THE EIGHT HOURS DEMONSTRATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 9022, 29 October 1892, Page 5

THE EIGHT HOURS DEMONSTRA TION.

The Government offices in Auckland were closed yesterday, Labour Day; but nogeneral holiday was observed, as the date fixed for the usual Eight Hours' Demonstration here is November 9. The following telegram was received from Dunedin by Mr. Pascoe, secretary of the Eight Hours Demonstration Committee:—'-Fraternal greetings. Weather glorious. Wish you grand success." [BY TELEGRAPH.— ASSOCIATION.] Wellington, Friday. The weather for the Eight Hours Demonstration was perfect, tho dy being the finest that has been experie nc6f j n Wellington for some time past. The main feature of the morning wa a procession, which left Government Buildings at a quarter to ten, headed by a lilliputian pony-chaise, and traversed the main streets. There were five bands, including bhab of bhe Maoris from Obaki, also the usual display of banners and trade trophies. The temperance people took a place in the procession between two brewery waggons filled with barrels, and their car containing an imitation of a taproom, with a drunken man rolling about, drew attention to the horrors of the drink traffic. When the procession arrived at Newtown Park, the Hon. Mr. Seddon delivered a short address. He expressed his pleasure at being present, which he considered but a duty, seeing that he was one of a Ministry of the people working for the people, and hoping to do good for the people. ,A long programme of athletic sports was carried out. The Eight Hours' Handicap was won by A. D. Mahoney, of Wellington. Tho attendance during the afternoon numbered between 5000 and 6000 people. Christchoroh, Friday. The Government Offices were closed today on account of Labour Day, bub it was nob otherwise observed. Dunedin, Friday. Beautiful weather prevailed to-day and was largely taken advantage of by excursionists and picnickers, the town being quite deserted. In the afternoon there was a Labour Day Demonstration procession, bub it was scarcely 30 effective as that of last year, as there was a- falling off in numbers. The procession was, however, about a mile. The be3b trade display was probably that of a local brewery firm, who mounted a tremendous vat on a lorrie and had a gang of coopers ab work. The shipwrights and butchers also made a good display. There was a very large attend > ance at the sports on the Caledonian Grounds. The Labour Day Handicap was won by W. Hottie, who had 9£yds start at 120yda and 15yds in the 250 yds heat. There was a large attendance ab the Trots on Tahuna Park, while the excursion trains were well patronised. Large numbers of people went to St. Clair Beach. Napier, Friday. .No abtention whatever was paid to Labour Day here bub inconvenience was felt from closing Governmenb offices. Ashburton, Friday. The shopkeepers have decided bo observe the half holiday on Saturdays for bwo months on trial.