CHRISTMAS EVE

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXI, Issue 12, 27 December 1930, Page 5

CHRISTMAS EVE

HASTINGS CELEBRATES QUIETLY TRANSFORMATION IN HEBETAUNGA STBEET. EXCELLENT BUSINESS DONE. Freed from the tyranny of wheels, the people of Hastings converted Heretaunga street into one big sidewalk on Christmas Eve. Between Hastings and Nelson streets the crowd paraded and completely covered the roadway. It was a good-humoured and very contented crowd thai thronged the streets. Bent on spending a quiet evening rather than in nosy celebration, there was an absence of fireworks, though the inevitable unmusical devices were in evidence. The general atmosphire was one of goed-na-turned bustle, tolerance and quiet enjoyment. Shop windows with their Christmas decorations proved a big attraction and parcels were everywhere in evidence. Contrary to general anticipation, many shops did excellent business—some a record—this applying to tobacconists, drapery emporiums, booksellers, confectioners and provision stores. The tendency to" buy was more pronounced than it has been for a long time. Traffic arrangements were well handled by the inspector (Mr J. R. Dunnett), and his staff and little difficulty was experienced in keeping the main thoroughfare clear of motor cars. At ten o’clock there was a magic change. Motor vehicles descended upon Heretaunga street like marauding wolves, and the sheep, timid at the first sound of a motor-horn, fled precepitately to the safety of the footpaths. It was an amazing transformation. One minute the people had established a commonwealth of people and good will, and the next, the ears darting from every side-street, had raised the old dissesions and trouble and renewed tho menace of the wheel. To many people, the Christmas holidays are over. Shops are open again to-day, but there is cheerful distraction in tho thought that the holidays are but inteirupted, in that there is yet New Year to come. The town is quiet, leaving the seaside resorts, the parks and the recreation ground to do the brunt of the entertaining. Christmas Day was spent more in festive celebration, the majority of folk not stirring out of the house until after tasting tho Christmas pudding and cake.- Yesterday however, almost everyone was “in the road.” Tho beaches and inland places of note Were crowded with holiday-makers, who made the best of tho glorious weather that prevailed. Traffic on all roads was exceptionally heavy, but no serious accidents have been reported in the district. There were, however, a few minor mishaps, but no' one was injured. CHRISTMAS TRADE IN ENGLAND. (“Times” Cable.) (Received 27, 9.55 a.m.) London, Dec. 26. A Christmas survey of the shopping districts discloses an appreciable growth in Empire consciousness, largely attributable to the national mark and the Empire preference movements. All the big stores featured Empire foods, wines and tobacco.