NEW YEAR’S EVE

Greymouth Evening Star, 3 January 1938, Page 5

NEW YEAR’S EVE

SCENES AT GREYMOUTH Drizzling rain on New Year’s Eve, at Greymouth, failed to dampen the enthusiasm of the holiday crowds, and the streets were thronged. Squeak- , ers, crackers, and “throw-downs” contributed their quota to the noise, and 1938 was ushered in to the accompaniment of bells, whistles, and cheers. “First-footing” parties were numerous, and dawn found some of them still going strongly. Public entertainments were well patronised on New Years Eve, the th.eatres and dance-halls reporting full houses. Rain on New Year's Day made conditions somewhat unpleasant for the Greymouth Jockey Club’s meeting, and other outdoor fixtures, but all were largely attended. Despite the heavy motor traffic, there were mishaps. SYDNEY CASUALTIES. SYDNEY, January 2. Accidents marred Sydney’s gayest New Year’s Eve revelries last night, the ambulances experiencing their busiest night for years. Nearly one hundred victims received treatment. Many were suffering from injuries due to car crashes. The firemen attended over seventy blazes, in most cases street, bonfires, some of which threatened to get out of hand. The night was beautifully fine, and. many remained on the beaches till dawn. LONDON FESTIVITIES. LONDON, December 31. The customary festivities marked the advent of a New Year, achieving a record: in spending since the War. Revellers crowded West End hotels, restaurants and clubs. The Chelsea Arts Ball at the Albert Hall attracted thousands wearing fancy dresses, some of whom brought them own drinks. Three thousand attended a ‘Watch Night.” service at St. Paul’s, which was Surrounded by singing and cheering choruses, largely of Scotsmen. The statue, of Eros in Piccadilly Circus was boarded up to prevent damage by enthusiasts 1 who might have climbed up it. The Cumberland Hotel, London’s largest hotel, was unable to accommodate all of the intending diners. FRENCH OUTLOOK. PARIS. January 2. The ‘‘Daily Telegraph’s” Paris correspondent states that the forinei Premier of France. M. Flandin, in an article in the “Revue De Paris,’ says. “The New Year will be one of great financial difficulties for. France. France is approaching a fresh increase in unemployment, and a disquieting decline in the volume of business.” He adds: “Europe is already in a pre-war phase. which cannot last much longer.