THE HOLIDAY.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 9920, 28 December 1897, Page 5

THE HOLIDAY.

The weather, though somewhat boisterous yesterday in the matter of a S. W. wind, was by no nieane unfavourable to the holiday, and consequently there was & perfect exodas from the city. The interprovincial bicycle races at Lancaster Park drew a goodly number of visitors, and the trams, drags and cabs for the Show Gronnds, where the Canterbury Trotting Club held their i Meeting, were tilled to overflowing. A con- ! tingenfc went out to Little River, where the i local club held a regatta, and a goodly ! number went on picnics to various places, i including Otarama. The Prohibitionists held their outing at Bligh's Gardens, and inclnded in their day's proceedings a welcome to several of the leading men of the party. On the Park at Sydenham the match between the Sydenham Club and the Wellington Rivals was concluded. The trams both to Suniner and New Brighton were largely patronised, the attractions of these watering places evidently being strong for our holiday makers. In the city itself the streets were deserted, and to those whom duty compelled to stay within its bounds it was a somewhat dreary look ont. The Christchurch Tram Company carried 10,000 passenger* over its lines. Of these 6500 went to Sumner and 1200 to the Show Grounds. In the evening there was a holiday house at the Theatre Royal, when the Ininan Company commenced their season. At the Drillshed the military tournament and fireworks drew a large crowd, it being estimated that some 5000 were present. At the Oddfellows' Hall Air Russell Craufard gave an entertainment, which was fairly well patronised. Altogether the Boxing Day holiday was observed very generally. AT LYTTELTON. The holiday was somewhat spoiled at Lyttelton by a very strong south-west breeze, which militated considerably against the pleasures of those who patronised the excursion steamers. AT ASHBfJRTON. The principal holiday attraction at Ashburton yesterday was the Caledonian sports, at which there was a very large attendance. (PEKSS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) WELLINGTON, December 27. The unfortunate turn in the weather interfered largely with excursions and picnics, but about 800 people faced the elements and went on a marine excursion to Picton in the Rotomahana. A fair number of excursionists patronised the early trains to the country, but the traffic would have been very much heavier had the weather kept up. NELSON, December 27. The holidays passed off pleasantly here, a good many visitors being in Nelson. The athletic sports at Wakefield to-day attracted large numbers. The lawn tennis tournament started, but there are no results as yet.