CHRISTMAS CHEER.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1622, 13 December 1912, Page 8

CHRISTMAS CHEER.

: THE STATE OF TRADE. WELLINGTON IN THE COMMERCIAL ASCENDANT. (By "Sylvius")

Wellington, in common with every other self-TCspeuting criitre of population in the British Dominions, .is at present preparing with might and main to pay court to our most cherished festival—Christmas. What a wonderful festival it is to bo sum! Not only does it carry with it the deepest religious significance, but it also embodied . a wealth of sentiment of tho sweetest, kindliest nature. "Peace on earth, good-will towards men," with half a. dozen minor nations of Europe at war. and two dominant Powers straining like hounds in leash, sounds liko mockery; but shutting one's eyes to tho international turmoil, which is something apart from all sentiment, Christmas carries with it a spirit of gracious geniality which is becoming to everyone. . There are those who believe that a person can outgrow the "frivolities" and responsibilities of Christmas, and that what he found to be most pleasurable as a youth or young man, was not signified for middle-age. Such people are side-tracking themselves. It is a sure and certain sign that they are losing the capacity for enjoyment—which is tragedy: Only the other day a jolly-faced man, grinning through a heavy teard, stumbled and tripped into a tramcar with an armful of packages, trod on the conductor's toe, and nearly sat in the lap of on elderly matron. When he had settled down he discovered a friend seated opposite, and quietly enjoyed "the entrance." "What have you got there?" asked the friend. "What have I gofc-what do you think at this time of tho year ? I've been away for a couple of months, and I simply couldn't go home without some toys for the kids. We will have a time!" . And he grinned all over, wiped tho perspiration from his brow, presented a railway ticket to the tram conductor to clip. That is the man whom one could freely wager that ho was going to enjoy himself. The pleasure was not going to be wholly and Solely for the children. Ho was going to enjoy- himself, and was not ashamed to let tho world know it. He did not perhaps think of it for a moment, but he-was carrying home more than the parcels contained— ho was going home to his wife and children charged with tho,.Christmas spirit which is in the heart (not-the.bottle).

Wellington has not been the brightest spot commercially in Australasia during the last three or four years, but thanks to its position, its unexcelled harbour, and fine port facilities,. it hris splendid recuperative qualities which will always be there when wanted and which have exerted their powers-during the past year with much benefit to the Empire City. Tho "tone" is much. better than it has been for years. Trade f is improving, traders are brightly optimistic. The grey clouds of depression are dispersing beforo tl;lo returning - sun of prosperity, fend though Wellington, may not. experience anything in the nature of a "boom"— that state of affairs. which benefits the few at the expense.of the many—there is every indication of brighter prosnects for the coming year than for a considerable time past.. A few inquiries among the local shopkeepers in Wellington.elicited the information that in .certain, lines dTapory and millinery particularly—the very wet and cold spring had been the reverse of beneficial ; but still trade, had not suffered to the extent one might reasonably have expected under such... .wretched weather coalitions. Still a great number of people had been -able to fudge along with thoir winter clothes, and had only been able to realise that summer was here and Christmas within touch during- the past few days.

What a splendid influence is the sun's! Thfl past week has brought a mvriad of buds to blossom, and has thronged the streets with maids and mothers, who have found home much the best place during the "spring which has crept by under the grey-wing of winter. A touch o' th' sun unbuttons people's pockets, its genial warmth penetrates; to:the heart and. creates in the mind a thought for others—a ruinously expensive luxury! "Give me three weks;' sunshine, and I'll show you a record in my business!" said ono cheery shop manager yesterday. "A little of this weather has a marvellous effect!" he continued. "Take yourself— when did you leave off your winter underclothing? A week ago? I thought so. Now, there's all Wellington dropping it, and reaching out for light summer stuff. That's going to make us very busy during the next few weeks, if the sun remains faithful."

.In the meantime the shops are being garbed in their gayest attire for the hon-, our and glory of Christmastide. The toy-' shops—palaces of. wonders—present new and fascinating charms for the young, and the not-so-young. Various Father Christmascs, perspiring under furious white beards, and suspiciously Tub'icund complexions, are already holding court .in several of the big stores, raising wonder and merriment among the contingents of toddlers, who are yet blissfully ignorant of the fact that Santa Clans may be some hard-working shop-assistant. The book-shops are laden with novelties, the Christmas cards .are beautifully artistic, and bewildering in their diversity. The provision shops glow with radiance of the new season's dried for thousands of puddings and cakes—the drapers' windows gleam with distractiugIy lovely lingerie, and the smartest of gowns for .day and;night wear; the confectioners' windows are simply a hnge gastronomic smile; and those of the jewellers and fancy goods merchants appear to wink as they say—"What are you going to sive her?".

It is all good—just because it is Christmas!