LONDON BLACKOUT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 18 September 1943, Page 5

LONDON BLACKOUT

IMPRESSIONS OF OVERSEAS VISITORS. \ “Life in Britain Today,” a 8.8. C. overseas talks series, brings to the microphone some interesting first impressions of Britain upon overseas visitors, and some of their amusing experiences. Captain A. Lennox Short in a recent broadcast, said that he wouldn’t easily forget his first few nights as a novice in London’s blackout. He found himself frequently stepping on to pavements that weren’t there, and even amid the much reduced traffic in the streets he nearly “blacked himself out” more than once. Later he was able to understand the feelings of a taxi driver who, looking for sympathy—to be expressed in a tip, no doubt —said solemnly: “I’ve got a responsible job nowadays.” The broadcaster said he was thankful he was dealing with London drivers and not with one West African he had cause to remember. While in his taxi, he noticed that every time they went round a bend they went up on to the opposite side of the road. At last he stopped the driver and said there was something wrong with the steering and he didn’t want to break his neck. Toe driver was indignant. There was nothing wrong with his steering, he protested, it was merely that one wheel was larger than the other.