NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14568, 3 January 1911, Page 6

NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS.

RUSH OF EXCURSIONISTS.

PLEASANT. ON LAND, CHOPPY- AT SEA.

Auckland made high holiday yesterday, to open the new year. The city poured its people forth in great multitudes into the expanses of field and waterway, and for hours the trams, the trains, and the ferry steamers were densely paeked. For those whoso outings wore spent ashore, the day left nothing to be desired. A bright sun to make things warm and a fresh wind to keep them cool are an ideal combination for healthy people. The stiff northerly proved less friendly for those who made sea trips. The mere crossing of the harbour disclosed none of, the. perils of the deep, but those who took the more extended trips, and whose tender stomachs could ill brook the short, uneasy motion, had their pleasure marred by the demands of the insistent sea. The boats which took passengers to St. Heliers Bay and Takapuna, for instance, rolled and tumbled and excited their passengers, and a good many of the more nervous found means of returning to their homes without any more going down to the sea in ships. Great as was the exodus in the morning, the returning was greater still, for those who departed during several hours returned within a short one or two. The scene on the wharves was a remarkable one. Between five and seven o'clock between 30 and 40 steamers poured forth their heavy freights of passengers upon the wharves, all tired and sunburnt, and mostly very happy. The few exceptions were those who had taken part in long trips and had been sick. There was another big homecoming a couple of hours later, and the passengers who thus stayed out got wet, for heavy rain commenced to fall about eight o'clock, and continued for a couple of hours.

TRIPS BY RAIL AND STEAMER.

HEAVY HOLIDAY" TRAFFIC.

The various water excursions to the beauty spots of the harbour were well patronised yesterday.. All available ferry boats and steamers were crowded with ' pleasureseekers.

The Wakatere was a full-ship,to Cowes Bay, Waiheke, ; and as a large number had to be left behind, the services of the Aupouri were brought into use, and she also took a large number to the same place. The Ngapuhi had to shut out a large number before leaving for Kawau, and the Ngatiawa left for the island shortly after a full ship. The Clansman, which left for the favourite hot springs at Waiwera, was well patronised, while the Daphne took a good number to Awaroa Bay. The Devonport Ferry Company's steamers took enormous crowds to Devonport and Lake Takapuna, the number of people carried throughout the day being probably greater than on Boxing Day. Large numbers journeyed to St. Hellers Bay, Rangitoto, Howick, Orakei, and Motutapu Island.

Messrs. Bradney and Binns's steamers took fair numbers to Riverhead and Bayswater, while the fishing excursion run by the same firm was well patronised. The Takapuna Tramway and Ferry Company carried some thousands of excursionists to Bayswater and Lake Takapuna. The Ellerslie races, as usual, proved a great attraction, the tram and railway services being fully taxed to convey people to and from the course.' At the Domain the St. James's Presbyterian, Pitt-street Wesleyan, Newton Congregational, and Alexandra-street Primitive Methodist Sunday-schools held their annual picnics, which were largely attended by the '■ scholars, parents and friends. The Tramways • Company reported extremely heavy traffic. Towards evening there was a great rush for cars in Queenstreet by returning excursionists, but the large crowds were handled with ease.

The Railway Department also report heavy traffic. The Rotorua outward express had 500 passengers. The Wellington express Jeff? with_2so passengers, and at Frankton Junction it was found necessary to put on two extra carriages to accomodate nearly 100 extra passengers embarking there. The Rotorua and Wellington expresses, which arrived yesterday afternoon, brought together 600 . passengers. : . Three excursion trains left for Henderson yesterday morning with 2000 holi-day-makers. The -Main Trunk express, which arrives this morning, has 350 passengers on board, whilst about" the same number left on the outward express last night.

EVENING AMUSEMENTS.

ALL WELL PATRONISED.

The various amusement houses were liberally patronised last night by holiday crowds. The'-Plimmer-Denniston Company at His Majesty's Theatre, King's Theatre, West's Pictures, Barton's Circus, Fuller's Vaudeville Company, Royal Rink, and Wonderland all drew big attendances, and. will again give special performances this evening.

TO-DAY'S ARRANGEMENTS.

CHOICE OF OUTINGS.

To-day the Northern Steamship Company will run several excursions, the Ngatiawa leaving for Waikeke, the Aupouri for Waiwera, the Clansman for Kawau Island, and the Waiotahi for Awaroa Bay. The Devonport Ferry Company will'repeat the programme carried out yesterday, with the addition of an excursion to Motu Korea Island, where the Auckland Brotherhood will hold their outing. The Devonport Weslcyan Church picnic will be held at Pine Island, and the Epiphany Church picnic at Lake Takapuna. The steamer Turanga will make a trip to Howick and Whit-ford. The Takapuna Tramway and Ferry Company will run a special fast service to Bayswater. Messrs. Bradney and Binns will run an excursion to Birkdale, * Hobsonville and Riverhead, while a steamer will leave for the fishing grounds at 10 a.m. The EHerslie races will be concluded today. '•'-.■■

GALE IN WELLINGTON.

[BY TEr.EGRArrt.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Wellington, Monday. The holiday to-day was rendered unpleasant by a strong npr'-westerly gale, and there were one or two showers. A good many people went to Waikanae for the races. The Wellington bowling centre commenced its annual local tournament. About 1200 excursionists went by the steamer Maori to Picton and back.