RETURN OF SUMMER

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 63, 7 December 1938, Page 17

RETURN OF SUMMER

Yesterday Compensates For Wet Weekend HARBOUR CALM AGAIN it was a pleasant day in Wellington yesterday. The sun shone brightly, particularly in the morning, and "as extremely warm, but the usual which is part and parcel of Wellington’s makeup, prevented the heat f lolu becoming oppressive and unpleasant. As the sun shone across the harboui throughout the morning, thoughts of the weekend gale were completely dispersed. Everything was so peacetu and serene that in the quieter spots, it was difficult to believe that the city was buzzing more loudly than ever >n anticipation of the coming festive sea-

son. . . , . The sun-drenched beach at Oriental Bay looked both attractive and inviting, but something was missing. Where was the merry throng of bathers who invade tlie beach on such a day.' hoi eight davs Wellington had been blanketed with clouds, and now the golden opportunity for revelry and enjoyment was sacrificed on the altar of commerce.

Approaching Te Aro baths one was 'met 'by the chatter and laughter ot schoolboys anxiously waiting to enter the baths for tlieir weekly swimming lesson. Towels about their necks and costumes in hand, about 50 or 60 boy.-, awaited their schoolmaster. Some had arrived, by trams, but the majority on cycles, which were now thrown indiscriminately against the wall in one -long heap. “Here he comes,” greeted the master as he, too, arrived on a cycle. The boys lined up voluntarily, all intent on entering the water as soon as possible. Shining with new paint and smooth with beautiful lines, some of Wellington’s finest pleasure craft were tugging playfully at anchor in the boat harbour. A few showed signs of the weekend buffeting, and two open boats were actually full of water resting on the bottom. Those still high and dry on their cradles were awaiting their finishing touches before their launching before the holiday. Artists at Work. A few young artists sat along Oriental Parade endeavouring to portray with brush and paints the beauty of Wellington harbour, which looked peaceful and in striking contrast to its turbulent mood during the weekend. Summer had returned. Wild flowers on the Cliffs behind Oriental Parade, window boxes glowing profusely with marigolds, and the gardens along the parade added to the colour of the cheerful morning. Yesterday’s warm weather added greater confusion to the slaves of fashion and caught many people unawares. Fur coats and wraps were thrown back loosely on their wearer’s shoulders. Business men doffed their hats and loosened their ties to get the full benefit of the summer sunshine. Though the weather in the city durins the weekend was depressing, the heavy rain was general over the Wellington province, and in most of the farming areas it was probably not unwelcome; and if It was the farmer’s turn to smile, the city’s turn may come next weekend.