ENGLAND'S WORKING MEN.

Manawatu Times, Volume LXV, Issue 1811, 31 December 1912, Page 7

ENGLAND'S WORKING MEN.

LIKE HOLIDAY AT RIVIERA

"England is more vigorous and progressive, more solid and mighty than ever," was the opinion expressed by the Rev. Luke Parr (Anglican), who has just returned to Sydney from a nine months' trip to the Old Country. During his absence Mr Parr travelled considerably throughout England, observing the changes since he was previously there. He came to the conclusion that trade was never so brisk, and the working classes are better off and moving to better conditions. House rents and clothing were cheaper than iu Sydney, but foodstuffs were dearer. A Tasmanian apple could not be had at a retailer's shop for less than 2d. "The millions of England's workers," he said, "now go on holiday once a year. To them the annual trip is as sacred as their union. Oldham 'wakes week,' which used to mean Oldham crowded, now means Udlham deserted, and it is the same with every important town throughout Lancashire and Yorkshire. The wonder of it all is how the railway companies move these millions of workers and their belongings to their destinations with order and safety. Some of these workers travel long distances and in a style our grandfathers would have stared at. They are not unknown on the Riviera and other Continental centres. I was struck also with the evidence everywhere that the women of England are now shoulder high with men in most things. The old-time restriction and reserve between tha sexes is breaking d«wn, without any infringement of true modesty. In place thereof there is observed a sense of fellowship or co-partnership. Woman is a strong competitor, but not an opponent of man. She realises her independence, and will dare and do anything." What of English politics "With regard to the Churches, I fancy the Gospel preaching of forty years ago has died out. Great preachers now discourse on social and other subjects supposed to be modern. The Nonconformist Churches are too political and are helping Lloyd George. The great wonder is that the Nonconformist conscience, once so uncompromising in its defence of Protestantism, should now be found a strong supporter of Home Rule."