EVE OF CHRISTMAS.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 December 1915, Page 5

EVE OF CHRISTMAS.

SHOPS IN FESTIVE GARB. BRISK TRADE CONDITIONS. • PREPARATIONS FOR THE RACES. To-day is Christmas Eve and the scenes of activity ,in the shops yesterday and last night, and the preparations for decorating business premises, were sufficient to herald the near approach of the festive season. The stream of shoppers increased in volume yesterday, and in the evening the town presented a scene of bustle, the majority of the s'Mps being open. Decorations, though not on such a lavish scale as in previous year?, are being freely employed, and many of the shops have gathered pretty effects from ferns and various color schemes.

As stated yesterday the relali trade is particularly brisk, many firms experiencing better business than in previous years. It will, therefore, be with optimism that shoppers will embark on their full day's business to-day, when purses will be lightened by the influences of Yuletide. To-night will see the spirit of the people released for the custom,-iry enjoyment of spending Christmas live in town. iA keen demand exists for Christmas presents for women and children. Retailers in the soft goods line have experienced an exeeedingl> busy time throughout the past week in catering for the wants of crowds of women who have patronised their establishments. The drapers and milliners of the town arc doing particularly well. Very brisk business is being, done by the booksellers ;ind dealers in Christmas cards. There is a keen 'demand for all kinds of toys and Christmas presents. Christmas puddings and delicacies have sold readily at the provision shops, and business in Christmas specialties is unusually good. To-night the Salvation Amy band will render in Devon Street and will also continue on Christmas morning. The collection will be in aid of the band funds and local work, and on New Year's night the Auckland Silver Band will give all the proceeds in aid of the Serbian relief work. Early to-morrow morning the Citizens' Band will go round the town and render a selection of carols. The proceeds will be divided between tiie Wounded Soldiers' Fund and the Banil Fund.

The majority of visitors to Netf Plvmouth have been attracted by the splendid opportunities which the seaside offers for an enjoyable holiday, and it is on the sands and in the briny that most people will find their enjoyment. The principal Christmas attraction is the Taranaki Jockey Club's meeting on Monday and Tuesday. Splendid acceptances have been received, and, with indications that the warm weather will continue, there is every prospect of a highly successful meeting. The tracks are in splendid order,, and the picturesque surroundings of the racecourse have never looked bo well. The main approach to the course has been considerably improved, although it i 3 impossible to complete this improvement before next week. The lawns are in splendid order, and the numerous flower beds- are a blaze of color, presenting a glorious picture. The hill in front of the grandstand has been lowered some three feet, and the spoil has been utilised to form the new drive from the main entrance. The drive will be ready in time for the February meeting. Returned troopers and men on leave from military camps will be admitted free. As the club is donating the profits of this and the February meeting to the patriotic funds, the public should respond to the call and establish for the club a record meeting. Another important attraction on Monday is the Axemen's Carnival at Eltham. At New Year devotees of the turf will be catered for by the Stratford Jockey Club, while at New Plymouth picnics on the beach will be the chief mediums of amusement. Special holiday programmes will be shown at the picture theatres, thus affording people the means of completing an enjoyable day. Tuesday, December 28, and Monday, January 3, have been appointed special bank holidays, and the banks will also be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day. Insurance offices close on December 25, 27, and 28, and on January 1 and 3. The same holidays will be observed by most of the principal warehouses in the town. All butchers' 3hops under the Master Butchers' Association will be closed on Christmas Bay, December 27, New Year's Day and January 3.