NEW YEAR'S DAY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 11852, 2 January 1902, Page 5

NEW YEAR'S DAY.

The great' annual holiday of New Years Day was yesterday taken advantage of by the many thousands of Auckland's population and the host of visitors in town.: Boxmg Day being such a disappointment on account or the blustering weather, it was very gratitying that yesterday the prevalent conditions were entirely in favour of holiday-making. The attractions wero very numerous. _ine third day of the A.R.O.'s : Summer Meeting and tho Caledonian sports in the Domain were very largely patronised. There were also numerous vehicles to bo seen upon- the various country roads containing parties of picmcicers, and in many a side paddock picnics were in full swing throughout the day. The beautiful bays of the harbour were made accessible by the steamship. companies, and the various water excursions were largely patronised. Probably the greatest crowd was that carried to Cowes Bay, Waiheke, by several of the Northern Steamship Company s fleet, where a regatta and cycle sports meeting was successfully carried out. The Northern Steamship Company also ran excursions to Waiwera Hot Springs and Mahurangi Heads, which proved very popular. Tho Devonport Steam Ferry Company dispersed their fleet in various directions, excursionists flocking to Lake Takapuna, St. Heliors Bay, Rangitoto, and the fishing grounds. The two former trips were especially well patronised, and a large number also went fishing, The same trips will be mado again to-day. The Ferry Company also catered for the : annual picnic of the Helping Hand -.Mission to Motutapu, and the St. Stephen's;-: and St. John's Sunday-school picnics to Stanley Bay and Northcote respectively. Tho first-named picnic was a huge success, being so largely attended that four boats— Osprey, Awarua, Admiral, and Bos© Casey (the two latter making two trips each) wero put into service Tho picnickers spent a very happy day, and a successful mission school sports meeting was brought off, in addition to a hearty camp meeting. The day was for the Ferry Company's North Shore service tho best Now Year's Day for many a year. Tho Central Missiou ran an excursion to Awaroa Bay, Waiheke, hundreds of people taking advantage of the opportunity thus afforded. The Coastal Company's steamers were all employed in conveying tho picnickers,' who found many means of enjoyment at the picturesque resort. A mission camp meeting was held in the afternoon. An excursion to Riverhead in tho s.s. Vivid was also amongst tho attractions. On the whole the day was spent with thorough enjoyment by holidaymakers and the- various steamship companies, 'bus proprietors, tho railway, and Tramway Company experienced a very busy time. During tho daytime tho city wore a Sunday-like-quiet, but in the evening the promenaders in Queen-street were numerous, and the places of amusement were well filled.