HOLIDAY SEASON

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 7, Issue 35, 21 December 1943, Page 6

HOLIDAY SEASON

CHRISTMAS PROSPECTS

CONTRAST WITH FORMER

YEARS

Christmas. 1943, promises to be observed according to the host traditions,, even though it will be. the fifth under the shadow of the workl conflict and its attendant restrictions, uncertainties and disappointments. The indications are that despite shortages of certain commodities Wliakatane shopkeepers will have sufficient stocks to meet the demands of customers and, a busy and successful period is assured. Observances of Christmas in most households depends largely on the stocking of the family larder to meet the occasion,. This, year rationing of butter adds to the difficulty of providing many culinary items, while the shortage of sugar will again have its: effect on the. making of Christmas cakes and puddings, Then again fruit for cakes and puddings is in shorter supply, although there will be a certain quantity available. Tinned puddings, the salvation of many a dilatory housewife,, will be conspicuous by their absence from groceris' shelves. In short grocers will have, practically no "extras" to offer. For the first time, the Christmas ham is unobtainable. There will be no iigs or fancy biscuits, 'and few musctitels and nuts. Boxes of chocolates will be nrissing, while cordials are: in very short supply, owing mainly to the. sugar position, and some firms will be without, them. Busy Railways It is certain that the Railways Department this Christmas will experU exxce holiday traffic without precedent not only in the war period but in normal times. The reasons for the demand to travel by rail are not hard to find. The restrictions which limited travel at the last two Christmases to 100 miles are not being enforced. High wages, are a contributory factor. Many motorists who in peacetime and even in the first two* years of w T ar were able to disregard rail travel are now forced to accept it as the sole means of transport, although the increased petrol ration for December and January will enable car owners 1 to visit places near at hand.

However light-heartedly the people of the Dominion enter into celebration of the festive season ihere will be few who do not space a thought for the sons of New Zealand serving overseas. This Christmas will find Freyberg's men fighting against a determined foe in Italy. For the first time a division is engaged. in. the Pacific.

To a greater extent than last year will the average New Zealander be able to indulge in hjs passion for sport during the holiday season. Racing, which in 1942. was confined to. Boxing Day, New Year's! Day and the following day, a Saturday, will be permitted on week days between Christmas and New Year. lnterprov'incial cricket matches are being revived—not since 1940 have they taken place at Christmas time.