MAN IN THE STREET

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 178, 26 June 1940, Page 4

MAN IN THE STREET

WHAT HE IS THINKING WARS AN'I) RUMOURS OF WAR Local news is scarce. This fact presents itself very forcibly to the seeker of that elucive material, especially should he be a BEACON representative on the scout. The only topic of conversation is 'war.' Well, if this it. the only thing occupying the public mind at the present time, we take this opportunity of portraying something of what our people think of the present situation. Returned Soldier: "Tough times — still mind you, the Empire's known tougher, and I think friend Hitler has the hardest job ahead of him. Can't understand the 'frogs' though. Must have been pretty near their last gasp to cave in like that. Yeah, wouldn't mind another smack at them myself. Have a smoke? . . . No, righto, do the other thing then. Everybody ought to smoke these days. Very sootliin' yer know." Workman: "I reckon we'll have to get going proper now. Too much time wasted in collecting Red Cross money and not enough on doing something for ourselves. Anyone would think we weren't in the bloomin' fight." Shake the Government Up. Retired Ohope Resident: "For God's sake do something to shake the Government up. Nothing has been done for our defence here. T will be willing to start a fund to subsidise the Government £ for ii to buy munitions. We want aeroplanes, we want small arms: Its criminal to see the way thousands of returned men are offering their services for home defence and, no rifles to arm them with. Do something in your paper to start the ball rolling or it will be too late. We can't expect protection from the British navy now." Businessman: "The uncertainty of the times has made it extremely bad for business. People are not spending as freely. Luxury lines are practically at a standstill. What do you think the Japs will do?" Housewife-: "The Radio simply makes me depressed. That's why I switch off and have to ask you the latest. I still think that nothing will be able to beat the British Empire, but it will be much harder before we have beaten Hitler." Maori Workman: "'lf I had my Wtiy I'd *'* *•* Doing Their Bit. Professional Man: "Yes, we're for it I think. But I like the pilot ab the wheel. To my mind old Church ill came to power just in t'he nick of time. Its a case of the right man coming forward just when he's wanted. The same as it'is happened in England's history all along the line. I believe that Hitler will attempt invasion, but I can't see him succeeding. England has not yet, in this war been full out. And the Nazis will meet something tougher than they bargain for." Farmer: "Now the farmers will have to do their bit in real earnest. These plains will probably reap a permanent benefit from" the intensified farming which will be required before the war is over. There will be new land broken in, new experiments made to hurry production and new methods of practical farming introduced. I for one am willing to do my utmost, and I think aill farmers feel the same way. If Ave don't, then it Avill be only too bad, but I don't doubt but that every man on the land will respond" School Teacher: "It takes me all my time to concentrate on my work. I want to hear the latest bulletins and I find myself getting nervy with the kids. I expect its good to have them to keep me occupied though." "The Italians! Yah!" Mechanic: "1 only wish to God, they'd give me something active to dot, so that I could feel I was directly assisting. I feel as though I'm wasting my time at present." Shop Girl: "Aren't the French awful? Fancy surrendering like that. I wonder if the lifth column had anything to do with it?" Service-car Driver: "These — — Nazis will get all that's coming to them in time. Don't you worry about that. Its only treachery that's got them so far. Wait till they meet some real opposition. As for the Italians, yah! did you read of the capture of a submarine by a British trawler yesterday. Huniorous, wasn't it?"