THE HOLIDAYS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 1, 2 January 1901, Page 3

THE HOLIDAYS.

The fine weather which prevailed yesterday was taken advantage of. by many thousands of pleasureseekers, and eaclv of the holiday attractions received its full share oil patronage. The Ellerslie races drew a large crowd of people to the suburban course. The water excursions to the many picnic resorts on the shores of the Gulf were all well patronised, the boats going away crowded. The Wakatere and Terranora, which ran to Cowes' Bay, where the Waiheke annual regatta was held, had their decks full of excursionists. The steamers experienced a good deal of difficulty in berthing at the wharf, owing to the inctfnsiderateness of several yachtsmen, who anchored their craft in the fairway and in close proximity to the wharf. The Wellington and Clansman took large numbers to Waiwera and Mahurangi Heads, these excursions proving very popular. The Kawau ran to Mateatea, and the Kapauui took the Central Mission people to the same spot. The Devonport Ferry Company's boats were fully employed all day," large numbers being carried to Mo'tutapu, Eangitoto, Lake Takapuna and St. Helier's Bay. The Helping Hand Mission held their animal picnic to Motutapu, about 1500 passengers being carried to the island in the Eagle, Osprey and Eose Casey. Sports were held for the children, and a camp meeting took place in the afternoon, addresses beiug given by Revs. J. White and Harrison. St. Stephen's Presbyteriau Sundayschool, the Parnell Wesleyan Sundayschool and the members of the Church of Christ held their annual picnics at Lake Takapuna. The Helping Hand Mission held then annual excursion yesterday. Through th» >ourtesj of Mr Keid Motutapu was selected j'or the excursion, and some 11200 people were carried to trio island in the steamers Eagle, Admiral and Eose Casey. Sports were provided for the children, and during the afternoon addresses were given by the Eevs, ,Tas. White and C. C. Harrison (mis-

sioner). . The members of the Central Mission held a picnic at Maraetai, Waiheke, and at Lake Takapuna the Sunday schools of St. Stephen's Presbyterian Church, the Paruell Wesleyan Church and the members of the Church of Christ held their annual outings.