THE NEW YEAR

Hokitika Guardian, 2 January 1932, Page 6

THE NEW YEAR

CELEBRATIONS ELSEWHERE.

LONDON FREELY REVELS*.

(United Press Association. —By Electric

Telegraph.—Copyright.)

LONDON, January 1

The first of January, of the year 1932 came in with a flourish of trumpets. West End night dubs and restaurants were crowded with revellers, despite the menace of the income tax demand. The general merriment was accentuated by the ladies’ recollection that 1932 is a leap year, permitting mock proposals of marriage. There were joyous scenes at Chelsea Arts Club Ball at the Albert Hall, where several thousands ■w'ejlcomed the New Year dressed in costumes expectable in 1982, the revel being entitled “Fifty Yearn Hence.” Between eleven and midnight, Ludgate Hill was crowded to hear Saint Paul’s chime the New Year. When “Auld Lang Syne” commenced, thousands grasped hands and exchanged greetings. Meanwhile, broadcasting enabled millions to listen to the New Year celebrations throughout Europe. Indeed numerous 'parties of Americans at the Savoy and other big hotels were awaiting until five a.m., in older to partake in the celebration in the United States.

SYDNEY WELCOMES 1932.

SYDNEY, January 1

The New Year was ushered in with the usual noisy demonstrations, and with cool winds succeeding a scorching day. The city, despite the heat, was thronged all day with business ■people and pleasure seekers. After the late shopping/ the streets continued full for hours.

Many people danced the old year out. Midnight unleashed a crescendo of noise, brazen-throated klaxons, and undulating ships’ siren combining with bells and more homely sound-producing agencies in the suburban areas to drive away the last evil spirits of 1931, leaving a calmer and more promising atmosphere for the infant year’s start. PROPHESIES AND PROSPECTS. (Received this day at 9.2 b a.m) LONDON, January 1. The newspapers are chary in New Year prophesies and mainly content themselves with pious hopes. The “Daily Telegraph” says there is an atmosphere of expectancy that the first months of the year may see decisions which will determine the immediate future of civilisation. The world credit crisis has made many purses lean, but has not affected one section of society or one nation alone. We have turned over a new political leaf three months ago. 1931 will see the British people tackling their problem in a new conquering spirit. The “Financial Times” regards the budget prospect as good and says the soundness of the position in this respect and the strong support of Government by the small investor will provide a doubly bracing influence with which to start the New Year. The “Times” alludes to the elections here, and in New Zealand an ( l Australia, and says a new starting point to recovery may well be traced in the future to these demonstrations, that democracy not only in war time, but among subtler dangers of economic confusion can be trusted to thrive upon truth. The “Times” then proceeds to refer to the opening for reciprocity between Britain and Oversea Dominions, and says what the new concentration upon the economics of Empire might moan for many British difficulties, especially the great question cf India, can hardly he overstated.