LONDONERS CALM

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21220, 17 September 1940, Page 5

LONDONERS CALM

NIGHLLONG BOMBING NEW CONDITIONS SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS (United Press Asn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, Sept. 15 After successive raids the calmness of Londoners is even deeper, as they become more accustomed to their new sleeping arrangements. Many families enter public shelters before the pre-darkness siren, which now is regarded as heralding nightlong bombing. A considerable proportion of those sheltering remain below the ground, having another hour’s sleep and awaiting daylight after the “all clear.” Then they emerge wondering, first, whether any part of the neighbourhood is left after the pounding of bombs has been heard at intervals throughout the night, and, secondly, whether their place of employment is likely to be still standing. Before city workers reach their destination news of the damage to various localities has passed through the tram, bus or tube railway carriage. Bus conductors usually are ready to pass on information gleaned from passengers on earlier trips. This improvised news service replaces the morning newspapers, the distribution of which, in spite of the fact that the printers are carrying on uninterruptedly, has been so disturbed that the papers are not available to city workers before they leave their suburban homes. Damage In Dock Areas The damage in the dock areas has not affected the life of Londoners in the slightest degree, inasmuch as it is officially admitted that great ocean liners no longer are using the port of London. Delays in transport and restrictions on gas are taken as a matter of course.