Many welcome New Year by attending midnight mass

Families and communities welcomed the New Year 2008 in Port Moresby celebrating in their own style.
Many attended midnight mass praying for God’s guidance while the rest sang and partied.
Those who lived in the vicinity of Ela beach and Lamana hotel at Waigani were fortunate to watch the spectacular fireworks from their own private homes and gatherings outside.
Others watched police flares being shot up in the sky.
The drunk and disorderly were dealt with by the police through road blocks and foot patrols. Those who slept shortly after New Year were up early to celebrate January 1, 2008 with barbecues and family gatherings.
Overall the 2008 New Year celebrations were peaceful in most parts of the city.
Buses were in operation about mid-morning and shops after mid-day.
At the Indonesian Ambassador Bom Soerjanto’s official residence at Korobosea Hill, people welcomed the New Year with prayers, songs and dancing.
Ambassador Soerjanto said in his New Year’s message to guests at his reception 2008 would be timely for PNG and Indonesia to emphasise on improving trade, economic and cultural ties.