“A GOOD CHRISTMAS”

Greymouth Evening Star, 27 December 1928, Page 2

“A GOOD CHRISTMAS”

GREYMOUTH CELEBRATIONS. Business which many retailers describe as of a record nature; weather which for the most part was favourable; record crowds in the streets, determined upon extracting the utmost, possible pleasure from the holiday; good appetites, and good dinners; bright, lights, decorations, bands, squeakers, rattles, balloons; and good humour everywhere. These were some of the ingredients responsible for the Christmas of 1928 at Greymouth justifying the adjective “good.” Perfect weather ruled on Christmas Eve, and the legion of shoppers, particularly those from country districts, very often accompanied by children, gave thanks accordingly. After a fairly quiet morning, business improved steadily through the afternoon, and evening saw retailers and thenassistants hard put to it. to supply the demands made on them. There is apparently a fascination for most people in shopping on Christmas Eve, and not all the appeals -to do it early have much effect. However, so long as the business is done, the retailers are willing to “step it out” during the last few hours before closing time. One of the leading drapers told a reporter that his returns compared very favourably with those of twelve months ago; in fact, he confidently expected that this Christmas business would be a record, so far as he was concerned. Other retailers confirmed the report that business had been good, but not all of them described it as recordbreaking. Despite unemployment and other financial drawbacks, there always seems to be a little cash in the pocket for the due celebration of Yuletide. The children, of course, were in their element on Christmas Eve, and not a few adults derived enjoyment also, although most of them were not prepared to admit that they had any pleasurable anticipations regarding the gifts they might receive on Christmas Morning. That the legend of Santa Claus has not, despite modern ways, lost its appeal to the juveniles, was proved by the rapt attention with which dozens of them regarded one gentleman in the traditional costume. Many were the confident messages whispered into his shell-like ear, and it is safe to say that parents who listened in made sure that the reputation of Santa Claus did not lose any of its lustre in the eyes of the rising generation. The result should have evoked a vote of thanks to Santa Claus from the traders in toys.

There was, on Christmas Eve, every indication that the fine weather would continue, but a surprise was in store. Conditions changed rapidly, and fairly heavy rain fell during the night, and continued on Christmas Morning, upsetting the arrangements majde by numerous picnic parties. Most people however, rather welcomed than resented the change, as it gave a good opportunity for the enjoyment of a quiet day at home in the family circle; not to mention an excuse for “forty winks” after the Christmas dinner! The showdry weather continued all day on Tuesday, but the wind again changed during the night, and a strong easterly ruled yesterday, the gusts of wind raising clouds of dust. The atmosphere was very humid, and the conditions were really reminiscent of a Christchurch north-wester. This did not deter outings, however, and all the scenic resorts were well patronised, while a large contingent visited the- Westland Racing Club’s meeting at Hokitika, travelling by trains and cars. Several 1 Greymouth motorists took the Southern trail, en route to the Glaciers, while the tourist traffic from other parts of New Zealand and overseas is also heavy in that direction. It would be interesting, and surprising, to know just how many gallons of benzine were consumed in cars on the Coast for, say, yesterday only. What is Christmas without a band? Not so serious a proposition as home without a mother, certainly, but a depressing factor. The lively music provided by the Greymouth Municipal Band on Christmas Eve was very acceptable. Sleepy citizens might have felt a little peevish on being awakened early on Christmas Morning by the notes of carols played by the Municipal and Salvation Army Bands, but the majority, recognising their seasonal obligations, forsook the blankets long enough to contribute to the Band’s collection boxes.

“A very good Christmas,” was the verdict of a police officer. He stated that the crowds on Christmas Eve were quite orderly, and very goodhumoured. Although a few citizens had been drinking each other's healths with obvious results, there was not one in a condition that justified an arrest. The police had also very little trouble so far as the observance of trafficregulations was concerned, and a gentle hint had the desired effect. Greymouth could be given a clean sheet, and it was hoped that New Year’s Eve would be a repetition of Christmas Eve.

Two passenger expresses were run both ways between Greymouth and Christchurch on Christmas Day. The number carried outward from Greymouth was 221, and 404 passengers arrived from Christchurch. Yesterday, 230 passengers left Greymouth for Christchurch and 290 arrived from Christchurch. To-day, the number of outward passengers totalled 2SG, and 156 arrived by this afternoon’s express.

SERVICES AT ST. PATRICK’SThe parishioners of St. Patrick’s showed how truly they appreciated their traditional Midnight Mass by thronging in their hundreds to the church for this supreme act of Catholic worship. “It is the Mass that matters,’’ wrote the great non-Catholic essayist, Augustine BirrelJ, and the realisation of that simple fact was borne in upon observers as they saw every available spot in the roomy church filled with silent worshippers. As midnight chimed the familiar strains of the “Adeste Fideles” came floating down from the choir, the solo being taken by Airs Malloy with very full choral support. The celebrant of the Mass was the Rev. Administrator, Father Long, with Rev. Fathers .Joyce, S.M., and Quinn as Deacon and SubDeacon respectively, the duties of Master of Ceremonies being in the capable hands of the Rev. Father llolohan. Rev- Father Long addressed the congregation, ami after stressing the religious significance of the Feast, wished them all, on behalf of the clergy of the parish the joys and blessings of the Infant King. To the generous members of the Altai' Society, who had given so much of their devoted time to the cleaning and artistic decoration of the church the Rev. Father extended his heartfelt gratitude, as also to the

various church societies, to. the collec-i tors, to the Brothers and Sisters, and all who had helped with the Christmas celebrations. A special meed of thanks was given to the visiting Marist missionary, Rev. Father Joyce, who had been most generous with his services. The choir members and tlheir worthy conductor merited well the praise and thanks lavished on them. Under the batqii of Mr Hugh Doogan, they sang the difficult but beautiful music of Mozart’s 12th Mass, with a devotion that added greatly to the celebrations. The grand “Hallelujah” Chorus, was thrilling and inspiring as it ever is, when ably sung. The soloists were Mrs Hickman and Mrs Malloy (soprano), Mrs Kane (alto), Messrs Duffy and Doogan (tenor), and Messrs McSherry and Phillips (bass). Mr Arnold Parkinson was cellist, and a faithful old friend of the choir, Mir E. Apted, came all the way from Barrytown to play the violin obligato throughout the it ass. On Christmas evening a fine sermon on the Nativity was preached by Rev. Father Joyce. Solemn Benediction, given by Rev. Father Gregory, with Father D. O’Meeghan, Deacon and Rev. Father Holoban, Sub-Deacon, followed, thus bringing to a fitting close the Christmas Day celebrations at St. Patrick’s. The services at Holy Trinity Church on Christmas Day were all well attended. The Rev. D. C. Bates officiated, in a church effectively decorated with Howers and greenery, while the services and music were specially arranged for the occasion. AT THE HOSPITAL. The usual Christmas dinners were held at the Old People’s Home and the Grey Hospital. Mr AV. H. Parfitt (ex-Mayor, and a former member of the Hospital Board) presided, with him being Mr J. O’Brien, M.P., Dr J. F. C. Moore and Matron Hunter. The dining rooms and Hospital wards were cheerfully decorated. Both functions proved enjoyable.. At the Old People’s Home, Mr O’Brien proposed the principal toast, “The Pioneers.” He said that there was a tendency to forget the old people, the same interest not being shown in their function as had been in past years. He suggested that the Grey, Westland, and Buller Hospital Boards arrange at intervals suitable interchanges of inmates at their respective Old People’s Homes for a period of a month. A relay of inmates could visit the Greymouth Home from Hokitika, while one from Greymouth could be in Westport and vice versa. This would relieve the monotony for those inmates able to travel. The suggestion obviously met with the approval of the old people. Mr Humprey Geaney replied, thanking Mr O’Brien, and expressing gratitude to the Board, the Superintendent and the Matron, the staff, and all who had helped towards the success of their function.

Donations of edibles and good cheer were received for the two functioi> from the Licensed Victuallers’ Association, and many of the townspeople, for which gratitude was expressed. BAND’S CAROLING. (To the Editor.) Sir, —Being a lover of music and watching with interest the achievements of the .Municipal Band, I must say how’ very disgusted I was on Christinas morning at their want of courtesy in playing jazz music outside the Church of England during the celebration of Holy Communion, completely drowning the voice of the officiating clergyman. Surely some of the members iniglht have been a little thoughtful ! Carols (when they are carols) are enjoyed by most people, and likewise jazz music in its proper place.—Yours, etc., CONSIDERATE. Greymouth, December 26. AUCKLAND’S WET DAY. AUCKLAND, December 26. Boxing Day holiday in Auckland was greatly spoiled by rain which commenced in the early morning and continued more or less steadily throughout the day. The Auckland Racing Club was a heavy sufferer, the smallness of the attendance resulting in a drop of £35,700 in the totalisator investments compared with Boxing Day last year. The opening of the New Zealand Lawn Tennis Championship tournament had to be postponed, also the Auckland Bowling tournament and various cricket matches. The weather to-night has cleared somewhat, and it is hoped to make a start with the tennis tourney and other fixtures tomorrow.