HOLIDAY AMUSEMENTS.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXII, Issue 2663, 30 January 1866, Page 5

HOLIDAY AMUSEMENTS.

The citizens of Auckland naturally look upon the regatta, as the principal entertainment of Anniver- j sary Day, and, indeed, in former years there have been few opportunities afforded of indulging in amusements otherwise than by viewing the sports on the water. This year, however, the choice was considerably wider : Mr. Kemps gardens at Home Bay, Mr. Copland's grounds at the Lake, and the Flagstaff Hill attracted large crowds. At Home Bay there was a very large attendance throughout the day, and a constant succession of entertainments kept the visitors thoroughly amused. There were two most exciting pony races, and in the afternoon Mr. Taylor accomplished the apparently impossible feats which he had engaged to do. In the evening the grounds and pavilion were I brilliantly illuminated, and there was an excellent pyrotechnic display. There was a much larger number present at Home Bay yesterday than on any former occasion, and the visitors were so well entertained, that there can be no doubt the gardens will become a favourite holiday resort of the people of Auckland. "We may mention that coaches and vans plied from the town all day, and Mr. F. Quick ran several large omnibuses, which were crowded at every trip. During the day the • Enterprise' and 'Wnitemata' conveyed » considerable number of people to^ the North Shore, who generally were formed in picnic parties. Marquees were erected in the gardens of Mr. Williamson and Mr. Brown, where dancing took place. The Lake wu also extensively visited, but we may state that the chief entertainments there are arranged to take place to day. # Amongst the many opportunities which were afforded yesterday of most agreeably passing the day, few places offered so many inducements as the large social gathering which took place in a paddock near St. George's Bay, Parnell, designed for the purpose of raising funds in aid of the St. Stephen's Home and St. Mary's Sunday-school funds. There was a very large assemblage of persons of all denominations ; and, from the variety of sports and games entered into, a most agreeable day's amusement must have been afforded to all present. From the position of the paddock, a magnificent view of the regatta was obtained ; whilst those not interested in the racing capabilities of boats could enjoy a dance on the green svt ard, to the very excellent selection of music performed by the Uth's band in attendance. In !. evening a tea and public meeting took place, when addresses were delivered, agreeably interspersed with singing. A soirge was held last evening in the newlyerected Congregational Chapel, Newton, which large building was quite crowded. After tea had been partaken of, Mr. S. Bout took the chair, on the motion of the Rev. Mr. Booker, pastor of the chapel. The chairman gave a short but excellent address, stating the necessity that had existed for a church being erected in that district, and the methods in which the church might be made a benefit to the neighbourhood. The Rev. Mr. Booker next detailed the circumstances under which the church had been erected. From donations and subscriptions, the receipts at the bazaar, and the collections at the opening services, £434 ss. were collected. The original contract for the building was £510, and after paying for the lease of the ground and some other expenses, it was found that it would be necessary to contract a debt of £200. Mr. Rout, who bad aided so liberally in the erection of the church, had offered to lend £100, and he (Mr. Booker) hoped that some one would come forward and lend another £100. The Rev. Mr. Buddie and other gentlemen subsequently addressed the meeting. Mr. R. H. Cox. late stage manager at the Prince of Wales Theatre, took his half-yearly benefit last night at the theatre— the performances beimj under the immediate patronage of Colonel Mould, C 8., and the officers of the Garrison. There was a very large attendance in all parts of the house ; and to judge from the applause accorded all must have been highly entertained. The pi«ce« performed were Shakespeare's sublime tragedy of " Othello, and "The Eton Boy." During the interval, Mr. William Reed executed a solo on the concertina in an admirable manner. The performances at the Parnell Dramatic Hall last night were very successful. The first piece was " The Dream at Sea," followed by a champion naval hornpipe, in character, by Mr. Fred. George. The laughable farce of " How to Die for Love concluded the entertainment. An excellent band played during the evening. At the Great World Circus last evening there was a crowded attendance, and the performances, which were under the patronage of the Regatt* Committee, were applauded to the echo. Several daring feats of hprsemanthip were performed, and miraculous vaulting. Mr. Cooke's sallies of wit were as trenchant as ever, and set the home in roan of laughter. The performance! tbis evening are announoed m under the immediate patronage ana

presence of his Honor the Superintendent, P. Whitaker, Esq. Messrs. Rose and Carlo, the champion acrobats, are to appear for the first time to-night on the flying trapeze. The annual festival of the Onehunga Band of Hope and Total Abstinence Society took place at One-tree Hill yesterdjiy. The muster on the ground, including adults, was about 200. A great spirit of liveliness and happy feeling marked the whole proceedings, froaa the dispersion of the procession on the ground at ten o'clock to its re-forming again at six in the evening, homeward-bound. Innocent amuspments were indulged in by all, disturbed only by the intervals of meals, of which there were three. A liberal supply of eatables and drinks made these bre»k-offs very agreeable. At the conclusion of the amusements temperance songs were sung, and a few words of encouragement to persevere in the safe ways of the total abstinence reformation were given by Mr. Hennas, from Auckland. The pleasantly situated spot of level land, with the high hill giving shade and coolness at the rear, with variety of scenery as well, added much to the day's recreation. A few hearty cheers terminated the proceedings, and the march back to Onehunga with flags and banners took place at half -past six p.m.