LIFE IN LONDON

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21221, 18 September 1940, Page 7

LIFE IN LONDON

STREETS AS DEATH-TRAPS AVOIDING FLYING SHRAPNEL NEED FOR DEEP SHELTERS (United Press Asn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, Sept. 17 Thousands of people during the night indulged in the new night-time pastime of “ door-hopping ” to escape flying shrapnel as thej 7, scurried homeward. The use of the underground railway stations for- shelter

has been discouraged, but last night thousands stayed on the platforms when shrapnel made the streets death-traps, and many snatched a few hours’ sleep in spite of the clattering of the trains. The Daily Mail asks editorially whether the Government is doing all it can for civilians, and whether proper shelters have been provided and complete arrangements made to house the homeless. “ The outcome of the battle largely depends upon the people’s courage and endurance,” says the Daily Mail. “ The Minister of Home Security, Sir John Anderson, should immediately order the construction of deep, bombproof shelters in every available open space. The lessons of the war elsewhere have not been learned. “ Dispersal ” Plan Fails “ The outstanding fact is that the 1 dispersal ’ policy upon which Sir John Anderson based his plans has failed. Public money is being wasted on more and more surface shelters, revealing lack of foresight, because surface shelters will not withstand continuous air attack.” The Times says Lord Horder, Physician to the King, has been appointed chairman of a Government committee to investigate the effect on health of the present use of public shelters, where there is much overcrowding owing to their increasing use as dormitories. Sir John Anderson is investigating the possibility of using the tube railways as shelters providing the movement of trains is not hindered. People are beginning to resort to the underground stations as shelters after buying tickets. Steps are being taken to discourage the movement of people from the communal and garden shelters to larger shelters elsewhere, while smaller shelters are left almost empty. The Government is also giving attention to the problem of housing the large number of homeless people.