Per Press Association.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXII, Issue 8258, 26 December 1911, Page 5

Per Press Association.

AUCKLAND, December 25. Aucklanders were most unfortunate as regards the weather for the first of ! the Christmas holidays. Saturday : dawned with a cloudy sky, and towards '•evening rain fell, which increased to a deluge* after six o'clock. The shopkeepers kept open late, but the crowds in the streets were much below the average, on account of the rain. Yes- | terday was bleak and windy, and showers of rain fell in the afternoon and evening. To-day (Christmas Day) a strong wind has been blowing, and heavy showers of rain have fallen at intervals. The prospects of fine weather for Cup Day are at present by no means promising. WELLINGTON, Decemi.-..:- 25/ The weather has been rather unsettled for Christmas, though rain has been confined to the night time. Shortly before 8 o'clock on Saturday evening rain began to fall suddenly after a fine day. Rain continued throughout the evening, making matters unpleasant for the great crowds of shoppers. It rained the greater part of the night, but cleared up in the morning, yesterday being quite, fine. Last night rain came on again, and continued heavy all night. To-day, has so far been fine, but dull. Great numbers of people have gone out of town for the holidays. CHRISTCHUROH, December 26. The weather cleared last night for an hour or so, but the morning broke dull and., threatening^.:' and *; a;;., .'rlisht,, drizzle: started at 10, ■ ,o'jqlqclc.v v.^he, prospects for tennis, cricket, and other outdoor sports are very gloomy. Lancaster Park was badly sodden yesterday. The tennis courts are still very heavy, and a fear was expressed that the state of the wicket would prevent the resumption of the Plunket Shield cricket match before the afternoon.