A SPECTATOR'S NOTEBOOK
THAT the man-power situation is difficult is understood by every- one, but most of us are getting a little tired of the monotonous reiteration of "man-power shortage " by Ministers whenever the convenience of the public is being still further curtailed. Take Kew Gardens, which belong to the Government, and therefore to the public. What could possibly be more desirable than that men and women should be able to wander through those cool glades in the summer months as long as daylight lasts? But no the gardens must be shut at eight—for the Minister of Agriculture, who is responsible, says no labour is available for the extra hours. Take the collection and delivery of letters in London ; never, I believe, even at the height of war has the public been given a worse service than it has to put up with today. It i§ outrageous that men with letters to write after they come home from work should have to leave them lying in the pillar-box till 8.3o or 9 the next morning, because there is no collection after 6.3o p.m. The reason given is that the Government has insisted that more labour shall be diverted to productive industries—as if communication and transport were relatively negligible, instead of being what they *in fact are, essential constituents in the life of the community. But, in addition, the postal unions are objecting to late collection and late delivery, and if there is ever a choice between the convenience of the public and the demands of a union, the public has never a dog's chance. Are we to be told soon that no trains can start later than 6.3o ?
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