THE NEW-BORN YEAR.

Auckland Star, Volume LII, Issue 1, 1 January 1921, Page 4

THE NEW-BORN YEAR.

USHERING-tN FESTIVITIES. JOYOUS CITY THRONGS. A GREAT CARNIVAL. The passing of 1920, and the usheringin the the new year was celebrated in Auckland in the true spirit that goes hind in hand with the joyous period. The thousands that came into the city made the main thoroughfare the chief channel for celebration of their joyous feelings and there from early evening until the midnight hour when tie newborn year was rung in on the bells of St. Matthew's they surged, exchanging good-humoured banter and celebrating the occasion in time-honoured fashion. Balloons floated from strings in the hands of merry-making young folk and the music of the evening came chiefly from the tin trumpet in such volume that it was always with the moving masses. Probably the greatest diversion in the-streets was a donkey-drawn vehicle that "did" the city in charge of a party of four young men dressed in clown fashion, followed by an enthusiastic gathering of young people, not a few of whom were armed with kerosenes and the necessary "drum" sticks for producing "music." For two hours—during the period that _ the trams were diverted from the city— Auckland's populace held sway and the outburst was worthy of the city and themselves, no- jarring note • being sounded to mar the memorable occasion. In the hotels, boarding-houses, and homes the occasion was celebrated in no mean manner, the spirit of the evening being predominantly one of joyousness. WATER EXCURSIONS. . i The luncheon basket was the predomi. nating feature in Queen Street this morning, and even at an early hour the crowds began to flock towards the ferry wharves bent on enjoying a holiday at the many beaches in and around Auckland. At 11 o'clock the scene at the Ferry Buildings was a particularly animated one, and the frequent passage of boats to and from tlje wharves gave ample evidence that Auckland had turned out in force to enjoy the pleasures of the day. The excursions to more distant parts of the harbour were also well patronised, every steamer leaving with a full tally of happy trippers. A number of holiday-makers went off for the day in launches, the smoothness of the harbour making this form of holiday especially pleasing. A number of yachts showed their white sails on the YVaitemata, but with the little wind that was blowing the day could not be said to be a vaehter's one. WELLINGTON CELEBRATIONS. (By Telegraph.—l'r<»ss Association.) WELLINGTON, this day.

Tlie city streets were thronged last evening, Imautiiful weather attracting large crowds out, nnd a very considerable proportion remained abroad till midnight to speed the old year out and the new year in with the usual noisy demonstrations. Shopkeepers report good (business. The weather to-day is beautifully tine.