CHRISTMAS EVE IN TIMARU.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIII, Issue 18760, 26 December 1930, Page 8

CHRISTMAS EVE IN TIMARU.

SMALLER CROWDS THAN USUAL. Although many business people were of the opinion that Christmas this year would be dull in comparison with previous years on account of the economic depression, it was surprising the volume of business which was done during the few days immediately prior to Christmas Eve, and particularly on Christmas Eve itself. From early in the morning the streets presented a busy appearance, and in the evening the crowd was a large one, although it fell short of that in evidence last Christmas Eve. The farming community was not nearly so well represented as was the case twelve months ago, and this probably accounted for the smaller number of people who were to be seen in Stafford Street, which, however, presented a brilliant scene with its array of coloured lights. The prohibiting of vehicular traffic in Stafford Street in former years having eliminated all danger to pedestrians, similar precautions was taken this year, the street being closed for three hours. One or two cars were were to be noticed, however, and the drivers experienced some difficulty in getting clear. The diverting of traffic to outside streets made the task of control in these areas a heavy one, but credit is due to the members of the Borough Council staff for the efficient manner in which they controlled the large number of cars, particularly in Sophia Street. With a large number of people having left their shopping until the last minute, it was not surprising to find a majority of the shops crowded until a late hour. The spirit of Christmas was everywhere abroad, the children in particular making widely known the fact that Christmas had once more arrived. , Business people reported that the main trend was in the direction of making the young enjoy the festive season in keeping with times gone bye, but without unseemly demonstration, the desire to extend ’‘goodwill toward men,” being uppermost on all sides. The various public institutions responsible for the care of old and young were not neglected. ‘‘Father Christmas,” made his customary visitation to each of these, and dispensed his favours in a most regal manner, bringing joy and gladness to the hearts of the inmates. The children in the orphanages and the veterans in the Old People’s Home shared in the bounties of the representative of an age old custom. Everyone received his or her little gift, which served to remind them of the great gift which ushered in the Christian era as it is known to-day.