BRITAIN’S CHRISTMAS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 300, 20 December 1945, Page 5

BRITAIN’S CHRISTMAS

AUSTERITY DAYS NIGHT LIFE BOOMING

MODERN DAYS, LIPSTICK, AND HIGH PRICES

Reed. 7.10 p.m. London, Dec. 19. Britain’s Christmas in 1945 will be remembered as the “austerity” season. In this last week before the festivities begin, few of London’s shops exude the traditional spirit, and while many people throng through them searching for presents to suit their pockets, the average of sales made is not high.

A forewoman of one leading store frankly agreed with the customer that goods are scarce and prices exotic and, with the utmost friendliness, suggested theatre tickets made a good present. It seems as though books will be the mainstay and they certainly will be a popular gift for children. For women one bright spot is that large quotas of cosmetics, in attractive packings, have been released. They include powder compacts, lipsticks in more colours than before, and tinted bath salts. New powder puffs and artistic sponge bags, not seen since the early days of the war* are also available. Flowers and fantastically expensive carnations are selling for 6s 6d each, and roses at 6s each. Orchids range from 5s to 30s, and chrysanthemums from 2s 6d each. Prices, it is said, will increase during the week. CRIME STILL PREVALENT Crime continues to hold a main place in the news, in addition to political and international events. Shopbreaking has increased by 92 per cent., compared with 1938. Robberies and assaults are up by 41 per cent, over last year, and 106 per cent, over 1938. Car thefts have risen by 18.4 per cent, compared with 1944, but are only 25 ner cent, greater than 1938. Larcenies from dwelling houses are 48 per cent, higher than in 1944, and 155 per cent, higher than in 1938. The increase in petty larcenies is not so great—l 7 per cent, over 1944, and 61 per cent, over 1938.

It is stated that deserters from the forces are not the main cause of the present crime wave, though they have a considerable influence on it. The increase in crime that always follows war is regarded as not sc much due to an individual soldier’s training in the trade of violence as to the. general misery and unsettlement which provide greater opportunities for antisocial behaviour. NIGHT LIFE BOOMING

Night life in London ig booming again and undoubtedly it has been given a fillip by the appearances of Princess Elizabeth. A restaurant which she visited is now booked up for six weeks ahead.

Many people are dining out regularly as a change from the dull wartime routine, and they are quite content to pay high prices for food and drink, which they would otherwise be unable to secure. Couples who go to smarter hotels and restaurants accept the fact that an evening costs at least £5. Inciflentally, band leaders, who played at private dances for Princess Elizabeth, say her favourite tune is “Night and Day.” Other preferences include “Matelot the Sailor,” “Love is My Only Reason,” “I’ll Gather Violets,” “After a While,” and “Let’s Fall in Love.” CHURCHILL FAMILY

The Churchill family has been in the news recently. Mr. Churchill will take a long holiday in the New Year and will go to the United States. Sarah Churchill, who divorced the comedian, Vic Oliver, has returned to the stage. She appeared in the light comedy, “Squaring the Triangle,” at Henley-on-Thames. She played lead opposite the author. Mrs. Randolph Churchill was granted a divorce. She was formerly the Honourable Pamela Digby. TRADE IMPROVES Britain’s production figures are improving. Trade statistics lor October show that the value of goods exported and re-exported that month wag nearly £48,(• JO,OOO, which is the highest since the beginning of 1943, and practically the same as in October, 1938. Allowance has to be taken for the rise in prices, however. Britain is now exporting clothes by air, and the trans-Atlantic service started for the first time since the war. The goods are sent to Kilmarnock, where they are picked up by Liberators, which arrived at Montreal by the late afternoon the same day. Canadian internal air lines then distribute orders to buyers in their home towns. So many firms are rushing to take advantage of this service that a .second ferry service will start in February. Exports are on the move all round. The largest scale of consignments since the war ended are going to the Dominions, the Colonies, the Middle East, and North and South Africa. Britain’s coal output continues to increase slowly, and in November it was 26,000 tons better than in

October. It is still below last year’s figures, however. Last month it was 3,593,700 tons. In November, 1944, it was 3,743,900 tons. The Trades Union Council is working to secure a 40-hour week but, while in general there is approval for a five-day week, industrialists are reported to be viewing the proposal in reverse. It is felt that output will be the main test for its introduction.

Fears that there might be a renewal of the dock strike have subsided now that the dockers have accepted 19s daily instead of 255, which they previously demanded. This has considerably eased the tension that existed a few weeks ago, but disappointment remains in some quarters that the Government is not going to give a leaa on its wages policy. SCHOOL FEES INCREASED

The higher cost of living is reflected by the decision of some of Britain’s famous public schools to increase their fees. The reason given is the necessity to meet additional charges imposed by higher salaries and generally increased costs. Eton’s fees will be £ll extra at £278 annually. Others are: Harrow, from £216 1o £234; Rugby, from £2Ol to £231; Highgate, £ll4 ‘to £120; Felsted, from £l5O to £165; Stowe, from £lB9 to £225; Charterhouse, from £lBO to £216; Wellington School, from £126 to £135. Hopes are held that important sporting events will be televised next summer. If the 8.8.C.’s plans succeed the boat race on March 30 and the Derby at. Epsom in the first week in June, will be first on the programme. Tests have shown that a new synthetic golf ball, which is available in small quantities for Boxing Day competitions, compares favourably with the 1939-40 rubber-cored ball. It is stated that to the average mediumhandican golfc*r there is not distinguishable difference between the prewar rubber-cored ball and the synthetic variety It travels as far and flatters his skill in the same way. To the professional the synthetic hall # is about ten to fifteen yards shorter with Iho wind, but about the same length against it when playing a full drive, while, with iron clubs, there is practically no difference.