CITY CELEBRATIONS

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 303, 18 November 1930, Page 7

CITY CELEBRATIONS

KEEN PUBLIC INTEREST. FREE GIFT SCHEME. CROWD IN THE CITY.. ■Launched yesterday with every proInise of success, the city celebrations being held in conjunction with the New Zealand and Empire Industries Week have attracted keen public interest and citizens are participating with zest. The main features of the programme arranged to mark the occasion do not begin until to-morrow, but there is an eager sense of anticipation for the spectacular events to come. Attracted by the free gift scheme, crowds of people were abroad last night in the streets, searching intently the windows for the numbers entitling them to claim a prize. The Square bore an unusually animated appearance for a week night and there seemed to be a true carnival spirit in evidence. Twinkling coloured lights in the general scheme of special illumination and an atmosphere of enthusiasm gave a festive note to the city, whose shop windows were bright with decorations. Last night the public lingered in the business area until quite late and each window underwent a searching investigation. This competition for free gifts has proved to be immensely popular, and members of almost every household have entered into the scheme with eager enthusiasm. Numbers corresponding with those on the celebrations booklets issued are on articles both in the window's and interiors of business premises and are being changed frequently. This has heightened the excitement of the quest, as numbers must be seen and articles claimed during the single night and day they are posted if the holders of the booklets with the corresponding numerals are not to be disappointed. Valuable gifts are being distributed through the generosity of the business people, and they cover the widest possible range of useful articles.

WINDOW DISPLAYS. Patriotic sentiment governs the nature of the shop window displays which, tasteful, distinctive and charming, do credit to Palmerston North, although this centre has never been backward in that direction. Praise for the displays has come from many quarters and the windows have been greatly admired by the public. It is evident that business firms have gone to considerable trouble and expense to fall into harmony with the general arrangements, and their attractive displays are a matter for congratulation. Foremost there is the element of in-ter-imperial trade and support for New Zealand industries. This significant feature is emphasised in every exhibit, and the reasons for the sentiment expressed are set forth in a convincing manner. Raw products, macliineiy and the process of manufacture to the finished article are embodied in displays which, in addition to being most attractive, cannot fail to have an educative influence in favour of relieving the economic situation. Empire first is the keynote struck iti the exhibit's. The shopkeepers have risen to the occasion in a splendid manner and it remains for the public to signify their appreciation by buying with discerning choice. TO-MORROW’S ATTRACTIONS. There are some important fixtures to-morrow, when the official judging of the attractive displays in the window dressing competition will take place. Meanwhile the public have been exercising their own privilege of voting in a quest for tho prizes offered for the most correct adjudications. There is to be a large procession of industrial and descriptive exhibits to-morrow'. The Mayor (Mr A. J. Graham) will to-mor-row make an official declaration concerning the attainment of city status. Athletic sports and recreational exercises will follow. The day will culminate with a procession of illuminated vehicles, big fireworks display and a cabaret and dance. The Mayor advised the Public Service Commissioner that he was proclaiming a lialf-holiday_ for all trades and businesses for Wednesday, and asked if tho privilege could be extended to include civil servants. The Public Service Commissioner replied to the effect that he would be pleased to accede to tho request. Satisfaction has been expressed with the appropriate naturo of the arrangements for this w'cek, and no small measure of credit is due to tho organiser (Mr John Hopkins) for his energy and enterprise. INTENTIONAL ERRORS. It is announced in our advertising columns that the winner of the £3 3s prize for the discovery of the eight intentional errors contained in the programme issued, in connection with the City celebrations will not be declared till to-morrow. It is understood that the response from competitors has been exceptionally heavy and the organiser, Mr J. Hopkins, is at present busily engaged in determining the winner.