BRITAIN HOPES FOR HAPPY YEAR.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18044, 3 January 1927, Page 15

BRITAIN HOPES FOR HAPPY YEAR.

EVERYONE GLAD TO SEE LAST OF 1326. Fy Telegraph.—Press Assn. —Copyright. Aus. and N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON, January 1. The unanimous feeling that England is on the verge of an all-round happier and more prosperous year gave pre-war gaiety to the dying year festivities. Enormous gala parties were held in all the hotels, which were more elaboratelv decorated than at any time since the war. The streets were thronged and everybody was in buoyant spirits. Everyone seemed glad to see the last of 1926. which had been about as bad as could be and to feel that England was about to emerge from the clouds of depression. This is by no means false optimism. The Stock Exchange radiates cheerfulness, talking hopefully of cheaper money in the new year. Everywhere the general trade position is better than for years. Huge contracts are awaiting fulfilment. The old year has seen the reconstruction of a 'number of great industrial concerns by which the position should be immeasurably better. The growth of amalgamations is also a sign that Britain is preparing to take the lead. Mr Baldwin's New Year message says: "We have left behind a year of discord and industrial depression. Let us resolve to repair the damage and restore national prosperity in the spirit of goodwill.” Mr Ramsay MacDonald's message says: " Most people will be glad to get rid of 1926. All will hope for more sanity and businesslike genius in the conduct of the nation's affairs in 1927.” HARMLESS HORSEPLAY SEEN IN SYDNEY. SYDNEY, January 2. The weather was fine for the holiday. The New Year was welcomed in the city with the usual amount of noise and harmless horseplay. Numerous accidents are reported in connection with the holiday road traffic. Over thirty persons were injured. BERLIN CONSUMES 10,000,000 DOUGHNUTS. LONDON, January 1. The Berlin correspondent of the " Daily Express " says that 10,000,000 doughnuts, which is the German sea sonal fare, were consumed in the city last evening. Roast goose and champagne ousted the supplementary carp and punch. Nine thousand police were mobilised in Berlin to prevent disorderly celebrations.