TO-DAY'S HOLIDAY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7790, 9 November 1886, Page 5

TO-DAY'S HOLIDAY.

There is at the time of writing bnfc little indication of the publio enjoying "Queen's weather " on the anniversary of the birthday of the Heir Apparent to the Throne, end therefore that to-day'a holiday will be considerably marred, and the enjoyment of holi-day-seekers by unfavourable weather. Rain set in shortly before midnight, and a eteady drizzle prevailed throughout the night That prophet of evil omen, Captain Edwin, notifies, as a farther dampor to the loyal aspirations of pleasure-loving citizens, under date of "Wellington, 2.54 p.m., Monday: Bad weather approaching between N. and W. and S. W. Glass has further fall, but will rise after 12 hours. Indications of rain." But as there are some people who are, like Mark Tapley, jolly under the moat unpromising circumstances, we may mention that among the attractions of to-day are the Agricultural and Pastoral Show and the athletic and bioyole sports in connection therewith at Ellerslie, railway excursions from Auckland to the country, and quite a host of aquatio excursions to the various watering places, the islands and bays of the harbours, and to the North Shore, and respecting which particulars will be found in our advertising columns. THE VOLUNTEERS. There will be no turn out of the volunteer forces to-day, as is customary on the oooasion of H.R.H. the Prince of Wales's Birthday, but the "A" Battery of Artillery will, we understand, tire the usual Royal salute at noon, and then proceed to Devonpvrt for their annual shot and shell practice, in addition to which there will be a picnio to the members of the battery and their friends. ATHLETIC! SPORTS. In addition to the attraction of the Agricultural Show at Greenlane to-day, there will be the annual athletic sports under the auspices of the society. This year a new departure will be made by having the events held in the Show grounds, instead of at the racecourse, and there will be events for amateurs only as well as the open races. A very interesting programme of races, consisting of fiat races, hurdles, cycling events, throwing the hammer and cricket ball, and kicking the football, has been drawn op, and for which excellent entries have been received. The first event is set down to be ruu off at 12.30 p.m. CRICKET MATCHES; On the Domain cricket ground to-day there will be a practice matoh to enable the selection of the Auckland Twenty-two to meet the Australian Eleven next month. The players announced in our issue of yesterday will meet in the pavilion at ten a.m., when two elevens will be eeleoted to meet two fifteens. There will also be several other minor matches. WATER EXCURSIONS. For to-day a number of sea excursions are announced, and, should the weather prove tine, the various trips are expected to be well patronised. Kawau. —The Northern Staamship Company's s.s. Wellington is to leave for this tine island at ten a.m., returning early in the evening. Waiwera.—The s.s. Glenelg and Rose Casey are both to leave for this ever-popular place of resort. They are both to start at ten a m., and will return at about six p.m. St. Heliers.—The s.s. Argyle will leave at ten a.m. and noon for St. Heliers. The fare is fixed at Is return tickets. Mandkao. — The s.s. Stiffa will leave Onehnnga at nine o'olock for the romantic South head of the Manukau Harbour, and there visitors will have an opportunity of visiting the lighthouse and signal-station. The return fare ia fixed at 3s, North Shore. — The ferry steamers Britannia, Victoria, Alexandra, Takapoaa, and Tainui are to run quick trips to and from Devonport during the day. East Tamaki.—The s.s. Britannia is to take the members of the Salvation Army and their friends for a day's outing to Mr. Buokland'e farm at the Tamaki River. Motuihi.—The B.s. Awhina will make the first excursion of the season, with the members and friends of the Auckland Naturalists' Field Club to-day, leaving the Queen-street Wharf at nine a.m. for the island named.