XMAS DAY

Gisborne Times, Volume LXI, Issue 9697, 29 December 1924, Page 5

XMAS DAY

FIN® WEATHER IN BRITAIN. LITTLE PUBLkTcELEBIUTIONS. United Press Association—Copyright. LONDON, Dec. 2. Christmas Day was mild and line. 'The sun was shining for some Injurs. The morning services at the churches were well attended. The coming and going congregations gave the streets an aspect of animation, which disappeared later in the afternoon when the West End was without buses. Only a few taxis and a stray pedestrian or two assembled in the deserted city. Hotels and restaurants later in the evening attracted a number of dimers out, but altogether Chris tmast Day this year was a characteristically English family festival, with little public celebration.—A. and N.Z. Cable Assn. . PROHIBITION BAN IN RUSSIA LIFTED. EMPTY CUPBOARDS IN MIL- „ LIONS OF HOUSEHOLDS. RUSH TO CHURCH. (Received Dec. 28. 5.-5 p.m.) MOSCOW, Dec. 26. Although the Soviet dees not recognise Christmas, -all official raid <ro;nmcrcial life in Russia ceased freely for the first time since the revolution, the Government Having found Prohibition' unworkable and unprofitable Good things were available in the homes of the well-to-do. hut millions of other households had empty cupboards and fireless stoves and cbeerlessncss legions of others were with.-® out Homes and fored to seek charity. But, if the material" side of Christmas was marked by want, the spiritual side was much in evidence. The greater part of the population went eagerly to church. The villages will celebrate a. holiday on February 7 inf accordance with the old Julian calendar. Lenin’s tomb was the object of pilgrimages by many people.—A. and N.Z.C.A.