authority proclaim. Not only is the nation suffering, but it is working as never before. The spirit manifested in the workshops and foundry is no less ‘enthusiastic than in other walks where production and devotion to duty is called for. All are endeavouring to do their bit thoroughly and are earning the improved conditions which should prevail in the. brighter times to come. The cost of the war will test the financial resources of the country to exhaustion. Money as such will be scarce in the future when' the cost of all the war expenses are met, but there will still be the spirit of the people to meet the situation, and begin again to restore the fortunes of themselves and the country. It will be in this process where the socialist trend will manifest itself, for all may not readily recover their good fortune, and in the interval of recuperation, all must be helpful. The nation will continue to pool its financial and other resources for the hi no lit of a general rebuilding. But the spirit and the aptitude to do so will he there, and encouraged by their success now the. spirit will carry them forward to the difficult times ahead when rebuilding will be the great task of the nation. T'lie* experience now being gained by tin* Labour representai lives and the fuller realisation of the circumstances of the nation in distress, and its qualities of endurance under stress, with the ability to rise superior to the occasion, will educate them no only to the needs, but also the ability to supply them. If in war a composite lead is of value, more so in the time of recovery alter the long drain of the war effort, is the need for the best brains to get together and serve the nation in saving it for the greater task which lies ahead to reorder the world in peace and tranquility, and to bring confidence where there is now distrust and damaging muertaintv.