23 MARCH 1951, Page 5

It was natural that the ceremony of the transfer of

Mr. Bernard Shaw's cottage at Ayot St. Lawrence to the National Trust last Saturday should attract a considerable crowd ; for though many had to walk in weather that can best be described as normal, and natural, no doubt, that the state of the road being what it was, they should be required to remove their footgear before entering. But the resemblance to Moslem worshippers is suggestive, for we are evidently in for a period of intensive Shavolatry. Perhaps that is natural too. for G. B. S. was unquestionably a great man, and, of course, it is in Aprile with his shoures sote that longen folk to goon on pilgrimages. I gather that they longen to goon on this particular pilgrimage by motor-bus if possible.