Christmas In Europe

Waikato Times, Volume 116, Issue 19458, 24 December 1934, Page 7

Christmas In Europe

SCENES IN LONDON.

THOROUGHFARES PACKED. if PEOPLE SPEND FREELY. United Press Assn.—Elec. Teh Copyright (Received Dec. 24, 8.45 a.m.) LONDON, Dec. 22. It Is estimated that £100,000,000 was expended on Christmas shopping throughout Britain. The congestion in the London streets last week was unprecedented. All London’s famous shopping thoroughfares were packed. The magnitude of the shopping proves the revival of trade and has increased employment by the temporary absorption of 200,000 work less. fi’he weatrier belies the traditional idea of snowy Christmas, which indeed has not been seen since the war. r Phe tumultuous streets of the last few days will show a contrast with Christmas Day on which the centre of London is more dead than on a Sunday, when it seems barely alive, Christmas being a “ home ” festival. r i’he trains will maintain skeleton services and buses and trams close down, allowing their employees their only opportunity for general relaxation all the year. Even the burglar does not go a-but’gling, preferring to enjoy Christmas in his own fashion, according Scotland Yard.an unwritten armistice with crooks, who so faithfully observe the truce. There are only 25 police officers on duty compared with the usual 500. The newspapers will not be published for two days.

OBSERVANCE IN FRANCE. STATE CHRISTMAS PARTY. FOR GO,OOO POOR CHILDREN, United press Assn. —Elec. Tel. Copyrig-nv (Received Dec. 24, 10.30 a.m.) LONDON, Dec. 23. The Guardian’s Paris correspondent says that Christmas in France is chiefly a children’s festival. Happily in 1934 even the poorest has something to anticipate. The Government Is organising a three-day Christmas party for 60,000 poor Paris children, who will receive clothes, food and toys. The grown-ups are usually content with a Christmas Eve dinner in the restaurant, and the restaurants have considerably lowered prices owing to the bad times.

ft Oft*- TO GO HUNGRY. GERMANY’S DETERMINATION. “THE STING IN THE TAIL.” United Pre?j *ssn.—Flee. Tel Cop.vt Isrni. (Received Dec. 24, 11.45 a.m.) LONDON, Dec. 23. The Yorkshire Post’s Berlin correspondent says there has been a general determination in Germany that nobody will go hungry at Christmas. The Storm troops will preside at tables in the streets at which allcomers will be welcome to eat. Meanwhile personal exuberance is checked by a warning that non-payers of income tax due in December will have their names posted for all to see on New Year’s Day.