DARK DAYS DEPART.

Waikato Times, Volume 116, Issue 19459, 26 December 1934, Page 7

DARK DAYS DEPART.

GAIETY IN THE STATES. PRESIDENT’S YEAR iO.F HOPE. METHODIST CHURCH CRITICISM. United Press Assn. —Elec. Tel. Copyright NEW YORK, Dec. 24. America to-bight Is in the midst of the gayest and —as far as eau be seen —the most prosperous holiday since the pre-depression years. From every 'section of the nation an enchants report that sales have increased: from 10 to 20 per cent, over last year, which, in turn, recorded a considerable increase over the dark years of 1930-31-32.. In New -York the large department Mores were swamped by customers until a late hour to-night who were frantically searching for toys and all but depleted the stocks all over the city. Public Christmas trees were lighted and poor children received gifts and their parents supplies of food and clothing. In Washington President Roosevelt gave a broad'C'a'st radio speech, and Mrs Roosevelt pressed a button which lit up a municipal Christmas tree. The President emphasised the need fop unified devotion to the human welfare of the country, and called fbr another year of hope"ln -the past year,” said Mr Roosevelt, “we have seen fulfilled many things which a. year ago were only hopes.” The only note of discord is a report by the welfare department of the Methodist Church criticising Mr Roosevelt for forgetting “the forgotten •man.” This report alleges that the Government is inducing a lower standard of living through creating ail artificial scarcity under which the poor are getting poorer and profit's are accruing to bankers and big business Interests.