ANNIVERSARY DAY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15520, 30 January 1914, Page 8

ANNIVERSARY DAY.

| LARGE HOLIDAY CROWDS. REGATTAS AND . RACES. PICNICS AND EXCURSIONS. The 74th anniversary of the arrival of Captain Hobson, New Zealand s first Governor at the Bay of Islands, from which the foundation of the colony of' New Zealand and of the Province o.' Auckland is dated, was celebrated by Aucklanders yesterday with the customary thoroughness and enthusiasm. The weather was fine, and enthusiasm. The weather was fine until the evening, and there was a strong breeze. The day was the most part observed as a general holiday. The anniversary regatta, as the big event of the day, claimed the chief share of interest, the attendance being a very •large one. The New Zealand championship rowing regatta at Mercer attracted a large number of visitors. Other fixtures which received a due share . of interest were the Takapuna races, and the agricultural and pastoral shows at Helensville and Te Aroha. Several at.hletio gatherings were held, including the Australia v. Auckland bowling match at Remuera, the continuation of the tennis championship events, and the Waikato Caledonian Society's sports meeting at Frankton. The district rifle meeting was also held at Penrose. All these fixtures were well attended. The Exhibi ,tion holiday programme, which included the opening of the dog show, also claimed the .attention of a large number of holidaymakers.

Special steamer and ferry excursions were run, and picnickers were given the usual .wide choice of outings. Large numbers of people visited Waiheke, Waiwera, and Kawau, whilst all the favourite resorts, .including Bangitoto, Takapuna, Motutapu, and St. Heliers Bay, were largely patronised. '' '

A special railway . time-table was arranged for the convenience of those proceeding to - the various centres at which the holiday gatherings were held' The principal attraction for Aucklandere." -outcit*' was the Mercer regatta. About 800 or 900 people left Auckland for this event, and there were also 'many visitors from country districts. Smaller numbers were carried ; to - the Helrasville and Te Aroha shows. -V" The theatres and' the Exhibition were Was? at «>iijsed - in.; the evening, n Iam ' wluc h commenced to fall shortly after seVen o clock, marred the pleasure of holiday-makers. ■