THE HOLIDAY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8477, 30 January 1891, Page 5

THE HOLIDAY.

est day, being the anniversary of the colony, was kept as a strict holiday, and the whole community made a day of amusement and festivity. The weather was all that could be desired, there being a light breeze to temper the heat of the sun rays. It is estimated that between those who went to the North Shore, Northcoce, Birkenhead, Riverhead, St. Heliers, and Gulf excursions, fully 10.000 of the population were on the water yesterday. The s.s. Clansman and s.s. Wellington wereeach crowded on their trips to Mahurangi Heads and Waiwera. Smaller craft running to other places were equally well patronised, while the ferry steamers were thronged on nearly every trip. A number went to the country by rail, and in addition there were numerous picnics. Watiikke.— A large number of excursionists availed themselves of the opportunity afforded by the Rose Casey to visit Putiki Bay, Waiheke, notwithstanding the somewhat doubtful state of the weather yesterday morning. The steamer left the wharf at ten o'clock, and arrived at Putiki Bay at about noon. After landing, the visitors enjoyed themselves in various ways, picnicking and strolling in sun and shade, for about four hours. The Rose Casey arrived back in town shortly after six in the evening. St. Heliers.—' popular holiday resort attracted a very large number of visitors from Auckland. In addition to a 1 large number of individual excursionists and private parties, a large number of members of the Salvation Army chose this spot to spend the day. The members of the Church of Christ also held their annual picnic there, rolling up in strong force. Tea was provided, and the usual games and other amusements common to church picnics were vigorously indulged in, notwithstanding the warmth of the weather. The visitors returned to town at intervals between five and seven p.m., somewhat fatigued, yet thoroughly pleased with their day's outing. Sorthcotp.—The annual treat of the children of St. Thomas' Sunday-school was held at Northcote yesterday ; quite a boatload of the little ones and their friends | being present. Refreshment and amuse- i inent was indulged in throughout the day, the Rev. Mr. Dußieu, Mr. Hamilton, and a number of others working hard to make the children happy, and, judging from appearances, they certainly succeeded. A large number of private picnics also made their way to this place, and the beach was filled with life and gaiety. Motatapit—Orange Picnic.— members of the Orange Order and their friends held a picnic at Motutapu yesterday, having chartered the p.s. Eagle. The steamer left the Queen-street Wharf at halfpast nine with about 1000 on board. A number came on afterwards in the s.s. Ruby. On getting ashore the picknickers had lunch and then the sports commenced under the management of the following committee : — Messrs. Thome, Baker, Smith, Simpson, J. Bone, J. Robertson, and W. H. Herd. The following was the programme of sports : —IOO Yards Handicap, 17 Entries, Sainty, 1; Stewart, 2. Ladies' Race, 16 entries, Miss Reach, 1 ; Miss P. Dunn, 2 ; Miss F. Hamilton, 3. Girls' Race, 11 entries, Miss E. Craig, 1 ; Miss F. Rush, 2; Miss Homer, 3. 440 Yards Handicap, 9 entries, A. Hay how, 1 ; Noonan, 2 ; ilson, 3. Sack Race, 4 entries, Sainty, 1 ; McGonagle, 2. Ladies' Race, 50 yards, 13 entries, Miss F. Reach, 1 ; Miss J. Scarlett, 2 ; Miss Patterson, 3. 250 Yards Handicap, 10 entries, Noonan, 1 ; Wilson, 2. Officers' Race, 6 entries, McGonagle, l;.Gibbins, 2; Craig, 3. Girls under 10, Miss Carnahan, 1; Miss F. Bush, 2 ; Miss Bella Johnson, 3. Children's Race, under 8, Miss Haverficld, 1; Miss Cannell, 2 ; Miss Atkinson, 3. Boys' under 14, 13 entries, Leslie, 1; G. Gordon, 2; John Gordon, 3. Potato Race, 150 yards, for gentlemen : McGonagle, 1 ; Freeman, 2; Wilson, 3. Obstacle Race, 500 yards, 6 entries, Wilson, 1; Sainty, 2. Girls' Potato Race, Miss Jessie Scarlett, 1; Miss F. Read, 2; Miss R. Donaldson, 3. Ladies' Race, extra, Miss McGuirk, 1; Miss Taylor, 2 ; Miss Leike, 3 ; last in, Mrs. Gibbins, who was awarded a prize. Steeplechase, 1£ miles, was the most interrsting race of the lot, and was won by Sainty ; Wilson, 2. Consolation Race Handicap, Stewart, 1; Sainty, 2; Treney, 3. After tea preparations were made for returning, and the passage was a pleasant one, as the moon had arisen, and Impey's band, which had supplied the music during the day, rendered various choice musical selec--1 tions. The gathering was a most successful one in every way, and the arrangements carried out without the slightest hitch or accident. The committee desire to thank the donors of the various prizes given to Miss Gardiner and others, as well as to thank other friends who rendered valuable assistance. * ? '