GERMAN PEOPLE

Waikato Independent, Volume XL, Issue 3665, 8 February 1940, Page 7

GERMAN PEOPLE

WORSHIP OF HITLER MATAMATA TOURISTS’ EXPERIENCE A very definite impression that not only the younger generation but also a very large section, of the older people were solidly behind Hitler was gained by Mr and Mrs J. E. Cummings, of Matamata, during their several visits to Germany. To a representative of the “Matamata Record” Mr Cummings explained that his experience was that except for a few of the old regime the German people worshipped Hitler. In. his opinion this state of affairs had to be seen to be believed. Mr and Mrs Cummings happened to follow Hitler on one of his speaking tours, and on one occasion they pulled in.to a wayside estaminet —as the troops used to call such places—for a morning cup of coffee. They were making for a table when the old lady in charge came across and halted them near a particular table. In sincere and impressive tones she pointed to the ground nearby and explained that but a short time before Hitler had stood on that spot and drunk a cup of coffee. To this German woman the spot where Hitler had stood was sacred.

. What surprised Mr and Mrs Cummings was the freedom allowed tourists. They drove their car without let or hindrance and could take photographs. Obvious points such as barracks, naval yards and so on were, of course, barred, but public buildings and street scenes could be photographed. On inquiry they were told that if ever in doubt to ask a policeman.

/ While,in Berlin they were within a yard of Goering when he registered his vote on the Austrian question. The voting paper and the cubicles for registering the votes were similar to those in use in New Zealand. Goering appeared to be a jovial, bluff and hearty character. He has a loud voice. His wife, a former leading actress, was very attractive.

Shortly after they left the poll-ing-booth Hitler passed within a few yards of them in his car. News of his arrival soon spread, and within a few minutes the street near the Chancellory, where there had been few people about, soon became jammed with a surging mass of humanity calling his name and asking him to appear on the balcony.

People appeared to go delirious with joy when Hitler appeared in public at that time, which was when a vote was being taken on the annexation of Austria. In every town and village through which the dictator passed bunting and huge flags with Swastika signs were to be seen by the thousand. Many of the flags were 30 to 40 feet in length, and hung from fastenings several stories up on buildings so that they nearly reached the footpaths. On one occasion while staying at an hotel they were awakened early by an excited clamour of youthful voices. On investigation they found it was a party of about 2000 youths under 20 years of age who were assembling to go into one of Hitler’s youth camps. Each carried a small portmanteau or similar container with the few necessary belongings, and were singing and tremendously excited. On every possible occasion, Mr Cummings stated, be talked to all classes of people about conditions and tlieir views, and on every hand he found a strong desire for peace, but ail intense faith in Hitler. He was satisfied that the masses of the people never wished to fight England, but to believe other than, that Hitler had at that time the bulk of the nation behind him, was but to indulge in wishful thinking. He felt it would be a fatal mistake for anyone to believe that the Hitler regime would collapse soon.