“Ring Out the Old, Ring in the New"

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 6746, 2 January 1932, Page 7

“Ring Out the Old, Ring in the New"

NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS. i Similar to Christmas Eve in Palmerston North, the late-night shopping period iu the city for New Year’s Eve saw the business area thronged with people and there was a gaiety with the crowd that belied any feeling of depression that might exist. And then, nearing midnight, a crowd gathered in the vicinity of the Post Office to watch the hands of the clock pass the hour that signalled tho chango from 1931 to the New Year of 1932. It was a joyous gathering that frolicked within the shadow of the tower and, with the town illuminated by hundreds of coloured lights, tho scene presented one of carnival appearance. Before midnight chimed distant factory whistles heralded the approach of the coming of tho New Year, while at 12 o’clock the din increased with tincanning, cheering, hooters, motor horns and noise from every conceivable form of merry-making. Half a minute later tho engines in tho Palmerston North railway yards joined in the celebrations and by this time tho crowd had sung “Auld Lang Syne” and greeted the new season. Until 3 a.m. the streets were thronged but after this hour they resumed their normal appearance and were virtually deserted until 7 o’clock on January 1, 1932.

GAY SCENES IN LONDON CENTRE. Received Friday, 5.55 p.m. LONDON, Jau. 1. January of the year 1932 came in with a flourish of trumpets. West End night clubs and restaurants were crowded with revellers despite the menace of income tax demands, and the general merriment was accentuated by ladies recollecting that 1932 is leap year, permitting mock proposals of marriage. There were joyous scenes at the Chelsea Arts Club ball at Albert Hali where several thousands welcomed the New Year dressed in costumes expectable in 1982, the revel being entitled “Fifty Years Hence.” Between 11 p.m. and midnight Ludgatc Hill was crowded to hear Saint Paul’s chime the New Year. When “Auld Lang Syne” commenced thousands grasped hands and exchanged greetings. Meanwhile, broadcasting enabled millions to listen in to New Year celebrations throughout Europe, numerous parties of Americans at the Savoy and other big hotels, waiting until 5 a.m. in order to partake in celebrations in the States. ENTHUSIASM IN SYDNEY

United Press Association. —By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. Received Friday, 7.0 p.m. SYDNEY, Jan. 1. The New Year was ushered in with the usual noisy demonstrations. With cool winds succeeding the scorching day, the city despite heat, was thronged all day with business people and pleasure seekers. After late shopping, the streets continued full for hours. Many people danced tho old year out. Midnight unleased a crescendo of noise, brazen throated klaxons and undulating ships’ sirens uomoini’ig with bells and more homely soundproducing agencies of tho suburban areas to drive away the last evil spirits of 1931 and leave a calmer and more promising atmosphere for the infant year’s start. Mr. Seullin, in a message to the people before relinquishing the office of Prime Minister, conveyed a message of goodwill to Australia with the hope that the nation is entoring a new period of happiness and prosperity. Received Friday, 11.40 p.m. SYDNEY, Jan. 1. Fine woather favoured the Nesv Year’s Day holiday in Sydney, but the people outback sizzled in a continuance of the terrific boat, which was intensified by grass and bush fires. The annual Highland gathering, one of the main features, was hold at the Sydney showground, while there were tremendous crowds at the surf beaches. There was little sign of depression anywhere. NEW YORK FAST AND LOOSE Received Friday, 11.40 p.m. NEW YORK, Jan. 1 New York greeted tho New Year with the usual racket on the streets, drinking and dancing in hotels and night clubs where “depression couverts” were considerably lower than in past years. Celebrants seemod more to jeer out 1931 than to welcome 1932 with exceptional hope, but the customary carnival scenes filled the city for the week-end. “Cruises to nowhere” on “wet” ships proved popular. Prohibition agents failed to make the usual raids but their one effort was highly spectacular, namely the seizure of “Zellis Royal Box,” an impressive Fifth Avenue establishment where tho only far has luxurious appointments. This was taken by gentlemen entering by a window after the bronze doors withstood the attack. Patrons, however, soon found other sources of liquor where the flow was unchecked. CARNIVAL SPIRIT AT WESTPORT Per Press Association. WESTPORT, Last Night. New Year’s Eve passed off fairly quietly in Westport, but was featured by a carnival procession headed by tho •municipal bund (all members dressed in fancy costume), a firemen’s banquet at midnight and a hogmanay ball. Unsettled weather to-day caused a postponement of the returned soldiers’ picnic, which was to have been held at Cape Foulwind.