WORK AND PLAY

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 24, 29 January 1943, Page 4

WORK AND PLAY

ANNIVERSARY DAY

IDEAL PICNIC CONDITIONS

Anniversary Day to-day differed in many respects from the holiday of past years. First, in regard to the weather, the day is often associated with blusterous winds, accompanied by rain, but to-day a clear sky and warm sunshine made conditions for picnicking at the beaches or in the parks and open spaces all one could desire. The general appearance of Auckland suggested that the holiday was being observed on a fairly large scale, as the majority of retail and wholesale businesses were closed. Queen Street was almost deserted except for holiday-makers, in striking contrast to the normal rush and bustle of Friday shopping. The few premises open included the tearooms, greengrocers and tobacconists.

In industry work was in full swing, and at high pressure in most of the workshops and factories engaged in production. Inquiries this morning revealed that the girls employed in the large manufacturing concerns in the city were working as usual, and in more than one place the management reported a full muster of its operatives. The day, of course, counted as one of double pay. At one factory, where Friday is always regarded as a bad day in regard to the attendance of girls, the number of absentees was greater than usual.

State Departments Open The Supreme Court observed the holiday to-day, but the Magistrate's Court was open as usual. The other Government Departments were also open, but in the case of the Armed Forces Appeal Board offices no sittings of either the No. 1 or No. 2 boards were held. A rather unusual feature of the holiday was the fact that the banks, which usually have a holiday when the rest of the community is working, were open while most of the business premises were closed. Customs house and shipping agents observed to-day as a holiday, but on the wharves waterside workers were busily engaged in loading and unloading operations. Labour engaged on the waterfront to-day was paid at double rates. All the Auckland beaches attracted large numbers of picnickers to-day, and a midday tide made for the best of summer conditions for bathers.

Sports Programme Sporting attractions to-day included the opening play in a two-day cricket match between teams representing the Auckland and Central Military Districts at Eden Park. A one-day match between Auckland Colts and a Divisional eleven was also played on the same grounds. The junior and intermediate tennis championships which commenced last week-end were resumed this afternoon, and will be continued over the week-end. The Anniversary Day Regatta will be held to-morrow. Other Saturday attractions will be racing at Ellerslie, baseball at Carlaw Park, and an athletic meeting at Sarawia Park.