OUR LONDON LETTER

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19806, 23 May 1934, Page 14

OUR LONDON LETTER

THE GATHERING WAR CLOUDS EMPIRE DAY CAMPAIGN FOR AVIATION (From Our Own Correspondent.) LONDON. April 12. There is probably no living man who knows more about the undercurrents of world affairs than Dr. G. P. Goock, the historian. When, therefore, he speaks of the growing danger of a new war he weighs his words carefully and they are to be taken in grave earnest. In a speech at Edinburgh the other day he declared that “I can truly say that at no time since the end of the war has the prospect seemed so threatening.” Dr. Gooch considers the Far East and Germany as the two main storm centres of the world to-day. Chances of a war between Russia and Japan, he thinks, are “fifty-fifty”; but Russia will not strike the first blow. In this Dr. Grooch agrees with other competent observers. Russia’s army, and especially her air force, are among the most powerful in the world; but the Soviets already have as much territory as they want and harbour no aggressive designs. Despite the military spirit of Nazi Germany and the bitterness between that country and France, Dr. Gooch does not expect war in Western Europe “for many years to come.” Of peace on Germany’s eastern frontier he is less confident; but even there he thinks that war may well be averted for a good while to come. Women Diplomats? Should women be admitted to the British diplomatic and consular services? This question is now being considered by a Foreign Office Committee. and there is reason to expect that the answer will be a qualified “Yes”. Russia has a woman Ambassador and America a woman Minister Plenipotentiary, and Japan also employs women in her foreign services; so their admission to British diplomatic and consular posts would be no new departure. All British Embassies, Legations and Missions abroad have been asked to send in their opinions on the question to the Foreign Office Committee. With few exceptions, the replies are against the admission of women. The diplomats and consular officials cast no doubt upon the ability of women, but they feel that men are better fitted for work abroad, especially in countries outside Europe. But women’s organisations here are making a strong attack on these male prejudices. They contend that the work of women explorers and pioneers all over the world disproves all these objections to the sex. A woman acknowledged as the representative of the British Government, it is claimed, would have an incalculable influence on the development of the so-called “backward races.” In commercial posts, again, it is argued that a woman consul would be even better fitted than a man to deal with the large propor- ; tion of trade which concerns domestic , goods. “Air Day”: Empire Day (May 24) this year will be re-christened “Air Day,” and a great effort will be made to encourage “air-mindedness”’ among the public. The ordinary person rarely gets a chance of seeing the inside of an aerodrome, but on “Air Day” all the air ports of the country will be thrown open to inspection. The Prime Minister, in a speech the other day, visualised the time when we should be “rising into the air from our back-yards, and paying visits on the other side of town.” But though private flying is rapidly progressing, it is curious that passenger services inside Britain have lagged behind. Passengers and mail fly every day all over Europe, and every week to Africa. India and Singapore; we are on the eve of a service to Australia and before long the Atlantic will be regularly crossed—yet it is only now that proper air services are being started inside Britain. Perhaps it is partly because the country is so small and because most air ports lie some distance outside the big cities. A Londoner who might wish to fly to Manchester, for instance, has a long motor journey out to Croydon and then another drive into Manchester from the northern air port; so that in the end he could have reached his destination almost as quickly by train. The Law Does Not Forget! Twenty years ago a man named Merriman was summoned for obstructing the streets of Swansea with a barrow. Unable to attend the court, he was fined 16s. in his absence. But no one told him about the fine or asked him to pay. Then came the war. Merriman enlisted, served overseas, was badly wounded and invalided home. When he came out of hospital a friend told him about that little fine. Merriman was worried, and went t ask the police what he should do about it. “Forget it,” they answered to the man who had sacrified his health in the country’s cause. But the Law did not forget. On the court records Merriman was still “wanted”; and last week—twenty years after he was careless enough to leave a barrow in a Swansea street —Merriman was arrested. This was a serious matter. He must go to prison for seven days for “contempt of court.” But happily the British Legion took up the old soldier’s cause and got him released. Now indignant M.P.’s are to ask questions in the House about this case of the Law’s long memory. Football’s “Grand Old Man": Many warm tributes are being paid to Sir Frederick Wall, who is to retire after being secretary of the Football Association for nearly 40 years. At 76. Sir Frederick well deserves a rest in his last years. He still begins work at eight o’clock in the morning and deals with the complicated affairs of an organisation which has affiliations all over the world. Sir Frederick, more than any other man, made the annual Cup Final an event of classic importance, attended by Royalty and second only to the Derby in popularity. The knighthood conferred upon him by the King was the well-deserved recognition of his work for one of Britain’s national sports. Sir Frederick has always been ready to help footballers, and many a little “row” between players and their clubs has been smoothed over by his good offices. Cricketers’ Pay: Many people who pay their shillings to watch the Test Matches wonder what is the financial reward of the players. The England professionals get £4O each match, the umpires £25 and the scorers £lO. Certain expenses are also allowed to the players and umpires, but not to the scorers. The twelfth man is paid £3O a match.