THE KING'S BIRTHDAY.

A PUBLIC HOLIDAY.

BIG EXODUS FROM TOWN.

It has been a reproach against the English ,that they take their pleasures sadly. In this respect, at all events, Auckland--ers are un-English. They take fuller advantage of a holiday than any other New Zealand community, probably because Nature has provided them with a, larger number of finer holiday resorts than any other community, and the weather is more dependable than in the sullen South. Whether it be a matter of temperament, or environment, Aucklanders enter into a holiday with altogether admirable zest. Yesterday, which was the anniversary of the King's Birthday, proved one of the best of holidays. The weather was perfect, the heat of the sun being tempered by a cool breeze, which prevented physical exercise from being too oppressive. It was one of those, days on which the physical delight of living is overmastering, and one is glad to be under the blue sky, and part of the great, laughing world. The scene in the city and suburbs was animated from an early hour, for excursionists were astir in large numbers to catch the first boats and trains, and the trams conveyed thousands of people .to the foot of Queen-street, where they overflowed the railway station and the ferry wharves. It was a day for the family man to give the children an outing, and for lovers to betake themselves to the snug corners of Nature, and on every hand geniality and bonhomie prevailed. Those who remained in town went to the bowling greens, tennis courts, and cricket grounds, but the call of the country was too strong for many thousands, and the exodus from the city proved something like a record for a King's Birthday.

The Devonport Ferry Company's steamers conveyed an enormous number of excursionists to various resorts. About 1000 persons went to Rangitoto, and nearly 1000 to Orakei, including 500 who went, down in .connection with the Y.M.C.A. ! picnic. Over 2000 went down to St. Heliers Bay, and an equal number to Motutapu, where the Salvation Army and Methodist Mission picnics were held. Between 1600 and 2000 persons spent the day on Brown's Island, which was the spot chosen for the Pitt-street Wesleyan Church picnic. Excursions were run to Takapuna Beach, where about 2000 landed under very favourable conditions. All day there was a large and steady stream of traffic between Auckland and the North Shore, and all the beaches between Devonport and Takapuna were thronged. The Northern Steamship Company put a number of steamers in the running to the more remote resorts. The Ngatiawa carried 300 to Waiwera, the Clansman 500 to Kawau, the- Wakatere • 1000 to ' Cowes - Bay, and the Aupouri 200 to Awaroa Bay. . The- Awaroa Steamship Company's steamer took 150 Ito Waiwera, and the Pitoitoi ,was well! patronised on her trip to Biverhead. Large numbers of people spent the day afloat in smaller craft, and it I is"" estimated that well over 16,000 spent at least, portion of their holiday on the water. ;W' *>-■* ■'■'''■ •„ ■ •* '■'■■ The day .was also a'-'heavy one for' the railway? staff , the traffic 'being exceptionally large. About 500 travelled in connection with .the , Central Mission picnic to Swanson, ,700 or 800 to Henderson', and, 600 to stations between Auckland and Drury. y The Rotorua' express left with 300; or 400 ; aboard, chiefly for " wayside stations, and 3000 "'4OOO patronised the trains to Ellerslie, where the second day of the V Auckland Racing Club's Spring Meeting was held.: The tramway traffic ,was exceptionally heavy, especially in the morning and evening. • _ Considerable bunting was shown on shipping and in the city in honour of the occasion, flags being flown from Consular and other offices, and , private houses. H.M.S. Prometheus, .lying in the stream, was gaily decorated, and at noon fired the '■ Royal salute. "; ; ;\, ■...'. VETERANS ON PARADE.

A LOYAL DEMONSTRATION.

The parade of Empire veterans at Albert Park, the saluting of the Queen Victoria statue, '": and the hearty cheering of His Majesty the King, Queen Alexandra, and members of the Royal Family, was one of the most impressive features of the King's Birthday celebrations. ,; v * ' 1 Mustering about 90 strong the veterans, much bedecked with medals, were punctually at their posts as \ the town clock .chimed .the hour of 11, and readily formed into line-at' the call of Major R. B, Morrow. There were some in the line who had to assist their progress with walkingsticks, and one or r two there were who had turned out under the disabilities of crutches. Still they readily responded to their leader's call of " Quick march!" and having taken up an encircling position, saluted Jihe statue of the late Queen Victoria by'silently uncovering their heads. " Three cheers for His Majesty the King, Queen Alexandra, and, members of the Royal family," called Major Morrow. A lusty response from.' the veterans was taken up by the large gathering of civilians, who gave vent to enthusiastic cheers in honour of the veterans. ' \ .'..

.! At the Drill Hall, to which point the aged company marched, via Princes and Wellesley Streets, headed by their stan-dard-bearer (Private Davis), a bountiful repast was laid out by the committee of the association, under the direction of the energetic secretary (Mr. L. L. Levy).

; Major Morrow presided, and at his call the loyal toast was honoured with rousing enthusiasm. Major Broun, Major Grant, Sergeant Shepherd, and others also spoke.

IN OTHER CENTRES. [BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION'.] i ' Wangant/i, Tuesday. The holiday passed off quietly in Wanganui. A strong wind blew all day, but the various excursions were well patronised. . :. Wellington*, Tuesday. Unpleasant weather prevailed for the holiday. The principal attractions were pony races at Miramar and an athletic sports gathering at the Basin Reserve. His Excellency the Governor gave a dinner at night in honour of the King's Birthday. The invited guests included the "Prime Minister (Rt. Hon. Sir Joseph G. Ward), the Minister for Internal Affaire (Hon. D. Buddo), Mr. Justice Cooper, tjhe Mayor of Wellington (Dr. Newman), and various foreign Consuls. '-:• :;;.'.■-' Christchurch, Tuesday. Fine weather was experienced for the holiday, the principal attraction being the Metropolitan Trotting . Club's meeting at Addington, which was- very largely attended. ; ; ' ' / ; Timaru, Tuesday. The weather was fine, but cloudy, for the ■holiday.'• . There were no local attractions, but a Caledonian gathering at Fairlie attracted a large attendance.