SPIRIT OF BRITAIN

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21250, 22 October 1940, Page 5

SPIRIT OF BRITAIN

WILL NEVER GIVE IN PEOPLE’S DETERMINATION STAND OF DEMOCRACY •(United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, Oct. 20 A glowing tribute is paid by the weekly press to the manner in which Britain has stood up to the gruelling air attack of the last six weeks. The Sunday Times says: “ So far as the enemy plans were directed to breaking the spirit of our people, they have failed. Neither in the metropolis nor elsewhere has the reaction of victims been toward giving in. The whole nation realises now that we are fighting against an enemy who knows neither mercy nor fair play, and who is incapable of compromise, and that there is nothing for us but to fight on, regardless of losses, until we pull him down, as by patience and steady perseverance in applying our superior recources we undoubtedly shall. “ Even if the actual devastation of the capital were such as German propaganda pictures it already, we could still have no thought of surrender. For giving in would involve the whole nation in permanent and irretrievable ruin, besides which the temporary ruin of bricks and mortar of a city—even of the largest city in the world—can sustain no sort of comparison. “ The trial is severe, but no one who witnesses it will gainsay that the spirit of the people, from the top to the bottom—and not least at the bottom—has been truly magnificent. Never had a democratic Government a stauncher democracy at its back.” Humour and Helpfulness The humour and mutual helpfulness of Londoners in the midst of their bombing ordeal is an inspiration to visitors from the country, .said the Bishop of Truro. Dr. J. W. Hunkin, who is a member of the Home Guard. In a sermon. Dr. Hunkin told his congregation that hundreds of thousands were still carrying on. Ho had found bus conductors, police and other officials very friendly and helpful with information and assistance. As an example of the general spirit, the bishop told how one evening, when the vicar of a parish came into a basement to conduct short night prayers for families preparing to spend the night on mattresses, a man came forward with a special request that they should sing a verse of the National Anthem. This they did in rousing fashion. There was a great deal of broken glass in London, said the bishop, but the vast majority of the great buildings were still solid.