KING’S CHRISTMAS

Southland Times, Issue 22207, 27 December 1933, Page 7

KING’S CHRISTMAS

EMPIRE BROADCAST

CENTRAL EVENT IN

BRITAIN

HOTELS CROWDED

(United Press Assn— Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 10.30 p.m.) Ixmdon, December 26. The King’s Empire broadcast was the central event at most parties in Britain. Words of. encouragement and quiet confidence in the future were transmitted to millions of homes. The King rejoined the Royal Family in the big drawing room. None of them had an inkling of what the King was going to say. All their Majesties children were present except the Prmcess Royal, who is in Yorkshire. A Royal Christmas dinner was held in the evening when only Empire food was served. , Special arrangements were made at hotels throughout England for the reception of the Empire broadcast which is regarded as one of the most important Imperial functions of the year as it is the only time his Majesty speaks directly to the people throughout the Empire. Dry, bracing weather, contrasting with recent biting cold, encouraged thousands to sepnd Christmas away from their homes. Seaside resorts were as crowded as at the height of summer. Thousands were unable to secure accommodation. London hotels were crowded with family parties. Some of the largest hotels served dinner in relays. Contrasting with the gaiety of the hotels, the streets were veiled in mist, cheerless and deserted. The entire suspension of the tram _ and bus services heightened the illusion that it was a dead city. Mr Ramsay MacDonald had a quiet day at Lossiemouth. He motored to have dinner with an old friend, Sir Alexander Grant. The Leader of the Opposition, Mr George Lansbury, was confined to bed in Manor House Hospital.

CENTRAL EUROPE LESS GOODWILL THIS YEAR. (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 6.30 p.m. New York, Dec. 25. The Vienna correspondent of the New York Times states that although two days’ thaw relieved the streets of snow, winter sports people were able to enjoy Christmas, nearby hills attracting tourists from all Central Europe, which somewhat counteracted the loss of the German tourist trade, which is virtually barred by the Nazis. Christmas Eve shoppers were startled to see on prominent buildings unusual Christmas bonfires, not of yule logs, but of gigantic flaming swastikas, which the police removed. Indeed less of goodwill was observed in Central Europe than at any Christmas since the war. Contrary to custom no political amnesties were issued this year, although there are 60 Austrian Nazis and Communists spending the holidays in concentration camps. NO OUTWARD SIGNS CHRISTMAS IN RUSSIA. (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 8.5 p.m.) Moscow, December 26. There were no outward signs of Christmas in Russia. A few Roman Catholics observed the feast, though the embassies held Christmas parties, Jhus keeping Russia in touch with the festal spirits of the rest of the world. GIFTS FOR STAFF HINDENBURGH’S ACTION. (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 8.5 p.m.) Berlin, December 26. During the Christmas celebrations President Hindenburg assembled the entire staff, from State secretary to charwoman, in the mam hall of the Presidential Palace and gave each a gift and wished them a merry Christmas. Herr Hitler motored to spend Christmas at his mountain home at Berchtesgaden.

GAIETY IN AMERICA

FEWER FREE DINNERS SERVED.

(United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 6.30 p.m.) New York, Dec. 25. With the repeal of Prohibition and a general improvement in economic conditions, America enjoyed the gayest Christmas for several years. Although the desired snow was missing, most of the eastern and central section of the north-western States experienced the coldest Christmas in history. Relief organizations in New York and elsewhere reported an abundance of provisions for the needy. Forty thousand free dinners were served here, which is much below last year’s. In Washington four generations of Roosevelts celebrated the holiday at White House, the President’s mother, children and grandchildren being present.