GERALDINE.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIII, Issue 18761, 27 December 1930, Page 6

GERALDINE.

GLORIOUS CHRISTMAS WEATHER. Almst perfect weather was experienced in Geraldine for Christmas Day, and full advantage was taken of the conditions to indulge in swimming, tennis, croquet and bowling. It has been the first fine Christmas Day for a few years. Rain fell shortly after five o’clock. PERSONAL ITEMS. Mr Peter Kennedy, of the Public Trust Office, Wellington, is the guest of Mr J. Kennedy, Geraldine. Mr and Mrs W. Hampton and daughter, of Owaka, who have been spending a few days in Geraldine, have left for Sumner. Mr and Mrs H. S. Ellis, Talbot Street, Geraldine, left yesterday on a motor tour- of the West Coast. Mr and Mrs W. H. Kirk, Geraldine, left for Christchurch on Christmas Eve. Among those spending Christmas in Geraldine this year is Mr Cyril P. Gaby. Ten years ago, Mr Gaby left Geraldine, after passing through the primary school, and has spent the period on sailing ships and steamers on all sorts of seas. During the month, he received word of having gained his certificate as first mate of a foreigngoing ship, and he is also in possession of his wireless signaller’s certificate.

Mr G. A. Glover, of the Railway Head Office, Wellington, is spending a fortnight in Geraldine. Mr C. A. Cliff, of the staff of the Union Bank, Wellington, is spending Christmas in Geraldine. Mr J. B. Gresham, of the Customs Office, Wellington, is spending his annual leave in Geraldine. Mr J. B. McShane, of Dunedin, is spending Christmas in Geraldine. Mr R. Mcllroy, of the staff of the Bank of New Zealand, Christchurch, is spending his annual leave in Geraldine. Mr A. W. Jones, of the staff of the Union Bank, Geraldine, is visiting Timaru. Miss D. L. Hayes, who is spending Christmas in Geraldine, with her parents, will spend her vacation at Stewart Island. Mr A. F. Barrell and family, Geraldine, will motor south on January 2nd., to visit Waikouaiti, St. Clair and Dunedin. Mrs J. H. Gerry, Dunedin, is the guest of her mother, Mrs F. J. Wood, Geraldine. Mr L. Reid, of the “Sun,” Christchurch, spent Christmas in Geraldine, and has returned north. Miss E. Barklie and Hiss Hames, of Sumner, are staying with Mr and Mrs A. P. Barklie, Geraldine.

GENERAL NEWS. The stock sale set down for Wednesday in Geraldine, was -abandoned. The motor traffic on the main road through Geraldine has been very heavy this Christmas, but perhaps not up'to the volume of last year’s holiday period. The large numbers of motor caravans and camping trailers is very noticeable. CHRISTMAS EVE IN GERALDINE. Crowds thronged the main thoroughfare in a late hour on Christmas Eve, and fireworks, throw-downs, water pistols, squeakers and a hundred and one toys possessed by the younger section of the shoppers added a festive touch to the proceedings. Weather conditions were ideal, and all those abroad that night appeared to enjoy themselves thoroughly. The fine evening attracted large numbers to the township, and from eight o’clock onwards the shop hands experienced an exceptionally busy time, this applying to almost all classes of business.

“It was a wonderful night’s business,” one retailer remarked to a “Timaru Herald” representative, “and if the money comes in for everything that I sold, I count it a better Christmas than last.” The almost unanimous opinion of retailers approached was that Christmas Eve this year was better than last year, it being pointed out that rain was experienced during a portion of last Christmas Eve. However, most pointed out that the trade on Christmas Eve this year needed to show an increase to make up the leeway of the late commencement of the busy period. Father Christmas appeared on the street during the afternoon as a result of the enterprise of one firm, and there was a wild clamour of children to receive gifts.

A number of shops used special lighting, but it was remarked that a great opportunity was lost when the shopkeepers failed to unite in providing special lighting for the town. As is usual on Christmas Eve, reunions were many and celebrations were the order of the evening, but the crowd was a good-natured, easy-going one. The streets began to clear before midnight, but it was the early hours of the morning before they were all deserted. The music of the Geraldine District Band was an important and appreciated feature of Christmas Eve, and under the conductorship of Mr E. Undrill, they delighted their many listeners.

The night was spent in carolling, the Band dividing into senior and junior sections, Mr C. Ashby ably conducting the junior section, and Mr J. Johnson the senior section. Refreshments were provided at Mr Coombes’s, and Mr P. Bennett’s, and breakfast at Mr G. H. Bryant’s. Collections resulted in over £l2 being raised. SPECIAL CHURCH SERVICES. Special services were held at the Geraldine Presbyterian Church on Sunday last, when there was a large congregation. An augmented choir, under Mr E. White, gave choral anthems, and solos were sung by Miss V. Turner (“The Holy Child”), and Mrs A. McKenzie (“The Lord is My Light”). The Rev. W. J. Couling conducted the services.

BOY SCOUT CAMP. Nearly fifty scouts are at present in camp in the Geraldine Domain, and the majority of • these hail from Addington. A number of Geraldine Scouts are also under canvas. The camp is under the charge of Scoutmaster Dwyer. BOXING DAY QUIET. Boxing Day passed quietly in Geraldine, the only special feature in the township being a flannel dance at night. There was an exodus of residents to various attractions, and a number of visitors came to the town from other centres. “BROTHERLY LOVE,” TO-NIGHT. Laughter—that is the best summary than can be made of “Brotherly Love,” a Karl Dane and George K. Arthur feature, that will be screened at the Municipal Theatre to-night. It is the inside story of the “Prisoner’s Song.” Supports include an M.G.M. newsreel, New Zealand scenic, and a two-reel comedy. A community dance will be held on New Year’s Eve.