CITY THRONGED

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27266, 17 December 1949, Page 6

CITY THRONGED

SHOPPING CROWDS TRAMS WELL PACKED CONGESTION IN EXCHANGE The shopping areas in Dunedin were thronged yesterday afternoon and last night, and the congestion everywhere —on the footpaths, in the shops, and in the trams—was aggravated by the oppressive heat of the day. Although the sky was overcast, there was little wind, and the people who wore coats found themselves feeling uncomfortable before they had ventured far. From shortly after mid-day, the trams were packed, and the conductors experienced an unenviable time in endeavouring to collect all fares. There was certainly no room to breathe deeply. Children tired easily and told the world about it. Someone suggested that ‘‘honesty boxes” would help the conductors; someone else asked where room could be found to place an ‘‘honesty box.” Pedestrians who wanted to stop for a moment on the footpaths found themselves borne along unwillingly by the moving throng; those who wanted to hurry a little faster found their way blocked. Shop assistants were kept fully occupied throughout the afternoon and evening as the people made their Christmas purchases. In the department stores an endless tide of shoppers surged back and forth. Traffic inspectors on duty in the Exchange had a hectic time, particularly during the rush periods. The traffic was thick, and so were the pedes-

trians! Many people missed their trams as a result of the congestion—they could not leave the footpaths to board the trams because of the impenetrable stream of traffic. Others who reached their goal after almost being run down by motor cars were frustrated when they found the trams were so crowded that they could not squeeze up the steps. A man, mopping his brow freely, declared: “Christmas presents, bah! I’ll not buy any in future. The ordeal is too great.” A courageous woman, laden with parcels, and with three little children in tow, said: “ I do not suppose I am the only one, but I am very, very glad that Christmas comes only once a year.” A small boy, licking a large ice cream, observed: “ This is good, mum. When can I have some lollies? I’m tired and I want to go home.” . . . and so the crowds surged by, no one particularly thrilled about anything, but everyone intent on the mission in hand. There is something about Christmas shopping; few people, indeed, if deprived of the experience, would tie anything but disappointed.