SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS.

Waikato Times, Volume 116, Issue 19459, 26 December 1934, Page 8

SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS.

MAIN STREET CROWDS, CHRISTMAS EVE SCENES. THRONGED WITH SHOPPERS. Thronged with shoppers from- an early hour on Monday morning, Victoria Street and its environs pre-i senled an animated appearance throughout the day. There was a large influx of country folk, whose numbers were augmented by an army of town shoppers intent upon ,their Christmas shopping, and the main street, in particular, was crowded with pedestrian and motor trafflo/ In the evening the crowds increased, and at 7 p.m., when Victoria Street, from Hood Street to Ward Street was plosed to vehicular traffic, it was difficult to move on the western footpath. By 8 o’clock a dense throng of Christmas shoppers surged about the entrances to the larger departmental stores, which were kept very busy over the peak hours, from 7.30 to 9 p.m. The closing of the street to cars relieved the congestion on the footpaths. While there were no noisy celebration, apart from the efforts of a few youths with squeakers and whistles, a happy spirit was evident among the crowd, and many messages of greeting were exchanged in passing. One or two citizens who had celebrated not wisely but too well were observed meandering their way unsteadily homewards, but these were isolated cases. Generally speaking it was, an orderly crowd in Victoria Street 09 Christmas Eve..

HOSPITAL CELEBRATIONS.

TOYS FOR SUNSHINE WARD. HAPPY TIME AT “THE NEST.” The festivities always associated with the Christmas season were observed in-many places yesterday, but it is doubtful if any celebrations enjoyed more than those at the Waikato Hospital. The spirit of the occasion was characterised toy the brightly coloured decorations in all the wards, and a happy air prevailed. A special Christinas dinner was provided for the patients. In the Sunshine Ward a varied arrjy of toys littered the children’s beds, and a babel of childish voices echoed through the ward -throughout the day. A big event was the arrival of Santa Claus on Christmas Eve- A large Christmas tree, laden with gifts, hadi been set up in the ward by members of the Sunshine League, led by Mrs' I. Owsley, the convenor, and to the great delight of the little patients, toys were distributed toy Santa Claus, who arrived In a gaily decorated car. The ladies of the Sunshine League executive also received gifts. After performing his Christmas task the old man was cheered by the children. A happy time was spent at "-The Nest,’’ the Salvation Army Children’s Home, over the Christmas season. Many visitors and relatives of the children came to the home, bringing toys and other gifts with them, and they were received with delight by the little ones. Great excitement prevailed throughout the day, yesterday. Through the generosity of local firms a quantity of ice cream and soft drinks was provided for the children, and added considerably to the enjoyment of the celebrations.

IN THE CHURCHES. SPECIAL SERVICES HELD. The Divine significance of Christmas was recognised in Hie local churches, where special services were iteld on Sunday, and Christmas Day. Most of tiie churches observed their Christmas services on Sunday, when large congregations were present to hear the seasonal messages of goodwill front the pulpits. On Christmas Eve midnight Holy Eucharist was celebrated at the Cathedral, a large congregation participating in the service, which was fully choral. There were over 70 communicants. During the service .Miss O. Kirby sang as a solo Kahn’s Avc Maria. Holy Communion was celebrated at several services yesterday morning.

A congregation considerably in excess of 1000 attended midnight Massin Ihe Church of Our Lady on Christmas Eve. Father Bleakley, who conducted the service, delivered an inspiring Christmas address. Services held yesterday were also largely attended.

Holy Communion was celebrated by tlie Rev. 11. T. Peat at St. Paul’s 'Methodist Church yesterday. Special Christmas hymns were sung, and Mr Peat gave a short address on the significance of Hie season.