THE CHRISTMAS TRADE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15801, 26 December 1914, Page 4

THE CHRISTMAS TRADE.

The reports on the Christmas trade in Auckland pleasantly reflect the fortunate position of New Zealand at a time when all countries are feeling some of the restrictive effects of the war. Shopkeepers generally experienced a better Christmas demand than they expected. There was an individual tendency to modesty in the amount of Christmas purchases, but the number of buyers was larger than ever, indicating that thy population generally, in spite of regrettable checks in some industries, has been well employed, and is abje to look forward to the coming year with confidence. The war has brought to New Zealand no industrial upheaval. It was inevitable that it should, at the outset, to some extent disturb trade and temporarily restrict enterprise, but employers generally have shown a patriotic recognition of their responsibilities, and their obligations in this respect have been agreeably lightened by the constant and profitable employment of labour resulting from the unrestricted demand for all New Zealand produce, which has been maintained throughout the war. The country has experienced a dry season, but butter cheques for the past month compare favourably with those for the same period of last year, while wool and meat have commanded exceptional prices. This agricultural prosperity has increased the volume of the Christmas trade in the city, and has in the past few months enabled city and country to co-operate in generous giving for the

Belgian and other relief funds. In view of the patriotic calls made upon the purses of the people since the beginning of the war, it was not to be expected that ' the Christmas trade of 1914 would establish a record. That it has maintained a high level is gratifying evidence that the standards of comfort and the spending power of the mass of the people are still high.