GRIM DETERMINATION

Evening Star, Issue 23381, 26 September 1939, Page 8

GRIM DETERMINATION

ATTITUDE OF THE PEOPLE IMPRESSIONS OF ENGLAND The most lasting impression gained during his recent tour of England by Mr Thomas Ritchie was one of the quiet and grim determination of the English people. Up till the time of his departure war had not been declared, and, indeed, there was a strong impression in well-informed quarters that there would be no war, hut underlying all was the quiet and strong confidence of the people. “ Those nations who thought that Britain was becoming decadent made a crass error. In the main, comparatively tow people believed that there was likely to be any war, although intensive preparations were being made. The population quite understood what war meant, hut they were prepared to “ take it.” The spirit shown was nothing less than remarkable. The intensive propaganda isued by Germany, nicknamed the “War of Nerves,” had the_ opposite effect to that which Goebbels intended. Instead of frightening, it stiffened tho people. When war was declared, the stewards on the boat on which Mr Ritchie was returning exemplified the general attitude. They were keen to get back to England to take their part in the conflict, and made inquiries as to whether they could leave at Panama without going further. On tho Continent there was greater expectation of war. In Switzerland, particularly, it was regarded as inevitable, and to a lesser extent this opinion prevailed in the European countries visited by the party which Mr Ritchie conducted. HIGHLAND REGIMENT. Mr Ritchio was disappointed that the plans for equipping the New Zealand Scottish Regiment had not been matured. He was convinced that it would have made a good impression and been exceptionally well received at Home. The London Highland Chib, wnich numbered a large number of noted Army men amon» its members, and of which the president was General Sir lan Campbell, bad been filled with enthusiasm when Mr Ritchie spoke to them of the efforts which had been made in Otago to raise a Highland regiment. The subject had been alluded to at civic receptions at Aberdeen, Inverness, Fort William, and other places, provosts stressing this further evidence of the very strong sentiment which bound the southern part of New Zealand to Scotland.

The weather enjoyed by the party could hardly have been bettered. For 35 days there was nothing but continued brilliant sunshine, and members of tlie party were not sorry to take advantage of it. Some 20 members stayed behind in England when the bulk of the party returned. Some are definitely on their way back now, but the movements of others will be uncertain. Mr Eitchie, however, is of the opinion that they will be almost as safe in the country districts of England as in New Zealand; at all events, much safer than if they were on the high seas. HOMEWARD JOURNEY. The trip home on a ship “ blnckedont ” was rather an eerie experience at first, and restrictions on smoking or using lights of any description were felt to bo tiresome, ' but, after the first three or four days, passengers accepted it as part of a routine. The first real indication of war came at Curacao, and for the rest of the voyage the restrictions were strongly enforced. A vigilance committee of 12, taken from the passengers, patrolled the boat, and reported any breaches of the regulations. The German ship Leipzig passed through the canal only one day ahead of them, and her whereabouts were unknown. It was thought that she might have been carrying guns or armament? of some sort, hut there was nothing definite. Altogether, most of the passengers wore very glad to be home.