FESTIVE SEASON IN MANY LANDS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19682, 27 December 1933, Page 7

FESTIVE SEASON IN MANY LANDS

JOLLIEST CHRISTMAS IN U.S.A. LITTLE GOODWILL IN CENTRAL EUROPE United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received December 26, 6.30 p.m.) NEW YORK, December 25. With the repeal of prohibition and the general improvement in the 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 organisations of New York and elsewhere reported abundance of provisions for needy. Forty thousand free dinners were served here, which was much below last year. In Washington, four generations of Roosevelts celebrated the holiday at White House, the President’s mother, children and grand-children being present. LESS GOODWILL IN CENTRAL EUROPE. WINTER SPORTS STILL POPULAR. United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received December 26, 7.30 p.m.) NEW YORK, December 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, the nearby hills attracting tourists from all Central Europe, which to a degree counteracted the loss of the German tourist trade, which was virtually barred by the Nazis. Christmas Eve shoppers were startled to see on prominent buildings, unusual Christmas bonfires, not yule logs, but gigantic flaming Swastikas, which the police removed. Indeed less of the spirit 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 sixty Austrian Nazis and Communists spending the holidays in concentration camps. PRESENTS FROM PRESIDENT. HINDENBURG'S KINDLY ACTIONS United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received December 26, 7.30 p.m.) BERLIN, December 26. Duriing the Christmas celebrations President Hindenburg assembled the entire staff from the State secretary to the charwoman, in the main hall of the Presidential Palace and gave each a gift and wished them ~ merry Christmas. Herr Hitler is motoring to spend Christmas in his mountain home at Berehtesgadem NO CHRISTMAS IN MOSCOW. REMEMBERED IN FOREIGN EMBASSIES. United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received December 26, 7.30 p.m.) MOSCOW, December 26. There was no outward signs of Christmas in Russia. A few Roman Catholics observed the feast though the Embassies held Christmas parties, thus keeping Russia in touch with the festal spirit of the rest of the world. BRIGHTER DAYS IN BRITAIN. GAY SCENES BUT FOG OUTSIDE. United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, December 25. Dry bracing weather, contrasting with the recent biting cold, encouraged thousands to spend Christmas away from their homes. The seaside resorts were crowded, as at the height of summer. Thousands were unable to secure accommodation. London hotels are crowded with family parties. Some of the largest hotels served dinner in relays. Conti ting with the gaiety of the hotels, the streets were veiled in mist, cheerless and deserted. Tire entire suspension of the tram and 'bus services heightened the illusion that it was a dead city. Special arrangements have been made 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 .ime his Majesty speaks directly to the people throughout the Empire.