CHRISTMAS DAY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22612, 28 December 1936, Page 9

CHRISTMAS DAY

UNITED STATES MILDNESS OF WEATHER VARIOUS CELEBRATIONS By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received December 27, 5.5 p.m.) NEW YORK, Dec. 2fi The mildest weather for half a century, with a minimum temperature of 55 degrees, coupled with plenty, made the nation's Christmas one of the most unique and most enjoyable in its history. None went without dinner and no child lacked a toy. Quiet and orderliness prevailed throughout the country. However it is estimated that 131 people lost their lives in traffic accidents and through other forms of violence. 1 here were some interesting aspects of the celebrations. President Boosevelt, surrounded by his six grandchildren distributed gifts to them. Mrs. Boosevelt spent the day with her son in hospital. The film actor Edward G. Bobinson, is reported to have purchased for his wife one of the most expensive gifts in the nation, namely, four paintings by famous old masters. The Hotel McAlpin, New York, served free a sumptuous dinner to professional Santa Clauses, all of whom wore their costumes. Dinner to Stranded Travellers Twenty '-seven members of the' New York Alimony Club, who are serving indeterminate sentences for failure to pay alimony, were given an especially excellent dinner by the warden of the gaol where they are imprisoned. On the old Seattle, which was the flagship of the American Fleet when it visited New Zealand and Australia in 1925 and now is a receiving ship at New York, was an enormous Christmas tree. A splendid party Was given on board for hundreds of poor children. At Los Angeles 65 persons stranded at the America Club —New Zealanders and Australians —unable to leave owing to the maritime strike, were entertained at a Christmas dinner. They partook of the biggest plum pudding in the city—three feet in diameter. Mr. Govan Cox was the club's toast master and stories of Christmas at home were told. An organisation of 100 members publishes daily a four-page newspaper containing news of those marooned, and details of the strike negotiations. Strikers' Children Entertained

At San Francisco there was a Christmas party presided over by Harry Bridges for 5000 children of strikers. Santa Claus distributed toys and candy donated by merchants. Music was provided by the Musicians' Union, and sketches by actors. There was a 40ft. Christmas tree.

The City donated the use of the Civic Auditorium and the trams transported the celebrants free.

A riot by 40 women patients occurred in the psychopathic ward of the Bellvue Hospital, the cause of which is not explained. They wrecked furniture and tore bed-clothes to shreds. The chief psychiatrist eventually quietened the patients.

STORM IN SYDNEY NO BOXING DAY SPORTS TRAM DRIVER'S LUCKY ESCAPE (Received December 27, 5.5 p.m.) SYDNEY, Dec. 27 A thunder storm prevented the majority of sporting events arranged for Boxing Day from being held. A tram driver had a remarkable escape from death when lightning struck a tram, enveloping him in flames. There were no passengers on on the vehicle. The driver was taken to hospital suffering from shock.

LITTLE HOSTESSES DIONNE QUINTUPLETS PARTY IN A BLIZZARD (Rccoived December 27, 5.5 p.m.) MONTREAL, Dec. 20 The Dionne quintuplets, in spite of a howling blizzard, entertained the rest of the Dionne family at a Christmas party. They saw their new five months' old brother Oliva for the first time at Christmas. PEOPLE SPEND FREELY INCREASE IN NOTE ISSUE SYDNEY, Dec. 20 Sydney celebrated Christmas with a riot of spending. The note issue had to be increased by £3,500,000 to cope with the extra expenditure. Mail and traffic figures are likely to constitute a record. GERMAN LEADER OFFICIAL RETICENCE BERLIN, Dec. 25 The Government declines to state how Herr Hitler spent Christmas Day.