CHRISTMAS EVE BIG CROWD IN TOWN

Evening Star, Issue 20985, 26 December 1931, Page 8

CHRISTMAS EVE

BIG CROWD IN TOWN

BRIGHT BUSINESS TONE Christmas Eve in town is ever_ a period of excitement, colour, and brisk shopping, but the general impression is that Cristinas Eve of 1931 lias been brighter and more encouraging from tho commercial point of view than those we have experienced since the dominion first felt the dire influence of industrial depression. A happy, restless crowd of merrymakers and shoppers surged along Princes street and George street in a continual stream, innumerable tributaries branching off to sweep into this shop and that, and buying with a freedom which, in comparison with tho economical demeanour of citizens during the year almost ended, was quito prodigal. Right up until closing timo the shops, particularly those with suitable Christmas gifts to offer, were literally swarming with purchasers. v Restaurants and picture theatres were also well patronised, and altogether it seemed that nearly every household in Dunedin must have been represented in town by several members of the family. Longer hours were being worked than usual in many of the shops, and tho tram and bus services were prolonged in order to copo with the exodus to the suburbs, which eventually had to take place.