CALM AND CONFIDENT

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20025, 25 August 1939, Page 12

CALM AND CONFIDENT

BRITONS FACE CRISIS

SANITY PRESERVED

CONSCRIPTION CALD (Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, this day. Anxiety as to the developments in recent days in the international situation was expressed by passengers on the Rangitane, which arrived from London yesterday. While they were unable to speak in the light of more recent events, many passengers commented on the quiet calm with which the people in England were viewing the situation. Praise for the people of England for the way they had preserved their sanity was expressed by Colonel the Hon. 11. E. Cohen, M.L.A., who is returning to Australia after a trip to England. He is a prominent Melbourne solicitor and has a distinguished war record.

..“Whatever political differences there may be to-day, the ordinary rank and file of English people are just as sane and sensible and unaffected ,by flambuoyant statements as they ever were,” said Colonel Cohen. “I should say the general temper of the English people is just as solid and they are just as determined to uphold democracy as ever.” Colonel Cohen said he was greatly impressed with the way the average Englishman had preserved his sanity in these days. It was extraordinary how quietly the young men called up under conscription had responded. There was no trouble and no hanging back, and the young men had responded promptly and quietly. Similar views were expressed by Cap’ain E. G. Morris, director of naval reserves in New Zealand, who returned from a trip fo England by the Rangitane. He said that England was very happy in spite of the international situation. They were confident of the future and displayed no sign of panic.