MAINLY SUNNY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 305, 27 December 1939, Page 9

MAINLY SUNNY.

HOLIDAY WEATHER.

MOST SHOPS OPEN TO-DAY.

CHRISTMAS SPIRIT PREVAILS

Though most of the shops were open for business to-day, the Christmas holiday spirit etill prevailed, and after the morning rush for fresh food supplies the city settled down to another comparatively quiet day. Again vindicating the prophets, the weather was mostly fine and sunny, though passing clouds brought occasional showers.

Aβ yesterday, the horse* proved the major attraction, though thia time the trek -was towards Alexandra Park, Epsom, wh«tre the Auckland Trotting Club'e meeting opened, and there were indications even early in the day that attendance and totalizator figures would im well up to the recent high marks. Other sporting attractions abo drew crowds, and the tennis courts and bowling greens were well patronised. Along the ro*ds to and from the city there was a constant stream of motor ears, many of them obviously bearing tourist parties who were on their way to tome new centre of holiday interest. The motor camps were well filled, and at each of the beach resorts the campers were joined by hundreds of family picnic parties who risked the weather. It was notable that a number of people who are working between the Christmas and New Year holidays are combining work with pleasure. They are camping at various seaside resorts near the city and making the daily journey to and from work.

In expectation of the rush for supplies bakers worked long hours last night preparing bread and cakes, and there VMM realisation this morning in the crowding of the shops and the heavy loeds that had to be carried by the delivery carts. Butchers, too, were busy, and there was a big demand on them. Except for eome belated present buying, and the stocking up by visitors, who had left various needed articles behind, the shops were quiet. There was exception also in the case of hairdressers and tobacconists. Though they were open for business yesterday it was reported by some of fche bigger establishments that the rush was greater today.

Normal hours aro being observed by the retail ehope for the remainder of this week, with 0 p.m. closing on Friday night and at noon on Saturday. Butchers will not be open on Friday night. They will doso at 4.30 p.m.'on that day, and at noon on Saturday. It is expected that there will bo further heavy demands mnde, principally on the sellers of foodstuffs, at the end of the week because the stores will not be open again until Wednesday of next week.