Shanghai Celebrates New Year, Hogmanay, Chin ese Anniversary in Royal Style; Lavish Spectacles Shanghai, Jan, 3.
THE said Shanghai was in the doldrums? Those "Dismal Desmonds" whose continual dirge it is these days that the city is finished, its spirit broken by the heavy hand of adversity, should have been abroad during the early hours of Monday morning to see Shanghai welcome the New Year. They would have been more than surprised, Rarely has the Shanghailander flung his worries—and he has had plenty during 1939—to the four winds with such abandon. If there was any reduced spending power in the town or if a cloak of depression had shrouded everyone and everything during the past twelve months, it was not evident to anyone who witnessed the traditional welcome cere monies as 1940 came joyfully in.
Cabarets and night clubs were thronged to the doors with noisy crowds of gay revellers. Blalforate and costly tableaux were staged to welcome the New Year. Everywhere joy reigned supreme.
It was, indeed, a good) sign for the future of the city.
While others spent the occasion in filarious style there were those who preferred to sce the New Year's a quider way. Many stayed home, where private observances Tneked none of the spirit of the more iaborate celebrations. la. the ight ifely Trinity Cathedral was, Usual, crowded with worshippers Who attended the annual Watchnight Service. Conducted by Dean AES. riety, this service Included speci hyMinere were apeciat anthems CLY the choir.
Not only did Shanghai welcome the coming of the New, Year but there Gore iwo other celebrations which faded to the lavishness of the festival "the: Scotsmen celebrated Hogmanay and the Chinese community, with much enthusiasm, observed the 29th, Enniversary. of the establishment of the. Chinese Republic. These three Ceremonies combined saw Shanghai surpassing, itself in providing its citizens with varied and magnificent entertainments, which will not 60d clude until tomorrow.
"AS. in._previous years the night spots of Shanghai catered for the sands "of people, © Amid brilliant Seenes the New Year. was heralded nat midnight to. the sounds of Aula Long Syne" and other approprinte gongs, and the gaiety continued Gntil daylight came creeping in, heralding the time for departure homes throughout. the city spectacles, Everywhere. gaiety feigned supreme. There was no Bloom abroad. as 1940 came in.
Scotsmen throughout the town cel. brated Hogmanay or New Year's Eve with their customary whoops and ings, and haggis appeared. to Grace many a table Perhaps we Rayest Scottish celebrants were members of the Seaforth Highlanders, who had special food and various entertainments provided for them as is the custom in all Scottish regiments fat Hogmanay. In decorated. billets they enjoyed themselves in true Seotlish style and the Racecourse re~ sounded to their noisy hilarity.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.