KING'S BIRTHDAY

Evening Post, Volume CXXV, Issue 131, 6 June 1938, Page 5

KING'S BIRTHDAY

TODAY'S HOLIDAY A VARIED PROGRAMME During the long reign of the late King George V various sports fixtures on his Majesty's birthday on June 3 became established in New Zealand. If the birthday of the present King, George VI, were celebrated in New Zealand on the day on which it falls, December 14, these sporting events, or many of them, would have to go by the board, but by legislative enactment, mainly out of consideration for business people to whom the days preceding Christmas mean much, the June holiday has been preserved for the ob servance in this country of the Sovereign's birthday. So it is that today throughout the Dominion his Majesty's birthday is being celebrated in the same way as his father's —by a holiday and the holding of military parades and numerous sports events. For the holiday in Wellington the day broke cold and prospects for fine weather were none too bright. Conditions improved somewhat later and the sun peeped through the clouds at times, but the wind remained cold. However, it was fine and dry, and that was the main thing. There was really no cause for complaint, after the warm spell that Wellington has enjoyed for some time past. The holiday programme catered for many interests. Women hockey and basketball players were abroad early. A women's seven-a-side hockey tournament was played at Karori, Park. The basketball players also took part in a tournament, and tonight there will j be an indoor championship competition. In the city this morning much interest was taken in the military parade on Aotea Quay, followed by a march through some of the principal streets. A Royal Salute was fired at 10 a.m. from the saluting battery at Point Jerningham. • | Golfers were well provided for by the various clubs. Many were out on | the links and they -seemed to be assured of a splendid day's sport. SPECIAL FOOTBALL MATCHES. For football enthusiasts there was an interesting programme. A large attendance was expected at Athletic Park this afternoon for the senior A first division game between Poneke and Athletic. Preceding this attraction there was a special Air Force match between teams from the Hobsonville $md Wigram bases and also the grade finals of a seven-a-side tournament, Which began this morning. The day was also a big one in Association football circles. The principal attraction was the first representative match of the season in Wellington between Canterbury and Wellington at the Basin Reserve this afternoon. This was preceded.by a special match between a team selected from the next best in the Wellington senior A division and a team representing the first B division. For those who felt the air a little too cold to remain out of doors, there were the picture theatres, and these were well patronised, as, no doubt, they will be again tonight. Another attraction tonight will be the wrestling contest in the Town Hall between Ray Steele and Andy Moen. For Wellington racegoers the principal attraction 1 was the Maori Racing Club's Meeting at Otaki. There was also racing at Napier Park and a trotting meeting at Wanganui. At midday a programme of 12 items was played on the National War Memorial Carillon, Buckle Street.

On the waterfront ships in port made a colourful display, being dressed with flags in honour of the occasion.