BOXING DAY

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 79, 27 December 1928, Page 8

BOXING DAY

HOLIDAY MARRED BY RAIN ALL OUTDOOR GATHERINGS POSTPONED After the glorious sunshine on Monday and on Christmas Day, holidaymakers confidently looked forward to an enjoyable time out of doors on Boxing Day. The appreciable drop in the temperature on Tuesday night, however, presaged that Wellington had had its share of sunshine for the time being, and that a change could be expected. Keen disappointment was felt yesterday when would-be picnickers awoke to find the rain falling and a cold southerly, more in keeping with winter than mid-summer, holding sway. Thousands of people found that they had packed their hampers for nothing, and that the dainties these contained would have to be consumed in the home instead of at the seaside or in some sylvan glade in the country. The rain was so persistent that all outdoor gatherings were out of the question. Many people had beeu looking forward to good entertainment at the Caledonian Society’s gathering at the Basin Reserve, but the gathering of the clans had to be postponed. The steamer excursion to Pieton also had to be called off. It will be some consolation to trippers to know that the excursion will be made on Wednesday next if the weather proves kinder. Bowlers were all keyed up to make a start with their annual tournament, but found that play was out of the question. However, they hope to be able to set kitty rolling at 9 o’clock this morning if the weather clears. The only people who did not appear to mind the weather yesterday were those who patronise the “sport of kings.” It takes very bad weather indeed to stop the horses galloping, and it takes much moisture to dampen the enthusiasm of race-goers. Heuce it was that outward bound trains from the city carried a good number of racing patrons. The people of Petone had arranged an ‘attractive' programme for the opening day of their annual beach carnival. This was carried out in part, but conditions were so bleak on the foreshore that the aquatic events had to be postponed. Some consolation for the joys missed out of doors was found in the attractive entertainment available last night, when the theatres were all wellpatronised. RAIN MARS HOLIDAY AT ■ AUCKLAND By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, December 26. The Boxing Day holiday in Auckland was greatly spoiled by rain, which commenced in the early morning and continued more or less steadily throughout the day. The Auckland Racing Club was a heavy sufferer, the smallness of the attendance resulting in a drop of over £35,700 in the totalisator investments when compared with those for Boxing Day of last year. The opening of the New Zealand Lawn Tennis Championship Tournament had to be postponed, also the Auckland bowling tournament and various cricket matches. The weather to-night has cleared somewhat, and it is hoped to make a start with the tennis tourney and other fixtures tomorrow. FINE WEATHER AT DUNEDIN By Telegraph.—Press Association. Dunedin, December 26. The weather for the holidays to-day was beautifully fine and large crowds travelled to the various beaches adjacent to the city. The Macandrew Bay regatta attracted a big gathering, and the sports gathering at Karitane also proved a big attraction. Racegoers of course, made the Dunedin Jockey Club’s races at Wingatui their goal, and the city therefore bore a rather deserted appearance.