The Clutha Leader. BALCLUTHA: FRIDAY, DEC. 24. THE FESTIVE SEASON.

Clutha Leader, Volume XLVII, Issue 51, 24 December 1920, Page 5

The Clutha Leader. BALCLUTHA: FRIDAY, DEC. 24. THE FESTIVE SEASON.

Except for one or two countries, where the spirit of strife still holds sway, the world at large may now be held to have enjoyed a season of comparative peace. The events that followed the iGreat World War were but the expression of a hope which was everywhere breathed that the world 'would at least experience a generous respite from the horrors of destruction. The return of the sons and 1 daughters of the Empire from military engagements overseas being now complete, Christmas may once more be honoured with old-time family gatherings round the festive board. Sorrowful blanks, alas! there will be in many a family circle, and many memories will be forced back to thoughts of happy days gone by, but the noble lives of departed loved ones will remain as a consoling influence, and the spirit of the past lives on and generates strength for the future. The past twelve months have seen the wheels of commercial enterprise move 'with invigoratiug speed. There been much leeway to make ii|> as a result of four years Of restricted trading, and the-aftermath of war has occasioned a period of comparative prosperity in this country at least. What the future holds in store the mind can only contemplate, but while the happy present is at hand dull care may be cast- aside, and the spirit of that glorious 'Christmas message, the watchword of Christianity, will be breathed the world, over: "Glory to God, peace on earth, goodwill towards men " At this season of the year it behoves everyone to forget the bitterness of past associations, and since the Christmas season is generally regarded as the festival of happiness, humanity is exhorted to forgive and forget. 'Nothing, indeed, could be more poetically grand and appropriate to the present than the description p'f the first Christmas Eve in Milton's "Hymns on Christ's Nativity":

No war or battle's sound Was heard the world) around. The idle spear and shield wore high up-hung: The hooked chariot stood UnstAined 'with hostile blood.

But peaceful was the night Wherein the 'Prince of Light This reign of peace upon the earth began.

The making of 'Christmas a period of rejoicing dates back' to the beginning of Christianity. (Many of the festivities formerly incidental to the occasion are fast passing to the realm of forgotten customs, but a few still remain, though the Christmas turkey and hollydecked plum-pudding have scarcely now the associations of Bob Cratchit's family dinner. The early colonists brought to New Zealand many old-time customs. These were 'found' suitable enough to be honoured in a land of ice and snow, but the climatic conditions of the adopted land were scarcely congenial to their perpetuation, and the nativeborn generation demanded customs more in keeping with a southern sunshiny Christmas, in olden times Christmas 'Eve heralded the commencement of a season of most riotous gaiety •which sometimes lasted until Candleulas Day on February 2. Carol-singing was one of - the earliest customs, and though to-day it is still a feature of the festivity of English communities, it is not now so generally carried out. The custom dates from the times when the Christians of the early church met to iclebrate the anniversary of their Saviour's birth by the singing of religious hymns, ft is a eurious fact that in Scotland' Christmas was never regarded with such reverence as in England, and the fact holds true in Scottish communities of the present day even in our own land. After trie (Reformatiou anything savouring of Popery was barred by the strict Presbyterian conscience, and it is probable that on this account their principal festivities usually commenced on New Tear's Eve, which was popularly known as Hogmanay. During the fifteenth century customary both in England and Scotland to proclaim a sanctuary during the Christmas festival, and no court, had the power to punish even the worst of criminals. More than that, in many cities a free welcome was proclaimed to all beggars, thieves and other criminals to attend the festival without molestation until the. twelve days had passed. The custom was dropped at a later period, but some measure of Christmas joy still pene? trates as far as possible the gloom of! servitude. Although the 'Christmas tree is a time-honoured custom in many parts of the world, iywas only introduced into Britain during the early years of Queen Victoria. Father Christmas, or Santa Clans, is in reality of German origin, his real name Ibeing a corruption of f 6t. Nicholas. The. tOhristmas card -"also, though now so universally used to convey aeaeonalble

greetings, •is nevertheless 'of quite modern date, the first card being designed 'by J; 0. IHqrsley, Later inventions for the transmission of Christmas happiness have since made their appearance, and to-day the telegram ■carries its. happy message and brings contact nearer. Thus •joy is spread (broadcast throughout the:land, ■business worries are relegated to the office cupboard, and King Happiness reigns supreme. So in the hope that inspiration for the future may result from the 'Christmas 'message, .we join the festive throng and greet our readers with sincere good wishes for ■A "Bight Merry Christmas.

Tram fares in, Wellington have been increased.

'Mr A. E. J. Blakeley, dentist, will not visit BaMutha till January 11, 1921.

We have received from the mailroom staff "of the; Balclutha Post Office an appropriate card conveying the season's greetings, which we heartily reciprocate.

On behalf of some of the Fanners' Unions, 'Mr A. S. Majcolm, M.P., invited the Minister of Lands to visit this district. The (Minister has replied expressing thanks for the invitation, and stating that he will endeavour to visit Balclutha district early in the New Year. ' A record price for fat lambs was obtained at the 'Wallacetown yards on Tuesday, when a pen of five was, after 'spirited bidding, knocked down at 44s 4d. Tjhe lambs were exceptionally well finished, and the pen created a considerable amount of interest after the hammer had fallen.

In connection with the WyiKlham races on Saturday, January 1, a train leaves'Dunediri for Wyndham at 6.30 a.<m., leaving Balclutha 7.46, arriving at Wyndham at 11.0 a.m. This train will stop at Stirling, Waiwera and Clinton. The return train leaves Wyndham at 5.30 p.m. and is due at Bal-clutha-at 8.38.

Notwithstanding the' changeable j weather, large numbers of holiday I makers are astir and the extra, trains ' put on for their convenience are being well patronised. On Christmas, Day, the express trains and extra express trains will run, but most of the local trains are cancelled. Intending travellers are advised to make application at the station for particulars, i

Only one tender was received by the Balclutha Borough Council for repairs to the Carnegie Library, one other applicant intimating his willingness to carry out the Work- on a lfl per cent. basis. After discussion the council resolved that neither offer be accepted, but that the work be carried out by day labour under the supervision of the works eomnnittee.

■Donald; ifieid and Co. report having held their fortnightly sale at the Owaka yards on Thursday. Theresas a ■medium yarding of sheep and cattle, and rathpr poor competition. Store cattle sold fairly well, and fat cows sold from £lO to £ll, empty heifers £7 to £7 10s, empty cows £6 2s M to £7 7s Cd, yearling steers £5 10s, dairy heifers £ll 10s, fat sheep to 30s. The bulk of the sheep were passed in. Tn pigs, suckers 'brought to £3 2s and brood sows £6 ss. 'Christmas geese sold at 9s 4d, and sundries realised fair market rates - .

Mr T. o'Byrne', secretary of the j Southland Sawmill Workers' Union, re- ! a telegram which stated that ] in consequence of eleven men having been dismissed from the 'Lauriston Tinvbcr Company's mill, a meeting had been held at the mill and the men had j decided to do no work at the mill un- j til a settlement regarding future arrangement had been reached. 'The tele- | gram further stated that it was un- j derstood that the men dismissed would be replaced by men fronv Southland.' Mr O'Byrne is endeavouring to get in ■ ' touch with the company. j A very enjoyable social was held in | Mr A.'Moffat's 'barn on Tuesday night, J the proceeds being in aid of the district piano fund. The 'building was ' tastefully decorated, and there was a . good attendance. During "the evening! songs were well rendered 'by Miss McLean and (Messrs 0. R. Throp and Bus- ! sell Co'e'kburii, and 'Messrs "W. Rooney and .1. Whittaker gave recitations..Miss G. Moffat played a couple of pianoforte solos, and '.Mr E. OTee gave an item. Mr 'E. OTee made an efficient M.C., and Mr Trevor Gibson supplied the music in his usual capable manner. A first-class* supper was provided, and every arrangement was made for the pleasure of those who attended from Balelutha and the surrounding district. ' IMPORT STORES.—Thrifty people ; welcome the economy of our GROCERY DEPARTMENT. NEW SEASON'S FRUIT, sound, fresh, and in the best of condition. Only the 'finest grade of ( rich, plump, flavoury fruit in stock. | The following are a few CHRISTMAS LlNES:—Seeded Raisins, Is 4d packet; j Seedless ißaisins, Is 4d lb (choice);! Mildura Sultanas, l's 4d lb; (Mildura ! Currants, 'ls Id lb; v (Muscatel Raisins; j 1b M; Packet Dates, lOd; Prunes, Is; ] Hawaiian. Pineapple, 2s and 2s 3d (very,j choice)-; Canned 1 Apricots, 2s 3d; I PeSiehes and Pears, 2s 3d; Mixed Lemon ] Peel, Is l)$; Preserved Ginger, 2a (Jd; Choice Figs, Is. Fresh 'supplies of FISH 'have just landed. Salmon, ilb tins Is and Is I'd, lib tins 1» fid l ; Sardines, lild and Is; (Herrings in Sauce, Is and Is 5&; Fresh (Herrings, I's 4d. Stewed Tripe, 211b tins, 2s. SUMMER GOODS.-Jelly Crystals, 4s 9d per dozen; Sheet Gelatine, 4s 6d per lb; Marshall's Stontaer 'Drinks, Is 6d; Thomson's Cordials, 3s 3d; Lunlciheon Cheese, Is; (Rex Cheese, Is 4d; Cornflour, 8d; Custard Ponder, l'Od, 'All prices less 'CASH DTSCOUOT' of 5 per cent. (Is in £). "We wish to-have all orders 'despatched in. good time, so.we will be glad if you will kindly shop early; 'HeinzPure 'Food Products now landing, and we ih'ope; to have these gooda .on show next week, IWe would l ask you to see. these goods, as we can thoroughly recomonend them, .•—IMPCHBT &TOKBB jPOK VALUE.

- Mr F. J. Anderson-, dentist, intimates that he intends visiting Owaka district after the New Year.

It was announced in Wellington yesterday afternoon that the stewards and cooks had received instructions to withdraw their notices to cease work. The new Arms Act comes into operation on January 1. After New Year's 'Day possessors of rifled firearms will be required to register. In thanking the Balclutha Borough Council for their ready acceptance of the (Health. Department's scheme for .the appointment of a district sanitary Inspector on Monday evening, Dr 'McJKib'bin congratulated the town on the progress which it was making and on the splendid water supply which it now possessed, in the provision of which the Mayor (Mr Simson) had taken such a prominent part. A case of being of a too venturesome spirit occurred at the Kaka Point Beach on Wednesday afternoon, when a young lady staying at Shore's board-ing-house got out of her depth whilst bathing. Fortunately she was noticed to be in- distress by Mr 'Ernest Shore, who was passing in a motor car and went to her assistance. She was recovered in a collapsed state, and is still suffering slightly from the effects of shock.

At the distribution of prizes to members of the Young Worshippers' League at the Methodist 'Church on Sunday morning the 'first-prize winner, Gladys Stewart, was complimented by Rev. S. J. Werren on her splendid record. For six years she. had not missed one Sunday morning service. Special mention of the excellent attendance of Patience BJooneyj another prize-winner, was also made, as it was pointed out that she had a long distance to travel and had only 'missed one Sunday morning service this year. The first test cricket match between the English, and Australian elevens at Sydney concluded on Wednesday with a win for Australia iby 377 runs. In the first innings Australia made 267 and England 190, -while the scores in the second innings were Australia 581 ••Jollins ,104, Armstrong 158, Macartney \ 'England '2Bll (Hobbs 59, Hearne SY, Hendren 56). Armstrong's batting quite overshadowed all else in the game, and has been described as one of the greatest test match efforts of all time.

Show judges sometimes make mistakes and it is rumoured that a prize "animal and a horse expert will probably figure before the 'Magistrate at the local court. One Saturday afternoon recently a well known young man was seen riding down Clyde Street on a stylish looking cob with a new saddle and Ibridle. His companions made fun of the horseman, who usually was astride a motor cycle. Clutha show time came round and the young Jehu and his mount were awarded a first prize. iAt the Owaka show further honours were bestowed oh the' beast, and its owner was proud o'f his horse. ■Coming near 'Christmas time the young horseman thought he would turn his steed into cash, so it was advertised if or sale at the Balclutlia saleyards. A local farmer, who is known as a judge of horses, approached the young man and a deal was made, and the horse found a new stalble. The seller later on wanted his .money, but it was not forthcoming. The purchaser declared the horse was not tip to his expectations. Both parties were firm., and the time for payment arrived but no money passed. 'The young man went to see a local solicitor, when 10, to his astonishment the other iman had* got in first and had already engaged the same lawyer and is evidently now waiting the court case, which should prove highly interesting.