[Editor: This article, regarding the New Year, was published in The National Advocate (Bathurst, NSW), 1 January 1925.]
Passing of 1924
How Bathurst behaved.
The year 1925 has gone as years have a habit of doing, and Bathurstians stood on the threshold of the new era, and ushered out the old in a manner that has not altered with the passing of time.
It was a gloriously clear and mild evening, and there were few who remained indoors after the sun had gone down for the last time in 1924.
King’s Parade was tacitly agreed upon as the rendezvous for many who were content to walk and talk — the younger generation of the years that lie ahead and the older ones of the years that have passed.
The coolness of Machattie Park with the added attraction of a continental by the City Model Band took many into that delightful enclosure. This band, which did so well at Millthorpe last week, is now very popular with music lovers, and last night Bandmaster L. Lupp must have felt very flattered at the reception his combination received.
The watchnight services at the various churches, which were of an impressive nature, attracted large attendances. Special music was rendered by both choristers and organists.
Those who were awake or still about the streets (and there were many) could have no possible doubts in their minds as to when midnight arrived. The old year was ushered out, and the new year heralded in with many and varied noises. Church bells chimed, railway engines whistled, and motors tooted; everything that could make a noise at all was utilised to say “adieu” to the evening of 1924, and “how do you do” to the dawn of 1925!
There were some of course who did not break the golden rule of early to bed. Many of these, no doubt, made many resolutions for the coming span of life, but as it is said that the path to another sphere is paved with such determinations, they may not have much to hope for in this regard.
Source:
The National Advocate (Bathurst, NSW), 1 January 1925, p. 2
Editor’s notes:
adieu = farewell, goodbye (Middle English, from Anglo-French “a dieu”, meaning “to God”, used as an abbreviated form of “a dieu (vous) commant”, i.e. “I commend (you) to God”)
Bathurstian = an inhabitant of Bathurst (New South Wales); of or pertaining to Bathurst
the path to another sphere = the path to hell (or similar phrasing; as used in the phrase “the road to hell is paved with good intentions”)
See: “The road to hell is paved with good intentions”, Wikipedia
watchnight service = a religious or spiritual service or vigil which is held at night-time, extending into the next day; a Christian religious service which begins on the night of New Year’s Eve (the 31st of December, also known as “watch night”) and ends after midnight (i.e. on New Year’s Day, the 1st of January), which includes a review of the past year and readying for the year ahead (also spelt: watch night service; also known as: a watch meeting)
See: 1) “Watchnight service”, Wikipedia
2) “Watch Night”, Encyclopaedia Britannica
[Editor: Changed “is now very popular, with music lovers” to “is now very popular with music lovers,” (moved comma), “churches which were” to “churches, which were” (added comma).]
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