CHRISTMAS IN THE CENTRES

Evening Star, Issue 17544, 27 December 1920, Page 6

CHRISTMAS IN THE CENTRES

BY TRAIN, TRAM, AND -FERRY. HEAVY HOLIDAY TRAFFIC. From the tramway returns it would seem that the Christmas season is not losing its fascination, as far- as travelling is concerned. The tramway figures show a substantial increase on last year’s for the period of three days. _ The amount received in fares over all lines on Christmas Eve was £477 Is 2d, as against £462 7s Id last year. On Christmas Day the amount received was £259 3s lid, .compared with £IBO 6s sd, and for yesterday £167 17s 3d, as against £205 16s 6d for the Sunday following Christmas Day last year. The total takings for the three days are as follow : Last year £B4B 10 0 This year £904 2 4 It will be seen that there was a large increase in the taldngs on Christmas Day this year, due primarily to the fact that the weather was so inviting. The majority of tlie people went to St. Clair, but the Gardens also claimed a good percentage. All the available cars were brought into use to cope with the traffic on Christmas Eve. ' There was a stoppage of all services from 8.57 (when the power went off owing to some defect at Waipori) until. 9.22 p.m. The bulk of the traffic on Christmas Eve was between 6.30 p.m. and 10.30 p.m., and although the cars were kept running until midnight the patronage was very light after 11.20 p.m. There were no accidents, and the tramway staff carried out their duties with, courtesy and despatch. The _ weather conditions on - Christmas Day induced many people to journey abroad, and the Peninsula Ferry Company’s steamers Waireka and Waikana were well patronised. Over 600 made the trip to the various bays, while over 400 were carried yesterday. To-day’s traffic, however, was very “disappointing, the threatening weather preventing many from leaving their homes. Altogether only about 400 were carried to the bays today. RAILWAY TRAFFIC HEAVY. The railway traffic during the past week has been exceptionally heavy. The total number of bookings at the Dunedin station from December 17 to December 25 was 22.656. These were as follows: Long distance 7,300 Seaside 6,515 Short distance 8,841 It is quite evident from the above figures that the increase in fares has exercised no restraint on the public in enjoying long and short distance travelling during the festive season. The race traffic to-day to Wingatui was also heavy, as, in addition to the ordinary trains, five specials, consisting of fourteen coaches each, were put on. Well over 5,000 people were conveyed to the racecourse by all these trains. A special train, which left at 11 a.m., was run to Port Chalmers to carry excursionists to the regatta, and altogether about 750 passengers booked in connection with this short journey. All the trains have run well to time considering the heavy traffic. Several of the expresses from Christchurch have consisted of seventeen and eighteen coaches, and to-day’s first express comprised twenty coaches. There have "been no accidents, and although the railway officials and staff have worked long hours they have carried out their aj-duous duties cheerfully, and done everything possible for the comfort of travellers. There was only one slight mishap (engine trouble), which'occurred to the up mail train from Invercargill on Saturday, delaying her for about an hour near Waiwera. ACCIDENTS AND FATALITIES. [Pie United Press Association.] CHRISTCHURCH, December 27. The crop of Christmas accidents and fatalities was unusually heavy. On Christmas Eve Sydney Scott, aged thirty-seven, expired suddenly in a shop. On Christmas, Day Reuben Henry, of Invercargill, who was visiting Christchurch with his wife, died suddenly at a boarding-house. Victor Watson, a young man, was admitted to the hospital suffering from gunshot wounds. He was cleaning a gun when it exploded, the charge entering his abdomen. George Lintern, when riding a motor cycle, collided with a motor ear, and was “admitted to the hospital with a broken ankle. There were, in addition, several minor accidents.

THE WEATHER BREAKS. INTERPROVINCIAL CRICKET DELAYED. (Tea United Press Association.'] CHRISTCHURCH, December 27 . The sweltering heat of the last two days was followed this morning by a steady warm rain, compelling the abandonment or postponement of local functions. The cricket match Canterbury v. Wellington was postponed till two. FINE WEATHER. IN WELLINGTON, .WELLINGTON, December 27. Christmas Eve passed off without incident in Wellington. The weather was beautifully fine, the streets crowded, and business very brisk. Shopkeepers generally report that all previous records have been broken. On Christmas Day the weather was perfect, the heat tempered by a steady north-west breeze. The usual church services were held, and no accidents are reported. The holiday traffic by steamer and rail was exceptionally heavy, both inward and outward. This'morning the sky is overcast, but the weather will probably hold fine. The weather this morning broke fine and warm, but cloudy. The chief attraction is the Caledonian Society's sports, which are largely attended. Golfers mustered in strength for the Wellington golf tourney at Heretaunga. The trains and ferry steamers are being largely patronised. The weather conditions throughout the holidays have been excellent.