CHRISTMASTIDE

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 27 December 1924, Page 5

CHRISTMASTIDE

THE SEASON IN HAWERA, ; A MERRY THRONG. BRILLIANT SPECTACLE. The general consensus of opinion was that the people of Hawera and district have never spent a more enjoyable Christmas than they did this year. If the scene, in Hawera on Christmas Eve is any criterion the opinion, was assuredly j justified. The brilliantly illuminated streets, . gaily ' decorated shops, a huge crowd of joyous holidaymakers, and the strains of music which floated along High street all contributed to making the, scene a veritable fairyland. . 1 . The credit for the beautiful scene which was presented was largely due to the energetic baud of retailers, who gave generously of time and money to bring into operation a scheme which made Hawera the most attractive town in Taranaki—and that is saying a good deal. That the public generally cordially appreciated the fact that, in addition to catering for their requirements, shopkeepers had entered into the spirit of the season and had lavishly decorated their premises, was evident.

The community lighting scheme assisted in no small degree to add to the gaiety of the scene, and the main streets were as bright as day, but with /that peculiar stage-like setting that the noonday sun could not give. The Borough Council had also done its part magnificently, and the footpaths were bedecked with greenery. Indeed'the hearts of the civic fathers must have glowed with pride as they gazed on the huge, swaying, happy throng, for whose entertainment they had detailed a body of council employees to carry out the decorations. The strings of lights across the streets cast a delightful, radiance over the decorations.

The crowd, though exceedingly jovial, was most orderly in the sense that the police had little or no trouble in maintaining order. Locß postal officials say that the business transacted throughout the week was very heavy and probably constitutes a record.

A feature of the evening, and one which considerably assisted towards the enlivening of the proceedings, was the first appearance in public, under its new conductor (Mr Fox), of the Hawera Municipal Band. The, debut must be written down as a striking success and something which gives promise of fine achievements in the future.

In conversation with several shopkeepers, a Star representative was- informed that business on Xmas Eve was very satisfactory indeed. In the pearlier part of the day there was a little quietness, but as the day wore on the volume steadily increased, and in the evening a great rush set in, when things went with" a great swing. Generally speaking most of the tradespeople report a much brighter tone in business. BOXING DAY. : OHAWEBEACH. Many ’buses, packed to the utmost, made the trip to the beach, and all thoroughly enjoyed the outing. The beach _ was in, good condition, and sea and river bathing was much appreciated • NGAERE, GARDENS. This popular resort was crowded with delighted visitors from all parts, and the many attractions arranged by the proprietors were fully taken part in by young and old. An enjoyable musical programme was provided by the Stratford Citizens’ Band. IN THE HOMELAND. Received Dec. 27, 11.10 a.m. LONDON, Dec. 26. Christmas Day was mild and fine, the sun 'shining for some hours. The morning services at the churches were well attended, and the coming ancl going of the congregations gave the streets an 'aspect of animation which disappeared later in the. afternoon when the West End was without buses and only a. few taxis and a stray .pedestrian, or 'two assembled. The deserted city hotels and restaurants later in the evening attracted numbers of diners-out, but, altogether Christmas Dav this year was a characteristically English familv festival, with little public celebrations.