CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIII, Issue 1709, 27 December 1919, Page 5

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS.

RECORD BUSINESS REPORTED,

Although the weather yesterday was not suitable for holiday making, thA Christinas season, taken all round, was tho most enjoyable and busiest that has been experienced in Palmerston North for many, years past. On Wednesday the streets of the town presented a,n animated appearance with crowds ol shoppers; and all business establishments were kept fully occupied attending bo the requirements of their numerous customers, while in tho evening tho crowd',’in the Square must have been a record., . Most of tho shops were literally packpd with those who had postponed making,.their purchases until the eve ot Christmas, and some of .the business people ; -report that the business done was easily a record. The crowd was,a particularly orderly one. and there was absolutely no sign of disorder or rowdiness.'Most of the shops had been specially decorated for tho festive occasion, and in some instances greenery had been used with good effect. The weather on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day was all that could be desired. On Boxing Day ,the 'feltv in the morning was overcast,' hst!: to did not prevent people from making the most of what is one ot the most important holidays of the whole year. The races at Awapuni were attended by thousands, while others visited the Foxton beach, the Esplanade, op the bowling greens. Heavy showers of min, however, fell during the afternobn, and this considerably spoiled the enjoyment of those on pleasure bent out of;dbors. On; .Christmas morning early a band of carollers made the rounds of the town,* while in some of the churches special services were hold. Special holiday programmes were submitted at tho picturp houses, and there was also n performance of “Tho Private Secretary” at the Operc. House last night. Most,of the business promises wore closed agaiii to day, although a few of tho shops were open as usual, but in tho groat majority of oases business will not be resumed until Monday next. Tho principal attraction v to-day for holiday makers was tho ManatWatu' Racing Club’s meeting at Awapunißaud there was again a largo attendance" of : sportsmen.

Very wintry weather prevailed in many.parts of the Dominion yesterday, completely .spoiling outdoor attractions. The following wore abandoned through rain yesterday until a favourable day;— Christchurch: Croquet championship and Plnnket Shield match (Canterbury v. Wellington). Wellington: New Zealand .-tennis championship tournament. Dunedin: Annual regatta. Temuka; Cricket .match (North v. South Canterbury) and. bo wl in g.