SIX WERE FINE

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 253, 25 October 1943, Page 4

SIX WERE FINE

LABOUR HOLIDAYS SURVEY OF TWENTY YEARS The reputation of Labour Day in Auckland for unpleasant or uncertain weather was maintained to-day when, after light showers, the sky up to midday was overcast, with indications of further rain. The records for the past twenty years show that on only six occasions has there been one of Auckland s best spring days, of the kind which entice people out of doors to spend a holiday at the beach. Away back in 1923 Auckland experienced what was described as threatening weather on Labour Dav. In the following year the hofidav was spoilt by heavy showers, and the 1925 holiday was dull and threatening, with a cold wind. The bad run was broken in 1926 with a gloriously fine day, of which Aucklanders make the most. Showers upset the 1927 holiday events. Then came unfavourable conditions for five years in succession. In 1933, the week-end was showery, but on Monday the holiday, the weather was excellent. The long spell of adverse weather was broken, and for 1934 and 1935 there was , brilliant sunshine on the holiday. In 1936 Labour Day was also fine, though the weather was threatening. Another series of showery holi-

days followed in the years 1937, 1938, 1939 and 1940. In 1941 the sky was overcast, but the day was fine and warm. On Labour Day last year, the weather was marred by some showers. Old Holiday Recalled Although Labour Day has now shrunk to a mere holiday, it was at one time celebrated in Auckland on a big scale. The main feature Avas a procession to impress on the public that the occasion was linked with a programme of eight hours work, eight hours plaj r , eight hours sleep,

and "eight bob a day." The procession used to start from the foot of Queen Street, and then wend its way via Wellesley Street West, Hobson Street, and Karangahape Road to the Auckland Domain, where sports were held. Features were lorries and decorated vehicles, tableaux and illustrations of all kinds of industry and handicrafts. ■ As the procession passed along boiler-makers used to beat iron with heavy hammers, printers operated platen machines and distributed literature, and bakers in their white clothes baked and handed out biscuits. Not only were all the handicrafts represented, but the brighter element was well to the fore, and clowns, musicians and mirth-makers were given the widest scope to provide entertainment. Banners, streamers and bands combined to make a gay and colourful display. Members of the trades union took a prominent part in the procession as it was an opportunity to show their strength, and, also their handiwork, ihe biggest processions were in the days before motor-transport was general, and drivers often spent most of the night preceding the holiday grooming their horses to look their best in the parade A Labour CO T^ Petitive ol 9ment made the Laboui Day procession one of the big outdoor events of the year