CHRISTMAS EVE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 7, Issue 37, 31 December 1943, Page 5

CHRISTMAS EVE

RECORD CROWD IN TOWN

(HJTSTAXDING SMOl y P\N<5 SEASON

Christmas 1943 will long be remembered' by the shopkeepers of Whakatane as a record breaking period as far as the buying public was concerned. Money appeared to. be freer than ever and those who anticipated that the exorbitant prices asked for New Zealand-made articles, was likely to act as a deterrant were agreeably mistaken. Price to a large section of the shoppers appeared to be no object.

From early in tlie evening the town was thronged and till well alter !) p.m. a continual stream of traffic llowed in l'rom the plains until every available parking place was - utilised. TJio.se who had any misgivings regarding the deterioration of motor vehicles in this district due' to tyre shortage and the: impossibility of replacing older models had their fears set at rest. More; than ever families travelled by cans of decent, smart appearance, and the traffic on Christmas Jive was a tribute to the 1 prosperity of the district as well as a genuine, eyeopener . Goods in Abundance The. shopkeepers on their part had also responded to the demand' and there was, no shortage of goods and utility gifts. Tim display was a definite example, of just how far New Zealand manufacturers had grappled with the problem of turning out the articles hitherto imported from overseas. Ninety per cent of all goods were Dominion products. ' The general impression was that the volume of trade exceeded past years, which in its; turn was a record. Drapers, fancy goods shops and grocers report ■ remarkable figures. The confectioners probably came to light to a greater extent than any others. For months past sweets and ■confections of all descriptions had been saved lor the Christmas display. The sight of so much candy and piles of chocolate was almost uncanny and though in most, instances a ration basis was imposed in order to make the goods go round, there were Jew left alter 11 p.m. The Maoris who once again were present in large numbers made the most of the unusually large .stocks. Two Bands

The. presence: of' both the Junior Pipe- Band and the Boys Band lent additional brightness to the proceed:-' in&s and the crowd welcomed particularly the presence of the. 'Scotties' who were making their lirst public appearance since, the Scout Rally last Faster. It was delinitely the boys night, and the crowd appreciated. their presence immcunsely.

After 10 p.m. the crowd started to thin out. Family parlies could be seen making for home as. the shops closed. The. only establishments which maintained trad:- at undiminished pressure were the fruiterers and milk bars, where the attendants were, given a hectic time up till well past midnight. Christmas Kve however was as memorable, if not more so than any of its lorerunners. in the past.