Not that the alarms of war, and the bristling of bayonets in Europe were forgotten - the strain of the past 17 months has been too great for that - but these things were forced to give way before the ancient spirit of Christmas, which sprang forth from the ashes of the dying year with a virility that was heightened by the adverse circumstances.
The celebrations were, perhaps, not so boisterous as in previous years, but the same great crowds thronged the streets, and money was spent almost as lavishly as ever in those directions that were calculated to bring joy to the juvenile hearts.
Men in khaki were a conspicuous feature of the promenaders, and their presence was accounted for by the fact that many were soldiers on leave from Trentham, a privilege that would be greatly valued both by the men and their relatives.
Orderliness was a striking characteristic of the crowds in the streets, despite the bustle and activity on all sides, and pleasant smiles and warm hand-shakings betokened the universal feelings of good will which thus found their expressions.
Truly the face of Christmas glowed with brightness, and through the glow could be traced the ineffaceable spirit of the race - a spirit that more than anything else will carry us to victory in the present ghastly conflict in which the nation is engaged.
In common with other parts of New Zealand and the Empire, the grim pall of war hung over Christmas for a second occasion.
The sadness of the closing year, the deplorable loss of life on every hand, has to a certain extent created a sense of respectful reserve for the festive season.
The observance will be found undoubtedly general, although the ordinary cheerful British spirit cannot be entirely depressed.
In and about the city - and, in fact, throughout this province - rejoicings have been quiet. The police report that in Dunedin and suburbs the conduct of the public and visitors has been very orderly during the holidays.
■ While Councillor T. Maginness was riding along the Katea road, a shorthorn bull came through the fence and charged the horse, knocking both horse and rider over.
Mr Maginness fortunately fell clear of the horse into the water channel, where the bull did not see him, but he attacked the horse. As the bull was dehorned no damage was done. The owner disposed of the bull the following day.
■ Sydney: The Steamer Morinda brings news that the bush tribes at Yule Island (Papua) invited a neighbouring tribe to a feast and dance.
After the festivities the guests in the early hours of the morning were returning to their homes, when they were attacked on the mountain side with spears, axes, and clubs. Being taken unawares, between 20 and 30 men were killed.
The attackers carried off the bodies and held a big cannibal feast. The Morinda landed a punitive party.
■ London: In the House of Commons, Mr H. J. Tennant (Under-secretary for War) said that our total casualties at the Dardanelles to December 11 were: 169 officers and 2360 men killed, 2969 officers and 72,222 men wounded, 337 officers and 12,114 men missing; also 96,683 officers and men were sick and in hospital in the same period.
- ODT, 27.12.1915.
