TOPICS OF THE DAY

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21224, 21 September 1940, Page 8

TOPICS OF THE DAY

Armour for Civilians It has been said that since the collapse of France, there has been a “hardening of opinion among our people”; the change would be better called a deepening of judgment, a composure of spirit, that mind and body may endure what they will be called upon to endure, writes Charles Morgan in the Spectator. The plainest example is in the Prime Minister himself and in the public’s attitude towards him. Even those among us whose vision has for many years accorded with his, and who have constantly desired his leadership, did not foresee that he had in his keeping the armour he has now put on. That he was resolute and fearless we knew—his reappointment to the Admiralty at the outbreak of war struck fire into that great Department, and, during the dismal months of autumn and winter, it was upon him, more and more, that the country waited for evidence that the Government was lighting and alive. But it is not to be denied that, in those days, his tone was still that of the old Winston whom timid and complacent men had long made it. their profession to distrust. He was not then incapable of the “frantic boast” and was, therefore, vulnerable. This is gone. Pride and courage remain, but arrogance is gone. “Doomed to go in company with pain, and fear, and bloodshed," be has “turned his necessity to glorious gain.”