GRIM PATIENCE DISPLAYED

Taranaki Daily News, 12 September 1934, Page 9

GRIM PATIENCE DISPLAYED

CROWDS IN A THEATRE QUEUE. COLD WAIT AT NEW PLYMOUTH.. Most people of New Plymouth, and indeed of Taranaki, would agree-that yesterday’s gale was no balmy zephyr, yet even that icy blast was apparently unavailing against the fire of enthusiasm of many New Plymouth theatre-goers. Scores of people endured extraordinary discomforts, including sitting on cold concrete in the open air for upwards of three hours, to secure seats “in the gods” of a New Plymouth theatre. About 3.30 p.m. the first few took up their station, fortified with thick coats, scarves, rugs and indomitable courage; by 4 o’clock the number had swelled to a dozen. Steadily the crowd gathered, the “five-o’clockers” making a noticeable though not large addition to the queue. About a dozen arrived in the . .ten minutes immediately following the five o’clock whistle, but a much larger number came with the 5.30 exodus from offices and shops. Soon the rush had really set in, and from every direction could be seen people hurrying to the scene, so that before six the steps were completely filled, By far the greater percentage of the crowd were women, who apparently found less difficulty in escaping the ties Of everyday life. Many were the ideas exploited to ward, off the. cold, but hotwater bottles and thermos flasks were “hot favourites.” A large proportion of the “early birds” appeared to have forgone their . evening meal, and attempts to solve the problem were interesting. There were some, a minority, to whom food brought along in a parcel and consumed under the public gaze was beyond consideration —for their dignity they went hungry. Others again attempted to disguise the horrid thing in business-like attache cases, and produced the paper bag with ill-concealed embarrassment. They delayed eating until some of their bolder neighbours had begun—they had an apologetic air. There was, however, a section, chiefly young women, which fed frankly and openly, careless of public opinion.

The honours of the day must go nevertheless to a young man, who arrived moderately early and found himself the sole male within a wide radius, the cynosure of all eyes. With easy nonchalance he brought forth his paper parcel, and opening it on his knees proceeded to eat calmly and steadily; he even punctuated his meal with an occasional gaze about him!