THRILLS AT WORLD FAIR

Southland Times, Issue 23988, 1 December 1939, Page 9

THRILLS AT WORLD FAIR

MISS G. WOODS RETURNS FROM AMERICA Filled with admiration for the American people, their efficiency, and their mode of living, Miss G. Woods has returned to Invercargill after a three months trip to the United States, convinced that, in spite of the overwhelming attractions and amusements offered abroad, one’s own country always holds pride of place. New York, the goal of present-day tourists in America, was reached after a train journey from Vancouver across the Rockies. Chicago and Milwaukee were visited en route, and it was at these cities that many impressions were gathered. The method of marketing allowed housewives, provided with small barrows for the purpose, to select their foodstuffs including meat, fruit, vegetables, staples and even liquors from under one cover. The purchases were then checked at a counter and carried in one paper bag to the cai. It was interesting to note, that in spite of the relatively high cost of meat, the amount spent on vegetables would exceed the sum paid for meat. The wide variety of breakfast cereals was another point which did not escape notice. Miss Woods experienced an almost sensational incident on her first day in. New York, when she was caught in a traffic jam on a bridge in the city during an intense thunderstorm. The hooting of the cars, coupled with the clapping of the thunder clouds, produced a noise previously undreamed of. During a month spent in New York, entailing many visits to the World Fair, it was gathered that the exhibits were of more interest to men than to women. Six months, giving a few days each week, would be required to. inspect thoroughly the countless sections. The pavilions of the different countries were most popular with the majority. In Canada, there was every evidence of the nation being at war. Half the population was in uniform and all were enthusiastic and loyal. The call at Honolulu on the homeward trip was disappointing to some who had expected the greeting of bands and the welcoming with leis; but instead were made aware of the European war by the precaution of allowing no visitors to the wharves and the presence of warships in the harbour. BEAUTY OF BALLOON BARRAGE MRS L. W. SPENCER SEES LONDON IN WAR TIME Among the most recent arrivals from England are Mr and Mrs L. W. Spencer who returned this, week from a 10 months’ trip abroad. In an interview with The Southland Times yesterday, Mrs Spencer mentioned the chief reason of their trip as being a reunion with their daughter, whose husband is Captain Francis Patrick, of The Cameronians, a Scottish regiment; during their visit, just after the outbreak of war, a grand-daughter was born in London. Captain Patrick, whose regiment has been stationed in London, expected to leave for France this month. Meanwhile Mrs Patrick is living at a country hotel in Scotland, which bears the amusing name of the Tillie Tudlum. In April Mr and Mrs Spencer went to France, taking their car with them and motored to the south where they spent two weeks at the Little Riviera. On their return to England they spent Easter at Gloucester, and then went to Scotland, which they found particularly delightful, especially the Isle of Arran, which offered much in scenic beauty. Always the outstanding event of the London season, the Royal Garden Party was marred this year by rain, but the Invercargill visitors were among the first 5000 who gained admittance before the function was abandoned. Other engagements kept were a luncheon by the British Hospitality Association at Park Lane Hotel which informally entertains Empire visitors, and a garden party for Chamber of Commerce delegates held at the Duke of Sutherland’s seat near Guildford, which dates from the fourteenth century, and where the Earl of Dudley received the visitors. '

Among notabilities seen was Mr James Mollison, the well-known avia tor, who was observed in a London street.

Mrs Spencer described the beauty of the balloon barrage over London, which, aluminium in colour, glistened and reflected the colours of the everchanging light. So beautiful did it appear at times that it seemed more a figment of the imagination than reality. Everywhere in England response to the emergencies for war was immediate and unquestioning and uniformed women were to be seen driving lorries, ambulances, and the cars of commanding officers. As all New Zealanders were advised to leave England, passages were booked shortly after the outbreak of war and as travelling companions Mr and Mrs Spencer had Mr and Mrs J. McLeod, of Tauranga, well known in Invercargill.