BRITAIN ON THE MEND

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 72, Issue 6239, 7 June 1946, Page 3

BRITAIN ON THE MEND

TRANSITION FROM WAR TO PEACE PREPARING FOR THE VISITORS The transition from war to peace is never an easy one. Britain has met this difficult period on several occasions; but never before has Britain had to face up to such a task as that presented in these latest post-war years. Over the past few months we have had reports from all sides—from our own returning servicemen; from visitors to this Dominion and from cabled news and broadcast messages. We hear of the great efforts Britain is making to turn her industries from war to peace-time manufacture; we hear that London—the capital that beckons to every Britisher at least—is assuming much of her beloved peace-time spirit.

Further evidence of Britain’s rapid healing of the scars of war is conveyed to us by the receipt this week of the first post-war issue of “Coming Events,” a new magazine being issued by The Travel Association of Great Britain and Ireland. The purpose of the new magazine is rather obvious —to make friends for Great Britain and to extend a welcome to all those who wish to know her better. The cover of the new publication is certainly appropriate, presenting as ir does a full page silhouette of the Thames and the Tower Bridge.

The Association states that its immediate purpose is to enrol one million honorary overseas members among all members who served overseas, as well as the families overseas which gave homes to British children. Withifi the covers of “Coming Events” is a review of the programme for the Victory Parade in London on June 8. It details that the procession will be the mightiest yet. “The splendour of London’s pre-war celebrations—the Coronation and the Jubilee—will not be here, for the victory parade will march through London’s bomb-scarred streets. Instead there will be the Inspiration of hard-fought victory.” Route of Parade. “In the morning the parade will comprise a marching column and a motorised column. The marching column wil proceed through the West End, the motorised column through the devastated areas of East and South-east London. In Westminster the columns will unite and proceed along The Mall to the saluting base at Buckingham Palace. Empire Fully Represented. “The main body of the marching column will consist, of representatives of the Dominions, India, Burma and the Colonial Empire, the Royal Navy, which will include the Merchant Navy and the fishing fleet, the Army, including the Home Guard, the R.A.F., including the Royal Observer Corps. The Police, the National Fire Service and representatives of all the Civil Defence services, together with an industrial contingent, the Red Cross and the N.A.A.F.I. will parade with the marching column. The motorised column will include vehicles from the Royal Navy, the Army, R.A.F. and Civil Defence. British Commanders led by Field-Marshal Montgomery, will head the columns, and during the interval between the marching column and the motorised column the R.A.F. will stage a fly-past.” The magazine goes on to detail such attractions as search-light displays, warships floodlit, entertainments for the children and a great night water spectacle. It -is stated that similar celebrations will take place all over the country. “Coming Events” expresses the view that 1946 is seeing a wonderful revival in sport. Another feature of the magazine is a detailed programme of coming events in England and Scotland for the months of April, May and June.

In an article entitled “Ulster Plans For the Future,” the magazine states that everywhere and in every class in Northern Ireland there is evidence of a spirit of optimism. If “Coming Events” is a reliable guide—as it should be—-then it is happily true that that certain spirit which is associated with the capital of the Empire is returning. “The beaded bubbles are returning to the brim,” says “Coming Events.” “Paint pots have been brought out and plasterers are once more present in profusion. Some war-time changes look as though they will be permanent and the railings which enclosed the aristocratic squares in the West End and the more beautiful squares of Bloomsbury will not be- replaced and let us admit they were not missed.” Other signs indicated by the magazine are its references to the greater case now of getting a taxi. “You no longer need an American accent” is a good joke told by the magazine. It mentions, too, that suggestions for the victory parade are pouring in by the thousands and among them is one that a lion, which was presented to My Churchill in 1943, should lead the parade.

Truly such indications are typical of the people of Britain and what Britisher is there who would not accept an offer to be in London for the great parade ? We cannot all be there, but we can feel happier that “Britain is on the mend.”