Record Christmas Spending In W

W. Samoa

From Our Own Correspondent APIA, December 29.

CHRISTMAS trade broke the record established in 1949 and Apia stores, during the last days preceding the Festive Season, were crammed with eager

buyers who had come in from all dis tricts.

Large stocks had arrived by Matua and Waikawa a few days previously and the requirements of buyers were fully provi ded for.

The holidays were marred by the in clement weather, torrential rains set in on Christmas day and continued for 24 hours without a break.

In spite of the greatly increased road traffic during the holiday season, only a

few accidents were reported and no fatal-l ities occurred, though some taxi drivers;, and passengers were injured.

In a family affray at Alamagoto, Apia, : , a well-known carpenter, Mr, Fred J Schuster, was seriously injured and diedJ at his home on December 25.