CHRISTMASTIDE

New Zealand Times, Volume LI, Issue 12021, 26 December 1924, Page 6

CHRISTMASTIDE

GAY THRONGS IN TOWN STREETS AND SHOPS CROWDED WITH PLEASURE-SEEKERS. ROUND OF AMUSEMENTS. “Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas!’’ On every side one heard the old phrase repeated, and as Wednesday darkened into a beautiful summer’s nigtfit, the spirit of “peace on earth and goodwill amongst men” encompassedl one as some invisible but conscious veil, bringing with it the message of Yuletide. Christmas Eve passed as it has always donq, and we were favoured with fine weather for ones in over a week. Wellington’s streets were crowded all day, and shops and thoroughfares were thronged by only such crowds as are seen at such times of the year—crowds which were gay, and which responded to the fitting spirit of the season. As the day advanced so the throngs increased, and when at last evening came the streets resounded to the voiced greetings on every hand. GAY SCENES IN CITY STREETS. The streets presented a particular gay scene op Christmas Eve. While many went to theatres most of Wellington’s merry makers were content to stroll the streets, and watch the everchanging masses or be swept along in a whirl of merriment by spirits who forgot everything in an endeavour to be joyous and impart their joy to others. The world and his wife crowded the footpaths, and where these proved inadequate for him he betook himself to the roadway, there effectively proving in democratic fashion that he was entitled to the usage of that part of the city as well as was the motorist. I Well on into the night confetti and streamers in the roadway added silent ly to the gaiety of the teene, while children’s hooters in more mature hands noisily gave of their best, or worst, as the case may be. Cuba street, where usually are to he found on such occasions was ablaze with streams of coloured lights, and here close packs of surging humanity laughed and jossled as only Christmas crowds can. Parents, with offspring who had not then prepared for the Christmas visitor by means of sleep, and a large stocking, struggled under parcels of Christmas presents and seasonal cheer. Here a policeman’s shoulders towered above the rest covered in confetti, while there a quintette sung Christmas carols in the guise of improvised ragtime. In moat of the shops in the oity and suburbs business was remarkable. They mainodi open until 10 p.m., and even after they had closed the crowds continued to parade. And then when the hours passed, and The Day was almost at hand the gaiety became subdued and aj; last the new day was ushered in quietly and with that peace and goodwill most befitting to the occasion. Wellington had not heralded' the festive season with euch merriment for many years, but yesterday was observed in the true spirit of reverence even as three wise men, and the shepherds of, Nazareth observed it, WHERE TO GO HOLIDAY ATTRACTIONS. Given fine .weather there will be many and varied sources of attraction ic and around' the city for to-day, Boxing Day, as well as for the forthcom • [ne The thousands who patronise the sport of kings will journey to Palmerston North, where the Manawatu Racing Chris’b summer meeting (today, to-morrow, Saturday, and Monday the 29th) will be held at Awapuni. Special trains will run, and the outing should be one of the most enjoyable of the pear. One of the main events will be the Caledonian sports at the Basin Rewrve, and a representative gathering if athletes wtfl attend here, while there will be the dancing and pipe playing <4 dear to tile heart of the Scotsman. The Governor-General (Sir Charles Fergusson) will be present with a party from Government House. The pro. gramme is a long one and commences it 10 a.m. A huge gala is commencing on the Petone beach, and besides side shows, stalls and other appurtenances of the fair there will be yacht races, rowing races, and dancing. There will be an liourly train service to Petone to-day. At Lyall Bay the Lyall Bay Surf and Life-saving Club is also conducting a gala, and here there will be a fine programme of attractions. The traffic to Eastbourne has been extremely heavy lately, and is usually the case at this time of year, and today if tiie weather is fine record crowds should gather at ibis popular seaside resort. There are two other race meetings over the holidays—one at Marten and the other Tauherenikau, both extending over January Ist and 2nd; in the I case of these meetings there will be special trains to enable patrons to reach the meetings and leave again the same day. Provision has been for golfers and tennis players, all of whom have been well catered- for. The former will gather at Miramar on January Ist, 2nd. and 3rd, and will’ take part in the Miramar open amateur championship, and a number of other events, while tennis players will assemble at the Muritai courts to take part in the East Harbour Tourney, commencing at 10 a.m. to-day. There will be a special boat servioe maintained to Rons Bay, and Day’s Bay) The Paraparamu Athletic Club bolds its usual meeting on New Year’s Day (Thursday next), and- provision has been made for competitors and visitors to leave at 9.10 a.m. from. Thorndon on that day. As usual the meeting will be a picnic one. The Levin Club follows with a meeting on January 2nd. AT THE THEATRES. For the evenings there is ample fare. At the Opera House Messrs J. C. Williamson, Ltd., are presenting Muriel Starr and Frank Harvey in “East of Suez,” the first of a series, whilst at His Majesty’s the famous musical comedy, "The O’Brien Girl,” with Mamie Watson and Mark Daley in the lead, will be presented this afternoon (matinee performance) and this evening. Both these theatres were practically booked right out on Wednesday. Picture theatre attractions are: De Luxe, “Wine” (Clara Bow); Empress. “Oaptain January” (Baby Peggy) and Beaumont Smith’s screen trials; King's “Secrets” (Norma Talmadge, Eugene O’Brien); Queen’s, “Unguarded Wo-

men” (Bebe Daniels); Strand. "Destiny’s Isle” (all star cast), and “Dr Jack” (Harold Lloyd). IN OTHER PARTS EXODUS TO ROTORUA. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, December 25. The weather is fine but overcast fo' the holidays. The resorts are crowded and there has been a large exodua t Rotorua. AT CHRISTCHURCH HEAVY RAILWAY TRAFFIC. t--- T> —- t'.sncistioi; CHRISTCHURCH. December 25. The weather for Christmas eve was perfect, and the streets were crowded till a late hour. The railway passew gcr traffic was particularly hcvv tft day. The weather is fine but dull.