FESTIVE SEASON

Hokitika Guardian, 27 December 1933, Page 5

FESTIVE SEASON

•OBSERVANCE-IN U.S.A

GAYEST FOR SEVERAL YEARS.

(United Press Association—By Elcctria Telegraph—Copyright.)

NEW YORK, December 25.

With the repeal of prohibition and --a general improvement in the economic conditions, America lias enjoyed the gayest Christmas for several years. Although it was uesired, snow was 1 misszing from most of the eastern and ceh-,-trai sections. The north-western b cates experienced the contest -Christmas in their history. The relief organisations ih New r York and -elsewhere reported an abundance of provisions for the needy. Forty thousand free dinners were served here in New York, which is much below the number served last year. In Washington four generations oi the Roosevelts celebrated the holiday at White House, the President’s mother, children and grand-children being present. -

CHRISTMAS IN ENGLAND,

SEASIDE RESORTS CROWDED

LONDON, December 25,

Dry, bracing' weather, contrasting with the recent biting cold, encouraged thousands to spend Christmas away from home, The seaside resorts were crowded as at the height of summer, and thousands were unable to secure accommodation. The London hotels were crowded with family parties. Some of the largest hotels served dinner in relays. Contrasting with the gaiety of the hotels, the streets -were veiled in mist, and were a cheerless desert. The entire suspension of the tram and bus services heightened the illusion that it was a dead city. Special arrangements were made in the hotels throughout England for the reception of the Empire broadcast, which was regarded as one of • the most important Imperial functions of the year, as it is the only time His Majesty speaks directly to his people throughout the Empire.

TOURISTS FLOCK TO AUSTRIA

NO POLITICAL AMNESTIES

NEW YORK, December 25,

The “New York Time.*-.' Vienna correspondent states: Although two days’, thaw had relieved the streets of snow, the winter sports people were able to enjoy Christmas. The nearby hills attracted totirists from all Central Eurdpej which, tb a degree, eduiiteraced the loss of the Gterrrlan tourist trade, which has virtually been barred by the Naai», 1 The -Christmas ■ (Five shoppers were startled to sec on prominent buildings Christmas bonfires, not Yule- logs, but 'gigantic flaming swastikas, which the police removed. Indeed less of the spirit of goodwill was to be observed in Central .Europe than at any Christmas since the War. Contrary to custom, io political amnesties were issued .this year, although there were .sixty Austrian Nazis and- Communists spending the holidays in concentration camps.

CEREMONY AT THE VATICAN VATICAN CITY, December 25. The Pope, with simple ceremony, to-night commemorated (the birth of Christ, by reciting the three traditional Masses in his private cliapel. Only, his three nearest kin and a few high prelates were in attendance. As •the Pontiff closed the, ceremony, the bells of Rome’s 300 churches joyously rang in Christmas Day, and commemorative midnight masses were said for thousands of Holy Year pilgrims.

XMAS FIGHTING IN IRELAND DUBLIN, December 26.

Christmas was celebrated at Clonakitty by fierce street fighting between Republicans and trimphant supporters of O’Duffy. In Sullivan street the lights were smashed, after which the battle raged by bonfire light. The police in endeavouring to seperate the rivais were beaten with sticks.