A Not-Very-Happy New Year

When the Nelson Post Office clock struck midnight to usher in 1969, the chimes were drowned by the sounds of music, cheering and singing from the crowa of about 4000 enjoying themselves in Trafalgar Street. And, at this time, there seemed every reason for rejoicing. Not because of the fact that a new year had been born, but because the festivities were orderly and without incident. It appeared as if the plan to provide entertainment at the post office had paid off. Many revellers left the scene just after midnight, but a lot stayed. Some probably wished they hadn't.

About 12.20, while 2ZN staff was still playing music for the crowd, the first of a chain of incidents occurred which culminated in 38 facing a total of 43 charges in the Magistrate's Court. Anticipating behaviour similar to that which led to 31 arrests being made at the previous New Year's Eve, a large contingent of police, including a dog and handler, was on duty at the clock tower. But, unlike the previous year, incidents were less violent.

We mingled with the crowd during the time when most of the incidents occurred, and we wondered then at the restraint shown by the police. Many younger people indulged in "cop baiting" and we saw one young man who persisted in making such a nuisance of himself that we felt he must surely be arrested. But he was not. We give unstinted praise to the police for their handling of a touchy situation, and extend this, also, to the other young people who assisted the police.

Our pix on this page show a girl being forcibly carried to the police van (above) after arrest, and, at left, a patient constable waiting while his prisoner bids a fond farewell to his girl-friend.

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Could it now be said that the plan to combat this New Year's Eve lawlessness was a failure? Not altogether. Up to a point it was very successful. How best, then, to ensure there is no further repetition of this type of conduct? It is most essential that it is stopped. Nelson's reputation as a holiday centre can be seriously damaged by the publicity which such incidents invariably bring. No doubt the matter will be fully discussed by the relevant authorities.

The pictures on this page show the festivities in progress before the unruly elements disrupted what was otherwise a happy night.

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Dancing in the street.

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Headquarters for the entertainment, the balcony of the State Theatre.

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A hazard for the bare-footed was broken glass.

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Happy and sensible young people leaving the area after midnight.