KING'S BIRTHDAY.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLVIII, Issue 8114, 8 November 1904, Page 2

KING'S BIRTHDAY.

After a long and trying spell of wot weather it is to be sincerely hoped that the clouds will have emptied themselves sufficiently to allow of a fine day being enjoyed to-morrow. A public holiday will, of course, be observed, and already the bulk of our readers have probably decided in which way King's Birthday of 1904 will be spent. Those who love to battle with the trout will, no doubt, avail themselves of the opportunity of testing their skill in one of the numerous streams accessible, and which are this season so plentifully stocked with fish. Picknickers may also be expected to take a day in the country. At Waverley the Racing Club's fixture will draw its fair share of patronage from this end if the weather holds good. The sport to be had there is always popular, and in the present instance the day's racing should be exciting. The acceptances on the whole are very satisfactory, and the allotment of weights should result in the winner being well concealed in most instances. The hacks engaged ,at the meeting are a very promising and speedy lot, and patrons of the YVaverley turf may expect a thoroughly enjoyable outing. In Hawera the event of the day will be the opening of the Summer Garden, to be held in the Opera House, the funds from which are to be devoted to the erection of a new Methodist Church. Those of the congregation have been very busily engaged for a long period preparing all manner of artistic fancy work, which will be , on sale at prices below their actual value ' , and should find ready disposal. The j Opera House is to be dressed on a scale 1 more lavish than has before been attempted, and gives promise of being a delightful retreat. A special attraction is being I made in the Maze, and there are to be' I numerous side-shows. The Summer Garden will be open on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, and should be very well ' worth a visit.

At Manaia the whole township has engaged itself to carry a monster picnic and sports meeting a successful issue. The gathering is being engineered to benefit a very deserving institution — the Manaia Brass Band — the funds of which it is expected will be considerably augmented. Besides races for juveniles, which will take place continuously, there are no fewer than twenty interesting contests on the programme, which will doubtless draw many competitors. Manaia and its immediate district should have a pleasant holiday. The Ngaire Gardens offer special attractions to picnic parties and should be well patronised. Several cricket matches in the first round

of the senior fixtures are to be decided, of which Kaponga and Midlands will be played in Hawera. The official opening of the Stratford Bowling Club is to take place and as local lovers of the game have a great respect for Stratford Club's hospitality a strong contingent should journey thence for the occasion. *