HOW TO SPEND CHRISTMAS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIV, Issue 306, 24 December 1903, Page 5

HOW TO SPEND CHRISTMAS.

Arrangements have been in busy progress among all classes of the citizens for making good use of the Christmas holiday. The beautiful weather we have had to-day encourages a hope for an exceedingly enjoyable period, and large parties, both inwards and outwards, have been conveyed by train and steamer. The city is not greatly decorated, but in a few of the shops a pretty display of Christmas goods is to be seen. Those who contemplate taking short holiday trips will find the following list of arrangements of interest: — BOXING DAY EXCURSIONS. To Cowes Bay, Waiheke. per Wakatere (9 a.m.) and other Northern S.S. Co. steamers, 2/ return. To Ponui Island, per Waiotahi (9.15), 2/ return. To Waiwera (9 a.m.), per Ngapuhi, 3/ return. To Kawau (9 a.m.), per Terranora, 3/ return. To Mahurangi Heads (9.30 a_n.), per Clansman, 3/ return. To Motutapu (9.30 and 1 p.m.), Central Mission Picnic, per Osprey and other steamers, 2/ return. To Lake Takapuna (10 a.m., 12 noon, I p.m., and 2.30 p.m.); St. Helier's Bay (7.15, 9.30, 11, 12, 1.30, and 2.30); and Rangitoto Island (10, 12, and 2 p.m.), 1/ return. To the fishing grounds ((9 a.m.), per Durham, 2/ return. Salvation Army Picnic to Motutapu (8.30), 2/ return. Unitarian Picnic to Waiheke (9 a.m.). 2/ Teturn. Methodist City Mission Picnic to Takapuna (9.30)." To Waiwera. Mahurangi Heads and Orewa, per s.s. Claymore, Saturday (2 p-m.) till Monday (6 a.m.), return fare and hotel charges 19/. The same trip, prices and times, per Kapanui or Kawau. To Riverhead, per Vivid (10 a.m.), fare 1/. To Panmure, per Advance (10 a.m.). fare 1/6. Manukau Yacht Club's excursion to Huia (9 a.m.), per Weka, fare 2/. Tabernacle Picnic to Man-o'-war Bay (9 a.m.), per Kapanui, fare 2/. Union Free Baptist picnic to Marae•tai (9 and 9.30) per Kotlti and Kapui, fare 2/. CHRISTMAS DAY EXCURSIONS. Devonport Ferry steamers to St. Helier's Bay (7.15, 10.45, 2.30, and 5,10), trip round the Islands of the Hauraki Gulg (2.30), and night trip round the harbour (8 p.m.), fares 1/. Messrs Cook's trip to Okoroire by train, Christmas Day to Monday night next; fare and hotel accommodation 45/ first rail, and 34/ second. Railway Employees' picnic to Motutapu (9.30, 10.30,"and 2.30) ]/6 return. OTHER ATTRACTIONS. The Auckland Races at Ellerslie will be held on Saturday and Tuesday next, and trains will run frequently from 10.20 a.m. Coromandel Boating Club's picnic and races on Monday. Cricket in the Domain (Auckland v. j Wellington), Friday, Saturday, and Monday. Cambridge Brass Band in the Albert J Park on Christmas night. Christmas Day Camp Meetings in the Western Park by the Helping Hand and City Missions, a_id the Franklin-road Church at 3 o'clock. Performance of the "Messiah" in the Choral Hall on Christmas night by the Grafton-road Choir and friends. Presbyterian Young Men's Bible Class Union in .camp a t Kohimarama thi_ evening till Monday- morning. Slapoffski Company's sacred concert in the Opera House Christmas night. Sacred concert in His Majesty's Theatre on Christmas night. Sacred concert in the City Hall by the Fuller Entertainers on Christmas night. Central Mission's concert on the Hospital lawn on Christmas afternoon. The Choral Society's customary free performance of "The Messiah" will be given in the Choral Hall on Sunday afternoon next at three o'clock. There will be a slight change of cast. Mr. H. B. Coney is suffering from a cold, and his parts will be taken by Mr. Percy Dufaur, a well-known Auckland singer, who successfully took the baritone solos in tlie recent performance of "Elijah." THE CHURCHES. At the churches special services will be held to-morrow at the following houTs: —St. Mary's, Parnell, 7, 8, 10 and 11. Bishop Neligan will conduct .he II o'clock service; All Saints') Ponsonby, at 6.30, 7.30, 9.30 (choral), 11, 12, and 8 p.m. (evensong with carols) ; St. Paul's, 8, 11, and 7 p_n. (evensong with carol cantata) ; St. Patrick's, 6. 0.30. 7.30, 9. and 11. Bishop Lenihan will preach at the 11 o'clock mass; Pitt-street Methodist, 10 o'clock, with sermon by Rev. C. H. Garland; Unitarian Church (Ponsonby), 11 am.: Salvation Army (Newion), at 11, 7 (reception to Ensign and Mm Thurbette). Many of the churches will be decorated, and in St. Patrick's Cathedral an imitation of the stable of Bethlehem will be erected for the first time. CHILDREN'S FETE. The children at the Auckland Hospital this afternoon were regaled at a fete arranged by Mesdames J. Rolleston and J. D. Jones, and at the time of going to press the children were in the midst of their enjoyment. A huge Christmas tree had been laden with toys, and presented a great sight to the youthful eyes. Everything was managed so that the children should have the happiest time. There was a special afternoon tea provided for their benefit, and it was liberally patronised by them. A Punch and Judy show was provided, and Hunter's Band played at intervals for the delectation of the whole of the inmates. The greatest event, however, was a small concert; provided by Madame Slapoffski and Miss Maud Fitt-Stubbs. The service, of these artistes were contributed gratuitously, and the adult patients, of whom as majiy as eotdd be moved were brought in their hearing, expressed their graiitude for the entertainment so provided. The nurses of the Hospital lent even- assistance to make the kindly little "function a success. The ladies who worked it up return their thanks to the numerous donors who contributed cash and kind. A unique meeting was held in the Foresters' Hall last evening, when the members of the Methodist City Mission Endeavour Society entertained some 300 poor children. The meeting was presided over by the Rev. C. H. Garland, while Mr Jas. Wilson (Superintendent of the Mission) played the role of Father 'Xmas, and distributed toys to the children. The whole of the proceedings was marked by the utmost enthusiasm, and the repeated appearances of Father 'Xmas hailed with the utmost delight. Many of the children who were present

were in dresses provided for them by the energetic members of the mission. At the conclusion of the programme a bag of fruit, cakes and lollies was given to each child. This afternoon a distribution of food took place from the back of the Mission Hall. The mission desires to thank all those who have assisted tljem in this practical work. "THE WEATHER FORECAST. The following ife Captain Edwin's weather forecast for 24 hours from 9 a.m. this day:—"Moderate winds from the eastward, glass rise slowly, tides good, sea moderate."' We have received from Mr. J. T. Stevenson, F.RA.S., the following forecast for the Christmas holidays:—The indications generally are favourable for next two days, but there are slight signs of local showers in Auckland, or adjacent districts;, wind south-east to westerly, with rising barometer.