A SALUTE TO LONDON

Southland Times, Issue 24232, 16 September 1940, Page 4

A SALUTE TO LONDON

Homage Paid To Capital UNIQUE RADIO BROADCAST Today, when every thought is turned towards London, where the people are bravely bearing the brunt of the German air attacks, it is fitting that homage should be paid to the greatest of the cities of the world. Last night a dramatic presentation. entitled “The Glory That Is London” was broadcast. Short addresses were given by the mayors of the four main centres, the keynote of their comments being the fortitude of the citizens of London.

“The inhuman bombing attacks made by the Nazi barbarians on the Empire’s capital have aroused a sense of indescribable fury, but they have also emphasized the indomitable resistance of the people of London,” said Sir Ernest Davis, Mayor of Auckland. “We are lost in admiration of their courage and fortitude as they lead us up the path to victory. Our sympathy for the sufferers of the air raids is heartfelt. For our part we count it a privilege to make any sacrifices whatever to bring relief. London, we salute you!” Wellington’s association with the Empire’s capital was the subject of the address by Mr T. C. A. Hislop, the Mayor. The plans for the colonization of Wellington, which were the beginning of systematic colonization in New Zealand, were prepared in London, he said. The Tory, the first immigrant ship, was a London ship and most of their early pioneers sailed from the Port of London. “London, indomitable in its present fiery ordeal, is forever in our thoughts—a constant source of inspiration,” he said. Visitors to London would remember the beauty of the capital in the spring, said Mr R. M. Macfarlane, M.P., Mayor of Christchurch. However, today London was defending not only its beauty, but its freedom. 'Hie sacrifices by the people of this mighty metropolis would not be in vain; the enemy would ultimately be destroyed by the gathering forces of the Empire. The resolution of the people of London today was a living inspiration to the peoples of the Empire, he added. London was defending the realm of reason and righteousness, said Mr A. H. Allen, Mayor of Dunedin. No matter what ordeals lay ahead London would survive and live on. They joined with'its people in complete confidence in final victory and the preservation of the ideals for which the Empire stood. London’s growth into a large and opulent city was traced by the announcers and later in the programme excerpts from talks by well-known news commentators were heard. The programme was prepared and presented by the National Broadcasting Service.