ANNIVERSARY DAY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXIV, Issue 13936, 19 December 1905, Page 10

ANNIVERSARY DAY.

THE HOLIDAY. Tho threatening weather of Sunday night gave place to brilliant sunshine yesterday morning, and holiday-makers began their day’s enjoyment under most favourable auspices. Tho early trams to the hills and to the seaside resort took large numbers of picnickers, and tho river provided enjoyment for large parties, while some hundreds of enthusiasts -were tempted by the promise of a fine trip to journey to tho Akaroa Regatta. Tho great bulk of the citizens, however, remained in town for the ceremony of laying the foundation-stone of the International Exhibition, and a very large gathering spent the morning in Hagley Park. In the afternoon the cycling sports at Lancaster Park attracted a large attendance. Tho streets of tho city W’ore thronged during the evening, which -wars a beautiful one, and all the places of amusement were very well patronised.

AKAROA EXCURSION. -. A finer day for a sea trip than yesterday could not be, and all, save the unfortunate “peer sailors,” of the eight hundred people w’ho went to„ Akaroa by the Rotomabana had a pleasant run from Lyttelton to the picturesque little borough, and an ©von more agreeable passage homewards. The steamer cast off from tho Lyttelton wharf at five minutes past eight in the morning, with the Lyttelton Marine Band playing a lively air on her uppper deck. A fresh south-west breeze blew, and there were some threatening clouds. Tho latter were, however, soon dissipated, and tho run was made under bright sunshine. At a quarter past eleven o’clock, after a run of three hours and ten minutes, the vessel was alongside the wharf at Akaroa. The. band landed and played near tho wharf, while tho excursionists divided their attention be-tween-the attractions of the town and the regatta. The steamer’s return trip was not begun as early as had been intended, for the state of the tide did not permit her to leave the wharf till a quarter past four in the afternoon. After she got away from Akaroa she made good time, and at half-past seven o’clock she re-entered the Lyttelton moles. During the homeward run the sea was smooth, and the motion.of the vessel so gentle as not to cause inconvenience, even to the “ poor sailors.” Consequently all enjoyed themselves, and it was a cheerful crowd which poured from the steamer to the Lyttelton wharf, and, for the most part, rushed for the waiting railway carriages. On board the Rotomabana, the usual arrangements for supplying meals and other refreshments were carried out, and the officers and other members of> the steamer’s company did their best to promote the enjoyment of the company.

LYTTELTON. Yesterday, as.the substitute holiday for Anniversary Day, was observed as a close holiday in Lyttelton. All places of business wore closed, and work on the wharves was suspended. So also was the ordinary time-table on the railway. Passenger trains were run at frequent intervals and took away a number of residents, who decided to spend their holiday in Christchurch. On the other hand, they brought from the Plains a much stronger contingent of those who sought recreation at the seaside. The principal attraction to these was the Akaroa excursion, run by the Union Company’s ever papular steamer, the' Rotomabana. She left the wharf a few minutes after 8 o’clock in tho morning, with the Marine Band playing vigorously on her deck, which was crowded with a throng of about 850 excursionists. The s.s. John Anderson ran trips to Diamond Harbour and Purau, and received a large share of the public patronage, while the steamer Purau and her consort, the launch Canterbury-, carried crowds,of pleasure-seekers to Governor’s Bay. About 1600 persons were taken to Lyttelton by train during the day, and about 300 left the Port’ for the Plains.

KAIAPOI. Anniversary Day was kept very quietly at iKaiapoi. All the business places in the borough were closed, but- at the Woollen Factory work was carried on as usual. A considerable number of townspeople went to Christchurch _ to witness the laying of the foundationstone of the International Exhibition and the cycle sports at Lancaster Park. RANGIORA. Although the weather was dull and threatening rain yesterday morning, a number of picnic parties went to the butjh and beach. The train for the city was well patronised, the Volunteers, Mounted Rifles and Cadets, bound for the Exhibition foundation-stone ceremony, being amongst the passengers. There were no local amusements, excepting games in the Bowling, Tennis and Croquet Club’s grounds. j TIMA.RU. [From Our Correspondent.] TIMARU, December 18. Beautiful summer weather favoured the anniversary holiday in South Canterbury. Four Sunday schools held their annual picnics, three going to Winchester and one to Gavo. The Salvation Army also went to Seadown, and the Plymouth Brethren to 'Pareota East. Caledonian sports were held at Pleasant Point, and these, passing off well, provided a ‘ good afternoon’s amusement for 1000 or 1200 people. Tho only accident reported was the halfdrowning of a little girl, who fell into a pond at Pareora East. The Timaru Bowling Club played Waimato three rinks on tho Timaru green, the visitors being defeated by 66 to 51. The Timrfu Civil Service cricket team played Geraldine, at Geraldine, and were defeated by 137 to 40 on tho first innings. The visitors then put on 132 for two wickets. ■