Power of the Spirit Extolled by War Minister in Wise Words

Northern Advocate, 19 December 1938, Page 7

Power of the Spirit Extolled by War Minister in Wise Words

(Received 10 a.m.)

LONDON, December 17. rpHE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR. MR L. HORE-BELISHA, SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF AN EXHIBITION AT A ROMAN CATHOLIC CONVENT SCHOOL NEAR PLYMOUTH, SAID: “Whatever apparent defeats human philosophies' may undergo, they \Vvill triumph in the end by the irresistible power of the spirit. “All over England there are little retreats of religion and learning, and from them influences go out which sti’engthen, vitalise and humanise the nation. “They are-the pride of all denominations, and this state has not only the wisdom to tolerate, but also to encourage, them. . , . . , *4*

Britain’s Beast. “We are fortunate to live in a country which, although compelled to devote a high proportion of its resources—nearly £1,000.000 a day—to armaments, is spending this year nearly £loo,ooo.ooo—or almost £2,000,000 a week —out of rates and taxes. !on education. “Our estimates indeed this year are, with the single exception of 1921. the largest ever presented. More and better schools are being provided; classes have been reduced; opportunities for secondary education have been extended; school medical services have been improved, and school meals services have been greatly increased. “Whereas in 1931 the total number of pupils attending secondary schools was 411,309, the number rose in 1937 to 484,636. In 1931, 193,000 children were admitted without paying fees, compared with 225,000 in 1937. There has been an increase of 120 State scholarships to universities in the past two years.”