THE NEW YEAR

Grey River Argus, 2 January 1941, Page 9

THE NEW YEAR

NOISY WELCOME Greymouth Crowds Young people comprised the bulk of the large crowd which gathered in Tainui Street towards midnight on Tuesday for the close of 1940, and the New Year was welcomed in one of the noisiest demonstrations seen in the streets for many years. For some time after the Greymouth Post Office clock chimed tne midnight: hour, crackers, and “bombs” were thrown in all directions, some of the rnorg spectacular varieties giving the impression of “blitz” bombing as they lit up the streets.

Proceedings were enlivened by the presence of the Grymouth Highland Pipe Band, which played spirited selections prior to midnight, and ‘•Auld Lang Syne” as the old year ended. The crowds indulged in dancing at the junction -of Tainui and Mackay Streets, but a .remarkable feature was the quick dispersal of those present, the area being almost deserted in about twenty minutes. New Year house parties were popular attractions for many, whilst dances and other entertanimc-nts were liberally patronised. “First footing” followed in the traditional style, and not a few would have welcomed a ride home in the morning’s milk-cart after an evening vigorously spent in visiting friends. Yesterday there w&re large attendances at various Churches, which held New Year services.

The GreymouXh (Jockey Club’s mid-summer meeting was yesterday’s big attraction, and a crowd approaching record dimensions attended, visitors coming from all parts of the West Coast, Canterbury and further afield. The meeting will be continued to-day. ■ Sultry weather conditions prevailed throughout the holiday, the temperature being higher than for many •years past. Yesterday remained fine, but showers fell early in the evening. ’’’. .