CHRISTMAS EVE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 December 1941, Page 2

CHRISTMAS EVE

QUEEN, STREET THRONGED

OBJECTIONS TO THROWING i OF CRACKERS. MUNICIPAL BAND PLAYS CAROLS. Christmas Eve passed off fairly quietly in Masterton. Queen Street appeared to be as crowded as on former occasions. The exclusion of motor traffic allowed freedom of movement for shoppers. Children particularly enjoyed themselves, as they were free to roam wherever their fancy took them. Bright musical items, including Christmas carols, were played in the street by the Masterton Municipal Band. Many complaints were made to the police about the indiscriminate .throwing of lighted crackers in the streets by youths and children. In several instances clothing was scorched by exploding crackers and cases were reported of elderly people and young children being frightened by the noise of crackers exploding unexpectedly near them.

Senior Sergeant G. A. Doggett stated this morning that provision was made for a fine of £5 for throwing crackers in a public street. He issued a warning that action would be taken against possible offenders on New Year’s Eve. He said that it was a dangerous and stupid practice. One woman reports that she had an ice cream thrown in her face. The ice-cream spattered over her new dress With ruinous effect. Others indulged in the more harmless pastime of throwing confetti on passersby. Some disturbance was caused in Queen Street early in the evening by a man apparently under the influence of liquor. He became mixed up with a considerable number of children, several of whom he chased along Queen Street until stopped by a constable.