THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XXX, Issue 306, 29 December 1896, Page 2

THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS.

The Christmas holidays have passed I off quietly here. The village was lively with people from all round the district. On Christinas Eve the principal pastime was that of shaking hands and wishing each other the compliments of 'the season. On Christmas Day service was held at both churches, and during the. afternoon afew people playedcricket. On Boxing Day picnics and the Upper Moufere sports were the attraction; The Salvation Army held a picnic at Mr Hnrsthonse's hußh. It was largely attended, and passed off successfully. At night the Arriiyheld what was termed " A Lifeboat meeting" in the Foresters' Hall, tha attendance being very large. The stage was pccnpied by a large boat, with mast and sail. The lasses, arrayed in sailor cosutmo, with the lads in red guernseys, were the crew, and the hymns sung and the testimonies given were all on lines of lifeboat work. The whole arrangements as far as the Army was concerned were perfect, but the proceedings were considerably marred by a section of the audience,; chiefly of the larrikin element, who, in spite of requests by Captain Andrews to. desist, indulged in stamping with their feet, and other annoyances. There was similar behaviour on Christmas night when tho captain and his wife were offensively treated by a crowd of boyß and young men. This sort of thing has been going on in Motuekafor some time, and no effort yet mode to put it down has been successful. It is evident that the police force here wants supplementing by another constable, for at the present time there is plenty for bhe force to do.