THE DEAREST CHRISTMAS

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 58, 2 December 1919, Page 2

THE DEAREST CHRISTMAS

Already there. are , manifest signs •of the approach of Christmas. The fancy goods shops'are taking on a 'festive ap--pearance, apart from .'.their ..usual air of artistic sobriety';- "magic caves" glitter in the backgrounds of wonderful toy shops, and perspiring Father Christmases' stand .round waiting to give the .glad hand to all tho little ones. It is too early to say what, the'business, prospects are for the coming -year-end. Most tradesmen etato that trade is a little dull at present, ■which; however,' is not at all. unusual. ...One. thing .is. Quito certain, and'that-is-that for-all classes of'goods—clothes,; boots, eatables,drinkables, and fancy Roods—the Christinas, of 1919. is going to bo the dearest on record. Many complained of the prices laat year, but ein.ee then the cost of evory essential almost', has advanced appreciably, and.;-those whose opinion is entitled' to respect say that the end is not yet.. Still, that is flot goins? to prevent tho people having a good time at Clirjetinas, or hoping that the New Year will- brimr-about α-iuorb settled state of affairs industrially than has-marked the -first post-war twelve months. ' -~.-,

.In one respect Christmas promises, to be the liveliest experienced in Wellington for some On Boxing. Day the first big athletic sports gathering held since tue war will take place on the Basin Reserve, and ut...New Year there is to be a three-dnye' gala at Lyall Bay/ when sports and entertainments of all kinds will 'be provided day and night for air classes, ages, and eeies. The music-lovers' who visit Wellington will have the. rare pleasure of / season of grand, dporn, the liko : of .rhich has not been heard for many years. . ' ... .