EXIT 1933.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 1, 2 January 1934, Page 5

EXIT 1933.

NEW YEAR FESTIVITIES RETURN OF CONFIDENCE. ENTHUSIASM OF CROWDS. There was no thought of depression on New Year's Eve. In Queen Street enthusiastic crowds let themselves go as midnight struck, and welcomed 1934 with unrestrained gaiety. The falling of New Year's Eve on a t Sunday, while removing tli3 usual late shopping in the city and consequent big crowds, in no way diminished the characteristic jollity of those who did go into town to join in the fun. The most popular point of assembly seemed to be in the vicinity of the Chief Post Office, where hundreds of people had gathered before midnight. When the bells rang out the hour, cheers rose from everywhere. Sirens, motor horns, whistles, and anything that would make a noise all helped to demonstrate the feeling of hope and confidence that was felt for the coming year.

Albert Park was much favoured by Auckland Scots, and the Municipal Band, which played there during the evening, struck up "Auld Lang Syne." Those present joined with great vigour in the singing, although there could have been but few who regretted the passing of 1933. Cabarets in the city and suburbs opened shortly before midnight and were well patronised. Dancing continued amid an atmosphere of jollity until the early hours of the morning, many! revellers returning home as the sun rose !for the first time in 1934. | The spirit of the New Year was eoni veyed over the wireless, all New Zealand stations remaining on the air until after midnight. The YA stations throughout the Dominion broadcast special messages of hope and good cheer.^ The bright dawn of New Year's Day and the perfect weather conditions that followed seemed a happy augury of! what is in store for fa - country in the year, to come. '