CHRISTMAS- AMUSEMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XII, Issue 4406, 27 December 1875, Page 3

CHRISTMAS- AMUSEMENTS.

Thb weather was brilliant for the commencement of the Christmas holidays, and anticipations of a merry time -were enteritained with sufficient confidence, as to offer inducements for every description of plea-sure-seeking. The rail, the road, and the harbour afford sufficient diversity to the gratification of the popular taste. Those who preferred to pnt distance for a few houra between themselves and scene of their daily labours preferred the rail, and proceeded in considerable numbers to tlie pleasure gardens at Ellerslie or rural scenery of Remuera. There is no point of view from which the Hurbour of Auckland presents so magnificent a prospect as the Eemuera Koad from the New Scotch Church to St. John's College. Others preferred the wild and stony common about Penrose, from which i the waters of the Manukau can be seen. Onehunga is a favourite resort for holidaymakers, and Mangare Bridge affords an additional incentive to visit the district, as the fertile country beyond, is within the circuit of a pleasant ride or drive. Those who visit these outlying villages or towns, such as Onehunga, Otahuhu, and Panmure, are always repaid for the slight fatigue by delicious air, exhilirating exercise, and remarkable scenic variety. These characteristics are being more and more appreciated ' each year. Christmas Day is specially an English festival. It has its family traditions and amusements. The time is given up to festivities and kindliness, which is not con- ' fined to the home circle. The Provincial Government set an example of this feeling which we hope has been followed extensively. Sir George Grey and Mr. Reader Wood gave authority to Mr. Graham to supply every poor person on the relief list with good and plentiful Chrismas fare. Every poor family according to its number received a supply of roast Deef, varying in weight from four to fifteen pounds. It is to be hoped that in every case the pressure of impoverished circumstances has been in like manner alleviated. In the city and suburbs repose and quiet brought their milder influences, the only objects were the well-dressed children busily engaged with sweetmeats or fruits. The ferry boats to the North Shore were, as might have been expected, crowded throughout the day. This placets, perhaps, the first thought of in every project of pleasure seeking. The magnificent beach of Cheltenham, the promenade from the wharf to Devonport, the enterprise offered in the ascent of Flagstaff Hill (Mount Victoria), the strawberry gardens by the Willows, and the new Vauxhall are all extremely attractive. All these places were patronised, but the " sports" were reserved for Boxing Day, when the really merry-making commences. CHRISTMAS OBSERVANCE. There were services in most of the churches, the altars and pulpits being decorated with flowers. Beyond the decorations there was no feature noticeable, ths services being the same in order as those appointed for the Sabbath. There was a special celebration of this high festival in St. Patrick's Cathedral and the other churches in Parnell and Symond-street. The Auckland members of the Hibernian Australasian Catholic Benefit Society to the number of about 60 assembled at St. Patrick's Cathedral, "Wyndham-street, on Christmas morning for the purpose of engaging in the usual Communion service. The proceedings were conducted by the Rev. Father O'Dwyer, with all the solemnity befitting the occasion. A special service was held in the Pittstreet Wesleyan Church, when an appropriate sermon, was preached by the Rev. Mr. A. Reid.

ELLERSLIE GARDENS. These Gardens were visited by a large number of people, who were conveyed thither by raiL Christmas Day, although a day of high festivity, still pescessee a sacred character, and the enjoyment consequently is not of the demonstrative kind. The " sports" announced at this place commence on " Boxing Day," but the attraction of quiet and weE-trimmed walks and parterres of flowers, the rest of the cool summer-houses and arbours, are very great for all ages and sorts of people. This rural retreat ia now in perfection. THE DOMAIN. The quiet and shaded walks of this place were visited by a large number of families. A game of cricket was got up in the open ground but the play was not very exciting. The two spacious strawberry gardens which flank this public park, Mr. Mason's on the Parnell side and Mr. Brighton's on the Grafton Road side, were extensively patronised. The magnificent piece of New Zealand bush still standing on the southern side of the enclosure afforded excellent space and opportunities for, rounders, hide-and-seek, and other juvenile games. Everything indicated the festive character of the time. THE HARBOUR.—WAIWERA. Several yachts were under weigh at an early hour on Christmas morning. Some cruised about the harbour on Christmas evening. Perhaps the most novel features were two "KobKoy" canoes, belonging to well-known gentlemen which were under weigh for the Hot Springs. These tiny crafts are curiosities of nautical architecture. The Hot Springs were also visited by several in quest of pleasure or renewal of vigorous health through the mineral springs there. There is a very attractive programme of sports at this place for Boxing Day.