NEW YEAR’S EVE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 1, 3 January 1939, Page 6

NEW YEAR’S EVE

WANGANUI CELEBRATIONS 1939 WELCOMED BY LARGE CROWD Despite the fact that New Year’s Eve this year fell on a Saturday night, which is not a late shopping night, the passing of the year 1938 and the birth of 1939 was celebrated in Wanganui with all the customary festivities. The Wanganui Highland Pipe Band enlivened proceedings during the evening by marching up ana down the Avenue and playing at various points en route. The crowd was comparatively small until after 10 p.m. when the theatre patrons swelled it considerably. Milk bars again did a brisk trade, while gaiety prevailed. A beautiful clear night, enhanced the scene, and served as a happy omen of the new year. Reinforced by late matinee crowds, a large assemblage gathered round the Post Office as the hands of the Avenue clocks crept toward midnight, and as the last minutes of the old year fled a momentary silence preceded the arrival of midnight. The New Year was welcomed in enthusiastic style. The clock striking midnight was drowned by the noise of a hundred car horns, the Highland Pipe Band, and exclamations from the crowd.

It was not until two hours later that the Avenue was cleared of pedestrian traffic.