CHRISTMAS ELSEWHERE.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 9919, 27 December 1897, Page 3

CHRISTMAS ELSEWHERE.

In the various country and suburban townships the festival was kept with due honour. , AT SUMNER. Christchurch could show few, if any, places as prettily decorated as Sumner did on Christmas Eve. The meat show at the local butcher's was an excellent one. Mr Drew's verandah was transformed into a perfect bower, and Mr Watson's, with evergreens, Chinese lanterns and flags, made a pretty sight, while the shop itself waß most tastefully arranged with toys and Christmas articles. Mr Wrenn's store also was decorated. In tho evening Watson's was the centre of interest, Mr Watson, according to his usual custom, giving a capital display of fireworks in his garden. AT KAIAPOI. At Kaiapoi on Christmas eve a splendid display was made by the storekeepers. Some of the shops were very bright with decorations of evergreens and lamps outwardly, as well as tempting displays inside. The butchera had made the most of theirdisplay during the previous evening, and ifc did them very great credit in every way. The brass band, under bandmaster Hoskins, gave a selection of music near the borough council chamber, and attracted a very large audience. The cracker nuisance was kept in check by the police, and crowds of persons up to a late hour were out in the streets listening to the music. At midnight carols were sung in the respective churches, and the Salvation Army baud and the excellent string band visited several parts of the borough up to 2 a.m. AT RANGIORA. On Christmas eve the butchers, Messrs | Cone, Luxton, Watson and others had a decidedly superior exhibition of meat and good cheer. The stores in some instances went in for decorations with greenery and lanterns, and the streets during the evening had a busy appearance. On Christmas Day a number of picnic parties were formed to various parts.