GOOD FRIDAY.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 9704, 17 April 1897, Page 9

GOOD FRIDAY.

The Good Friday holiday yesterday was pretty generally observed, though, perhaps, owing the somewhat unsettled state of the weather, not so many persons wen-tout of town as was expected. The South express was well filled with passengers, and the trams to New Brighton and Sumner were patronised pretty . largely. The cycling meeting of the Christchurch Cycling Club at Lancaster Park, which was the only amusement for the day, drew some 3000 spectators. Service was held at the various churches during the day. At the Cathedral in the evening Stainerjs meditation, "The Crucifixion," was repeated, and the offertosy, which realised £11 16s, goes to St. Mary's Home. At the Lower High street Methodist Church a tea and public meeting took place, when advantage was taken of the gathering to say good-bye to the Rev. J. and Mrs Orchard. They have been connected with the church for some years, and • are now on the eve of paying a visit to England. IN LYTTELTON. Close holiday was kept at Lyttelton yesterday by everybody. Services were held at St. Saviour's, West Lyttelton, aud Holy Trinity Churches. The steamers Canterbury aud Waiwera ran to Governor's Bay, tlie John Anderson to Diamond Harbour, and the Jane Douglas to Pigeon Bay. A large number of people went to Christchurch and elsewhere. AT KAIAPOI. Owing to the change in the weather there were not many visitors to Kaiapoi yesterday. Numbers of persons went out cycling, and there was a fair number ou the beach.

(press association* telegrams.)

WELLINGTON, April 16. A fierce southerly gale; was blowing all day with rain, and there is quite a repetition of the Easter weather tyro years ago when- the bowling tournament was carried on under difficulties in the drillshed, on felt. So far as is known but little damage-has been done. Here and there a fence or so is gone, but nothing serious. Several of the excursion steamers, especially the small ones, had to postpone or abandon their trips. DUNEDIN, April 16. The weather was beautiful all day-and the town was almost deserted.