CHRISTMAS IN THE OPEN

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21975, 26 December 1936, Page 12

CHRISTMAS IN THE OPEN

■ ■■■■■ ■ {WARM WEATHER FOR HOLIDAY CROWDS AT BEACHES ..AND 1 SPORTS MANY ON THE ROADS " Yesterday did not have the distinction of Christmas Day last year, of being one of the hottest days known in Christchurch. However, a doubtful morning led on a day which was fine and warm, although overcast. There was, in the cloudy weather with Considerable heat, sufficient excuse for idling at home after heavy Christ- . mas dinners: but by far the greater number of holiday-makers sought the open air, if only for the less strenuous pastimes of watching cricket or tennis. Quite early in the morning the roads leading from the city were filled with holiday traffic, cars and buses taking people from the dust of the deserted streets to cool, open country, windy hillsides, and the keen air of the sea. Numbers Of cars came into the city, bringing many who followed the tradition of keeping Christmas at home; but the majority seemed to be keeping the festival in the more healthy fashion, in the open air. The morning, however, saw only a part of the out-door crowd seeking its pleasure. Carol-singers in some streets and the bells of the city’s many churches, and groups on their way to worship, showed that Christmas was being kept by many in accordance with its name and origin. Services at the cathedrals and in other churches were well attended, old as- . sociations being revived by familiar Christmas music. Special observance of the day was made in all the churches. City Deserted Only sunshine was lacking to make the day perfect for bathing: and with a clear sky the day would certainly have been uncomfortably hot. Only a light nor’-wester blew, so that there was little to discourage the crowds Who visited the beaches near the city. At Sumner, New Brighton, Taylor’s Mistake, and Waimairi, the beaches kept their visitors until late in the afternoon; swimmers, who have not been well treated by the weather so far this summer, welcomed a warm Christmas Day. The lightness of the wind was favourable to the less active who preferred a quiet spot for .test with sea noises as a- background for sleep or reading. On tl}e other side of the Port Hills, Corsair Bay and Diamond Harbour were popular With picnickers. Among specific attractions in the open, probably the best patronised was the PlUnket Shield cricket match between Auckland and Canterbury at Lancaster Park. Although this had a more general appeal there were other sports gatherings which provided entertainment for more players than onlookers. These were the tennis tournament at Wi’ding Park, and the South Christchurch bowling tournament -on the Barrington and Sydenham greens. The weather was ideal for these games. The city itself was deserted. The streets were even more desolate than S tl J a T.® Un^ay ’ sllow i n g how complete had been the exodus. The trams to the beaches and to the Cashmere Hills were well patronised, but few passengers were to be seen on the other suburban trams. In the evening there was something of a revival, the difference from the “Sunday” appearance of the city being most marked in the numbers of people who waited fo r^ dmissl 2 1 \. to the Picture theatres. , of t he Railway Department Wted last evening that passenger traffic for the holiday was approximately tne same as on Christmas Day last year. This indicates that the ten Vy ±°^ n P t or the day last year, then stated to be exceptional, have been maintained—in spite of the probate effGCt 0i the fear ° f lnfanti ’ le Para(TREATS FOR INMATES . OF INSTITUTIONS s * ' SPECIAL MEALS AND GIFTS <r Those people who for one reason or another are forced to seek refuge in the city’s institutions—orphanages, hospitals, and homes—Were not deprived yesterday of Christmas festivities. In all these places special meals, decorations, and in some cases presents, were provided; the religious aspect was not forgotten, and church services were held in institutions by clergy of different denominations. In the Public Hospital there was a Christmas tree for the children, although young visitors could not be permitted to attend because of the danger of infantile paralysis. The wards were decorated, and in the morning carols were sung by nurses. Special meals were provided; and each patient received a present through the Hospital Lady Visitors’ Association. At Cashmere the Sanatorium was closed, most of the patients having gone home for Christmas. The patients who remained in' the hospital were entertained by carol singing, and ? resents were distributed by the Sanaorium Service Society. Salvation Army’s Work . At the two Salvation Army institutions, the Rescue Home and the Men’s Home at Addington, particular care was taken to see that the inmates lost no Christmas pleasures which could possibly be given them. Father Christmas visited the Rescue Home, distributing presents: and although young people had to be excluded, the older ones made the best of their good things. Brigadier W. Cottrill presided over a gathering in the evening, at which a concert programme was presented. The matron of the home, Major C. Montgomery, wishes to express thanks on behalf of the inmates to all who helped by their gifts to make a “really happy Christmas.” At the Men’s Home 97 men sat down to a Christmas dinner, for which no fewer than 12 very large plum puddings were prepared. The discovery of threepenny pieces in the puddings was a surprise which was greatly appreciated. Here, too, presents were given to the men—socks, handkerchiefs, and braces. At breakfast at the Men’s Guest House each man in the house was given a pair of socks and a packet of cigarettes. At dinner more cigarettes were distributed, and in the evening a special tea was provided, carols Were sung, and the meh were entertained by lantern slides. From St. Martin’s House of Help Christmas hampers were given out to supplement the Jiotary distribution. At the Women’s Reformatory at Addington a service was taken by thfe , Rev. P. Revell as Anglican prison , chaplain. The inmates were given 1 a special dinner provided in part by ' the Government and in part by friends. Each inmate was given a small present and a piece of Christmas cake. A special tea in the evening was given by the Salvation Army. Throughout the city, in the same caro was taken happily to mark j