BRITAIN’S NEW YEAR

Greymouth Evening Star, 3 January 1927, Page 8

BRITAIN’S NEW YEAR

OPTIMISTIC EXPECTATIONS.

(Australian & N.Z Cable Assn.)

LONDON, Jan. 1

There is a unanimous feeling that England is on the verge of an allround happier and more prosperous year. This gave a pre-war gaiety to the dying year festivities. Enormous gala parties were held in all the hotels, which wei’e more elaborately decorated than at any time since the war. The streets were thronged and everybody was in buoyant spirits, but seemed glad to see the last of 1926, which had been as bad as it could be, and to feel that England was about to emerge from the clouds of depression. This is by no means false optimism. ’Die Stock Exchange radiates cheerfulness, talking hopefully of cheaper money in the new year. Everywhere the general trade position is better than for years. Huge contracts are awaiting fulfilment. The old year has seen the reconstruction of a number of great industrial concerns, whereby the position should be immeasurably better. This growth of amalgamation is also a sign that Britain is preparing to take a. lead.

Mi 1 Baldwin, in a New Year message says: ‘We have left behind a year of discord and industrial depression. Let us resolve to repair the damage and to restore national prosperity in a spirit of goodwill.” Mr. Ramsay MacDonald’s message says: “Most people will be glad to get rid of 1926. All will hope for more sanity and business-like genius in the 1927.”

The British revenue since April was 479 millions, compared with 499 millions for the corresponding period of 1925.

FEASTINGS AT BERLIN.

LONDON, Dec. 31

The “Daily Express’s” Berlin correspondent says that ten million nougats, which are German seasonal fare, were consumed in the city last evening. Roast goose and champagne were supplemented by carp and punch. Nine thousand police were mobilised in Berlin to prevent disorderly celebrations. THE KING’S MESSAGE.

(Recd. 9.40 a.m.) LONDON, January 2.

Acknowledging the Lord Mayor of London’s Ndw Year message, the King says : “With unswerving faith in the British character, I heartily share the belie!' expressed in your message that with united efforts and a spirit ol mutual confidence and goodwill in our widespread industries, we shall see a gradual but sure restoration of trade and commerce in our beloved country, to the benefit not only of the British Empire, but of the whole world.”