“LOUSY DECADE” —THE FORTIES IN BRITISH HISTORY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26963, 24 December 1948, Page 7

“LOUSY DECADE” —THE FORTIES IN BRITISH HISTORY

NZPA—-Special Correspondent Rec. 9 p.m. LONDON, Dec... 23. “The forties have always been ‘ a lousy decade,’ ” said Sir Alan Herbert. M.P.. at the literary luncheon in London. These may be the “ thirsty forties,” but 100 years ago they were the “hungry forties.” In the 1740’s Britain was at war with France, Spain, and Scotland, the Bank of England had used up its last- penny of reserves and London expected an invasion by 10,000 wild Scots. In the 1640's there were civil wars, and in the 1540’s Henry VIII was marrying too many women and killing too many men. So going back century by century Sir Alan thought the British to-day weren't so badly off after all. “Well,” he said afterwards, “it is the only crumb of comfort I could give them and who knows? —by the 2040's we may have a change of Government.” In the course of his speech Sir Alan asked, “ Who is the first humorist of the age? Who is the man who can make anybody laugh 'in any context at any time? ” He supplied the answer, " Winston Churchill.”