6 APRIL 1944, Page 9

REALLY NECESSARY ?

WAITING on the station, holding bags and cases,

Looking down the line to find a train that's two hours late ; Going in the buffet, to get some tea and sandwiches (All they've got are week-old buns upon a dirty plate) ; Going in the waiting-room and finding there's no fire there, Looking in the mirror (which has many a chip and crack), Stamping feet to keep them warm, near the ticket office, Then finding that an icicle is melting down my back ; Standing in the corridor, when at last the train comes (" You're lucky to get in at all," the left-behind ones moan) ; Do I care if such.- things happen? No, my journey's necessary, Our school broke up yesterday, today I'm going home.

PHILIPPA TAYLOR.