CROWDS IN LONDON

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 426, 6 May 1937, Page 3

CROWDS IN LONDON

AUTHORITIES APPREHENSIVE City Traffic Hampered London, April 27. “Pointers” as to the /Crowd which may witness the Coronation processions, as provided by the Anzac Day march and the Coronation rehearsals, have almost thrown the traffic authorities into a panic. These crowds, in themselves, caused minor traffic jams. The crowds in the streets are becoming denser every day between 10 la.m. and 6 p.m. It is usually faster to walk along Regent Street or Piccadilly than to go by taxi. The rows of traffic are sometimes stationary 7 for five minutes, then they move off at a snail’s pace. Whiat it will be like in Coronation week the police hate to think. Estimates of the Coronation crowd vary from 1,000,000 to 3,000,000, and some people predict chaos. It is now part of the daily routine of Londoners to direct overseas visitors. Everybody is wondering when •the patience of the “bobbies,” repotted to bp the most obliging in the world,* will reach breaking-point. The conductors of trams work all day in vehicles crowded with strangers in the role not only of fare collectors but as tourist guides. Policemen on patrol and traffic duties are hampered by thousands of people asking questions. ‘ So far, London hag stood up to the test-, being conscious of its duty as host to Ehnpire visitors. The Australia House staff has scarcely ia minute’s breathing space in attending to visitors. The vestibule and lounge are becoming useless as a meeting-place, because it is jammed with people who rre unable to sort .hemselves out.