OPUNAKE.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLIII, Issue XLIII, 31 December 1923, Page 5

OPUNAKE.

(Frqm Our Own Correspondent.)

THE HOLIDAYS

The Christmas holidays just closed have proved most enjoyable to the large number of visitors to the local attractions. "Weather conditions were •more favourable than for some years past, and the available accommodation is fully taken up for several weeks ahead by those desirous, of taking ad-* vantage of the ideal surf-bathing to be obtained oxt the local beach. On Boxing Day the seaside committee made a, collection in aid of funds to remove the liability remaining on the bathing sheds, and met with a ready response from the visitors, the sum received being £19 13s. Local business people did a large Christmas turnover. The elements on Christmas Eve were somewhat disappointing,** but nevertheless the young people turned out in strong force and the streets carried the largest crowd seen here.The advent of the electric light largely helped in the attractions, which were also added to by the Federal Band. Several selections given in the main -street were much appreciated, and the collection taken up will materially add to the funds of the band. The response to the carols of the band, which continued until dawn, were also* 'generous. •' SERIOUS ACCIDENT. A serious accident' befel Mr. F. Fitasimmons, an employee at the Taungatara factory, on Christmas Eve. Fitzsimmons, up till recently, -lias led a seafaring life, and was endeavouring to master the ant of riding. He was thrown from the horse and received severe injuries to his skull. After receiving attention at the local hospital, he was removed to New Plymouth hospital on Christmas Day. WHALE WASHED ASHORE. Mr. "W. A. Tippins reports having found ta portion of the body of a large sperm, whale on the beach at his farm on the Opua Flat. The ■ body is in ; aii advanced state of decay and is . minus the head of the monster. The , length of the part found is about 90ft.