MOST PROSPEROUS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 3, Issue 268, 7 February 1941, Page 2

MOST PROSPEROUS

CHRISTMAS IN U.S.A. GAYEST SINCE THE SLUMP The United Slates enjoyed its most prosperous Christinas since 1929. Tt Leading newspapers, commenting on America's blessings at a time when such a great, part of the world is suffering, ask Americans to examine more closely their obligations and to take new resolutions for carrying out their duty of aid for Britain, and to re-establish a world in which no people shall suffer for lack of food, shelter or safety. The New York Times says that the Christmas celebrations were the gayest since the slump. "As the traditional carols brought the message of Christmas to the nation," it adds, "millions of Americans, their homes stocked with food and rich gifts looked forward to a day of cheer and festivity, despite the gloom of war and uncertainty in the %vorld. ""Reports on holiday trade indicated that the sales volume was greater than in any year in the past decade, with gift buying assuming proportions of an orgy of spending, as if customers were determined to show that there is at least one country that can enjoy peace and goodwill." The Post Office handled the heaviest season's mail its history, while the Metropolitan Opera House receipts were the greatest since its establishment. Weightier indications of the nation's prosperity are not lacking. Thus the Federal Reserve Bank's latest index for industrial production stands at 132. compared with IVO for 1929. Industrial profits in 1910 show a 23 per cent gain over 1939, and national income is estimated at 75,000,000,000 dollars (£23,437,500000), compared with 65,000,000,000 (£20,312,500,000) in 1939. From every viewpoint the season seems to mark the opening of a new era of material accretion. Reduce weight .safely, p'ea-antiy Bonkora dissolves your la*: in a i»fTy. At F. G. Maeklow, Chemist, Whakatane. Ring No. 10 for that next Printing order. Bencon Box 7„