THE NEW YEAR HOLIDAY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume L, Issue 15190, 2 January 1913, Page 6

THE NEW YEAR HOLIDAY.

A DAY OF MANY OUTINGS. CHANGE IN THE WEATHER. ; PICNICS, EXCURSIONS, RACES. The beautiful weather which characterised the whole of Christmas week failed yesterday. A strong north-easter blew up just as the old year went out, and brought threatening clouds with it. Yesterday morning was dull, and frequent showers fell during the day, while the air was generally warm and moist. Although the outlook was scarcely promising, the exodus of holiday-makers from the city seemed to be little reduced by fear of rain; and fortunately for the '■"" trippers" the grey sky did not bring any very heavy skoweM. The forry and other steamer services ran a number of excursions,' all of which were well patronised, in spite of tho very unpleasant conditions and choppy sea in the harbour. In several instances the number of people carried exceeded the total who travelled by water on Boxing Day. This fact was particularly nolicoable in regard to tho trips made to Waiheke. The Wakatere carried over 1100 to Cowes Bay, and so great was the rush to secure tickets for this seaside resort that both the Waiotahi and Rotomahana were brought into requisition. The Clansman carried between 300 and 400 to Waiwera, the Ngapiihi left with a full complement for Kawau Island, and in order not to disappoint holiday-makers two extra steamers were put on, and both left with large numbers. About 200 were carried by the Ngatiawa to Awaroa Bay, Waiheke. Tho Devonpbrt Ferry Company had an exceptionally heavy day, and brought the whole of its fleet into requisition to cope with tho heavy traffic. As usual the heaviest traffic was to Devonport, and it is estimated that a(put 9000 people travelled to the marine suburb. The trips to Orakei, Kohimarama, St. Heliers Bay, and Motutapu were well patronised, while a fair number were carried to Northcote and Birkenhead. Owing to the rough nature of the water in Rangitoto Channel, the trips to Lake Takapuna were abandoned. The traffic to Bays water and Lake Takapuna by the Pupuke and steam trams was also heavy. About 3000 people were carried across the harbour to these places. During the morning large numbers of picnickers wended their way to the beaches adjacent to Auckland, and although the sky was a grey one, the scene was extremely gay until the first drops of ram fell ominously. When the showers commenced many picnickers returned to the city. ( ' -

The day offered some strong sporting attractions. Ciief of these was the third day of the Auckland Racing Club's summer meeting, and a great crowd of sporting patrons met at Ellerslie. The representative Plunket ' Shield match between Auckland and Wellington was commenced in the forenoon at the Domain; and the play was watched by a large number of enthusiastic spectators. The Auckland Rifle Association opened its annual prize rifle-shooting meeting at Penrose. The city streets, for the most part, wore a very deserted appearance yesterday. In the morning they were busy assisting to discharge thousands of people to various resorts, , but for hours afterwards they were quite dull. In the evening, however, the holiday aspect that has become quite customary during many days past came •■ quickly into existence again. The streets were crowded with prornenaders, and the many amusement houses were all filled.

RAIN,, IN THE SOUTH. [BY TELEGRAPH.—TRESS ASSOCIATION.] Wellington - , Wednesday. Rain set in early this morning, and continued steadily all day. The cricket matches between the local and Canterbury senior and junior Wednesday representatives were postponed until to-morrow. The Wellington Centre bowling tourney was commenced, but had to be abandoned when only one round had been completed. . . . '• ' • Chbistchtoch, Wednesday, The weather is dull and threatening for the holiday. , A slight.rain checked the custoorary morning rush to Lyttelton^ where the annual regatta was held. " /,