WAR NIGHT LIFE IN LONDON.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 253, 23 February 1917, Page 3 (Supplement)

WAR NIGHT LIFE IN LONDON.

REVELATIONS" OF A NEUTRAL VISITOR.

Tlie "Berliner Tageblatt's" neutral correspondent in London continues Ins "revelations" about the night-lite of (joudon during the war (says the " Daily Express's special correspondent at Amsterdam). Contrary to the belief studiously entertained in Germany that London is n dead city alter sunset, and that the inhabitants —even the Royal .Funiily—spend their nights in cellars owing to the. fear oi Zeppeiins, the neutral unds that the night life of London is more brilliant in some districts than before the war. The streets are lightless. but not lifeless. It is not easy to carry on traffic under the abnormal conditions which prevail, and many accidents occurred at first, but London is now apparently getting used to this war necessity. The neutral observes that owing to the darkness in the .streets, criminality—especially burglary and pocketpicking —has greatly increased. He gloats over the alleged shortage of taxi-cabs in London, which "forcesswells in low-necked evening dress, otter (fruitless attempts !at wlr'stling after disappearing motor vehicles, to go homo on the top of rickety omnibuses." Anything on wheels, lie says, is now good enough for the streets of London. Ho speaks of the luxury of feminine dress in London. How different in Germany, he says, and even in France. Everywhere you see the latest and dearest London and Paris fashion marvels.

He also criticises London's dancing craze in hotels and other public places. "Who would believe," he says, "that these women have husbands and brothels suffering in the trenches while they are dancing?"

Drinking in London, according to the "Tageh.'iatt's" neutral, has not licen seriously checked by the prohibitive regulations, owing to the many "tricks." practised for thirsty Londoners.

The neutral cannot help his amazement at the quiet composure with which London people watch the ■arrival of trains of wounded soldiers.

"That," ho says, "i*i the. other side of London night-life in war t : me."