THE HOLIDAYS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVIII, Issue 300, 28 December 1897, Page 2

THE HOLIDAYS.

The splendid' weather of Saturday and yesterday induced many thousands of people to go' holiday-making and picnicking to the various summer resorts in the vicinity of Auckland. On Christmas afternoon the Newton Brass Band chartered the p.s. Wakatere and ran her on an excusion round the islands in the Tamaki straits. The boat was crowded, and the excursion proved a very enjoyable one. The Devonport Ferry Company also ran an excursion round the islands of the gulf. Both of their boats, the Eagle and the Osprey, were filled with excursionists, and the trip was a thoroughly enjoyable one. In the evening the Eagle took a large crowd of passengers round the harbour. Hunter's band was on board and played a number of suitable selections.

On Sunday the Devonport Ferry Company ran trips to Motutapu, Rangitoto, St. Helier's Bay and Pine Island, taking large numbers of passengers on each trip. Yesterday was a splendid day for picnicking, the heat of the sun being tempered oy a fine southerly breeze. The Northern Steamship Company ran a number of excursions, all of which were very well patronised. The Wellington and Clansman took large numbers down to Mahurangiand Waiwera. The p.s. Wakatere left early in the morning for Coromandel, with a number of excursionists. The s.s. Waiotahi and the s.s. Coromandel were well filled on their trips to Waiheke and Ruth's Island. The Devonport Ferry Company's steamers Eagle ancL. Osprey made frequent trips to the Lake, taking down large numbers of passengers on each trip, while their excursions to Pine Island, St. Helier's Bay, and Rangitoto were also well patronised. The s.s. Kaiora ran to Putiki Bay, the Rose Casey to Cowes Bay, and the Akaroa to Home Bay, Motutapu. The p. 8. Terranora conveyed a large number of the Baptists of Auckland down to Motuihi.

The Helping Hand Mission held its annual picnic at Henderson yesterday. Two large trains, estimated to carry about 2,500 people, left for the district. The children of the Mission were looked after by Messrs A. C. Brown and Clark. The Rev. W. A. Sinclair conducted a campmeeting in the bush. Mr and Mrs Roberts, wbo placed their grounds at the disposal of the visitors, were heartily thanked. An appeal was made for a widow who lost her husband last week, at Swanson, and although no collection was made, £3 8s was contributed in a few minutes.