CHRITSMAS SHOPPING.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 9, 8 December 1932, Page 6

CHRITSMAS SHOPPING.

Palmerston North’s undoubted importance as the leading inland' shopping centre of the North Island receives further emphasis from the brisk trade reported by merchants this month. It is very satisfactory, indeed, to learn that a much brighter tone exists than at this time last year, and, generally speaking, the commercial interests are experiencing trade which suggests brisk business when Christmas transactions definitely take place. There is certainly encouragement in the returns to which reference was made in the “Standard” this week, for, as pointed out, prices are lower and a greater volume of business is required to reach the 1931 figures. Evidence of the difficult times is on every hand, but the season of goodwill so near encourages the happy spirit of giving to others, and while people cannot give with the liberality of past years, there is some little gift to mark a friendship, or happiness within the family circle. There is abundant joy in maintaining this great tradition of the Christmas season, and it would appear from the business turnover of the past week-end that people are preparing early. Shopkeepers will appreciate this. It is a wise procedure from the purchaser’s point of view, and assists the business community and assistants in selling to the satisfaction of buyers. The discussion at the Chamber of Commerce meeting on Tuesday evening revealed a little disappointment that the City Council has not made _ its parking and traffic restrictions lighter. Considerable advance has been made on last year’s regulations and the experience of 1932 should be a guide for the Councillors in future years.