EASTER HOLIDAYS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 15884, 3 April 1915, Page 9

EASTER HOLIDAYS.

MARRED BY THE RAIN.

INFLUX OF VISITORS.

MANY ARRIVE BY TRAIN.

The Easter holidays commenced under tho most unfavourable conditions yesterday, when torrential rain completely spoiled all outdoor attractions. It is estimated that about 2in of rain fell in tho morning, and the streets and gullies and drains had to carry far more than their normal capacity. The rain came down very heavily during most of the morning, but very littlo fell in the afternoon or evening.

The Good Friday weather last year was fine, except for light showers which fell in tho morning. Ominous clouds rolled across the sky at intervals, but the weather improved steadily as the day advanced.

The suspension of the tramway services in order that the employees might enjoy at least one free day in the year caused the city to be extremely quiet. While it appeared likely that the weather would bo fine, motor-'buses, taxicabs, and conveyances of all descriptions did a thriving trade to all the suburbs, but their business slackened considerably as the rain commenced to fall. In the afternoon people ventured out of doors, not forgetting to provide themselves with ample protection against the weather, and the vehicles were once more called into requisition.

Throngs of country people are in the city for the holidays, and on Thursday Queen Street, Karangahape Road, and other important thoroughfares bore- quite a holiday appearance. The crowds were by no means as large as those at Christmas, but constituted quite a good Easter assemblage. Khaki was in ample evidence. Several hundreds of soldiers from Trentham—men from all parts of New Zealand— to Auckland to spend their Easter. Demand for Accommodation. The influx of holiday visitors has' created a great demand on the hotels and boardinghouses. The principal city hotels are crowded, and one or two have had to ask patrons to go elsewhere. Proprietors agree that tho business done is highly satisfactory. The existence of the war does not seem to have seriously interfered with the traffic, though, doubtless, many people are choosing less expensive establishments for their temporary residence in the city, and as a consequence many of the boardingftouses are full. Those in situations convenient to the ' heart of the city report having done excellent business, while several are unable to take permanent boarders until tho Easter rush is over. Outdoor Activity. Tho effect of the weather was felt to a largo extent on the harbour. Aucklandcrs are famed for their lovo of the ocean breezes, and the rain proved a great disappointment. The yachts and j launches were not used in very large numbers, and tho picnic and scenic resorts were partially deserted. 'Hie Devonport Ferry Company and the TaP annua Ferry Company advertised a series of excursions to the usual pleasure groui-ds, and, despito tho weather, all engagements were kopt. A number of the boats got away bcforo the rain came, and some of the passengers had an unpleasant time. Railway Traffic. Phenomenally heavy traffic was registered on the railways on Thursday. The volume was greatly reduced yesterday. On Thursday, the 9.15 a.m. express to Thames carried about 200 passengers from Auckland. Tho 10 a.m. Rotorua express was a large train, there being about 500 passengers for the thermal regions. Tho 10.18 a.m. special for Rotorua took about 250 people. The night express for Palmerston North on Thursday was rather light, but the 8.50 p.m. ordinary Main Trunk express was full. It included the members of the Ponsonby Drum and Fife Band en route to Wanganui. Tho train carried about 350 passengers. About 300 left by tho 9.52 p.m. extra express for Wellington. Tho 10.22 p.m. special express for Rotorua took away between 350 and 400 peoplo. It reached Rotorua at halfpast six o'clock yesterday morning. Tile inward trains from Thames, Rotorua, and Taumarunui yesterday brought about 800 passengers altogether. , Tho Southern expresses all carried large contingents. The first express from Palmerston yes terday morning had about 300 people on board. The next express from Wellington at 6.43 a.m. carried about 350, and the extra express from the'canital consisted of 13 vehicles containing nearly 500 passengers. The afternoon's express was still heavier, and consisted of no less than 19 vehicles. Its passenger list was slightly more than 500. In the Shops. The crowds which filled the streets on Thursday night invaded the shops. In quirics made among drapers, grocers, and others show that the business done was highly satisfactory. One man said that his turnover was considerably better than he had expeded, while another remarked that his takings compared more than favourably with those of last Faster. Arrivals by Coastal SteamersCoastal steamers arriving on Thursday and yesterday brought thousands of country visitors, and it is estimated that the total for the two days is fully equal to the number carried for the same period last year. The Manaia arrived on Thursday evening with 370 visitors from VYhangarei, the Ngatiawa brought about 30 from Ohiwa, the Wakakro about 500 from Thames, the Daphne" over 60 from Coromandel, while about 200 arrived by tho various gulf steamers. Yesterday morning the Clansman, from North Coast ports, Ngapuhi from Tauranga, Claymoro from North Coast ports, Apanui from Awanui, Waimarie from Paeroa, and Rarawa from New Plymouth, brought almost full complements in each instance. The outward traffic for the two days was almost as heavy. The Westralia, which arrived from Southern ports on Thursday afternoon, brought over 130 visitors, tho majority of whom came from I) is borne.