CHANGED MOOD

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20128, 23 December 1939, Page 13

CHANGED MOOD

PARIS OF TO-DAY STOIC DETERMINATION MANY SHOPS CLOSED A totally different city in mood and appearance is the Paris of to-day compared with that of just before the war. The carefree /and beautiful Paris one loved has vanished; the curtain is lifted on a stage set for events of historical import. The heart of Paris beats to-day to a new rhythm; its throb is a grave) one. There is a stoic determination not only in Paris, but in all France, a philosophic acceptance of new conditions, a general willingness to comply with the many necessary regulations. A mere glance at the Paris streets convinces one of that; there is not the slightest sign of jitters. Faces, it is true, are graver and the lightness of tone is gone, for who has not a son, a husband, a friend in the fighting lines? But life goes on; c.aifj. work must be done and done gracefully. In the circumstances the Rarisian is showing spiritual resistance and firm resolve that count for the final victory even as does courage or the men at the front. The Paris streets look strange. Many shops are closed, their windows criss-crossed with bands of paper as extra air-raid precautions. Streets are also empty of traffic and except in rush hours there are few pedestrians. “Brave New World” Recalled Uniforms give a touch of colour to the otherwise drab crowds. They range from the horizon blue of the aviation and navy. In contrast the civilians vaguely recall in their uniformity of dress Aldous Huxley’s "Brave New World —hatless women and girls wearing tailored suits and flat-noelod sanaais, carrying their übiquitous gas masks in a variety of ways—slung over one shoulder, worn, in shoulder bel: o. carried in' the hand like a pocketbook. An additional canvas haversack called “musette,” is frequently slung across the right shoulder. This precaution against a surprise air raid contains a heterogeneous collection of items to the personal taste. One girl, -for example, 'had a complete change of clothes, including sandals and .turban, as though in a week-end bag. Another produced a well-planned first aid kit. Modern St. Francis There is less loitering except at the luncheon hour. The pigeons ac the Place de I’Etoile are being sorely neglected. An old Russian, formerly an admiral, was among the few to take pity bn them the other day. As he stood there surrounded by’this feathery flock, he seemed a modern St. Francis of Assisi. The bare appearance of cafe terraces during the day indicates the number of persons 'who have left the capital. Paris by night is amazing. The City of Light is no longer. A tew dimmed lamps guide one’s steps. Pocket flashlights help out. Lighted terraces are prohibited, but in the darkness one can hear and sense voices, laughter and general good humour in those cafes and restaurants remaining open. The Cafe Flore, of Left Bank fame, closed its doors the other night, so did Francis, but the Duex Magots, and opposite it on the Boulevard St. Germain, Lipp’s, as well as the Dome and Coupole, on the Boulevard Montparnasse, inherited the homeless patrons. Fouquet’s is still drawing the fashionable few remaining. To make up for the absence of its usual crowd, brilliant uniforms lend colour to the scene. thrill. Dancing and movies and theatres have had to be renounced, but they have been replaced by tire thrill of war work of various kinds, by attractive unifonns to wear and a great sense of responsibility. Business girls trip along carrying their gas masks at all sorts of jaunty angles, and even the darkened streets provide adventure rather than difficulty. The whole thing to some of the youth is one grand and glorious thrill.