PEACE ON EARTH.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 27 December 1928, Page 4

PEACE ON EARTH.

SEASON OF KINDNESS.

CHRISTMAS EVE FESTIVITIES.

Beautiful weather conditions favoured Christmas* Eve festivities throughout South Taranaki on Monday. At Hawera the number, of visitors to the town was comparatively small during tlie day, but early in the evening the streets began to fill and until a late hour presented an animated scene as town and country residents thronged the prieipal thoroughfares. The traditional spirit of genial charity, peace and goodwill found free expression in tlie constant exchange r of greetings. In the streets the tinq* honoured “iMerrv Christmas and a Prosperous New Year,” spoken to the accompaniment of handshakes and smiles, brought prompt reciprocation, while busy tradesmen, making their deliveries of seas-onal goods and assistants in the large retail establishment's attending io "the requirements of ever changing patrons found time to echo the expressions heard continuously on the streets and sidewalks. Here and there verandah supports were decorated with masses of greenery recalling legends of the custom of ancient Rome. Festoons of ga.ily coloured ribbons and lights swayed over the stream of pedestrians, and" in picturesque bedecked shop windows appeared attractive arrays of the thousand and one articles which appeal to shoppers in search of gifts to swell the stockings filled by Father .Christmas or to place beside breakfast plates on the following morning. .Scarlet robed effigies in miniature of the venerable Father Christmas evoked cries of rapture among the juveniles, and, in . the minds of the more sophisticated adult section, stirred wistful memories of carnivals that have passed. In the interior of the various establishments knots and pairs of discriminating buyers discussed the merits of possible presents to emerge later carrying bulk packages for transport to homes in the town and widespread parts of the countryside.

Trumpets, whistles, rooters and rattles were employed vigorously 'on the streets by many as aids to expression of the carnival spirit, the discordant syncopations thus produced being softened by the harmonious strains of the Municipal Band, which, from various points of vantage, rendered a highly appreciated programme of some two hours’ duration.

On every side the genial spirit of the festival anniversary was strikingly manifested and few, if any of the happy throngs failed to catch the infection and feel grateful for the commencement -of joyful celebrations which mark th<> annual advent of Christmas.

FATHER CHRISTMAS AT ELTHAM. Approximately 2000 children of Eltham and the district -filled the Town Hall on Monday afternoon to meet Father Christmas and to receive a gift from him. Prior to- the function he arrived in an improvised aeroplane and was escorted through the principal streets by the Eltham Pipe Band. Arriving at the hall, Father- Christmas was heartily received and given a rousing welcome by the children and after a brief welcome by the Mayor (Mr I. J. Bridger) he proceeded to distribute the gifts, to- the eager children and in this work he was assisted by a number of ladies. The function is an annual one and is arranged by’the Eltham Progress Committee members which deserve great praise for the successful way in which the affair was arranged and carried out. The generous attitude of the businessmen in providing the necessary money to purchase the gifts was worthy of mention. The oost- to the business men being approximately £6O. The ladies and gentlemen who assisted at the Town Hall were: Lady Carncross, Mrs Thomas Fountaine, Mrs E. Clare, Mrs Manly,' Mrs J. G. McKay. Mrs Mitchell, Miss M. Manly, Miss Wood. Miss Dalmer, Messrs Pepperell, Townsend, Harris, and Hastings. LOCAL. The two- main streets and shop fronts of Eltham were beautifully decorated on. Christmas Eve with coloured electric lights-, lanterns, flags, and greenery, which was mainly supplied by the progress committee. The- business people report excellent business during the Christmas season.

One of the great attractions in Elthani during the past week, was the spotting competition arranged by the Eltham Progress Committee. There were 5000 competitors for 200 free gifts. No. one was sure what their gift would be or where it was, for instance, one Salvation' Army lassie won a box of cigars, which the shopman very kindly exchanged for something more suitable, others, received good and acceptable gifts.