A BRIGHT CHRISTMAS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVII, Issue 17663, 27 December 1920, Page 6

A BRIGHT CHRISTMAS.

GLORIOUS SUMMER WEATHER CELEBRATION IN CHURCHES. SICK AND AGED REMEMBERED' Ideal weather prevailed in Auckland on Christmas Day, the genial summer warmth being tempered by a cooling breeze, and thousands of pleasure-seekers took' advantage of the conditions. The sky bad bccomo overcast the previous night, but the day broke fresh and bright, though (ho wind was somewhat troublesome in the early morning. Visitors to tho city were favourably impressed by this typical Auckland weather. Special celebrations of Holy Communion and festival services were held in the churches. The Anglican Bishop of Auckland, Dr. A. W. Avcrill, preached to a crowded congregation at St. Mary's Cathedral in the morning. The Rev. Grant Cowen conducted the service at St. Matthew's Church, where there also a large congregation. Festival services, with Christmas music, wero held at the Auckland Baptist Tabernacle, Jlcresford Street Congregational Church, St, Paul's, St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, the Church of the Epiphany, and other churches. Christmas festival services were rendered at St. Patrick's Cathedral, solemn pontifical High Mass being sung by the Roman Catholic Coadjutor-Bishop of Auckland, the Rev. J. M. Listen, while the Roman Catholic Bishop of Auckland, Dr. H. W. Clearv presided in the sanctuary. A musical senice with vespers and benediction was held at St. Patrick's in tho evening, the sermon being delivered by the Bishop. Tho principal attraction in the evening was the sacred cantata "Bethlehem, which was rendered by St, Matthews Church choir. Practically every scat in tho building was occupied, and this beautiful production-a description of the. visit of tho angels to the shepherds and the scene before the Inn at Bethlehem where the wise men brought their gifts to the Infant Jesus-was greatly enjoyed. The numerous solos were particularly well rendered. Tho Salvation Army conducted special services, and an excellent pro-Ti-ammo of sacred'music was rendered by tho silver band in Albert Park on Christmas evening. An organ recital of Christmas music was also given in the Town Hall. In the various hospitals and homes the sick tho aged, and tho children wero provided for as usual on Christmas Day, and no effort was spared to make them as happy as possible in the circumstances in which they were placed. Generous fare was supplied, and the day brightened by gifts from relatives spid friends. The little inmates of the Children's Hospital greatly enjoved the distribution of toys, while'tho adult patients in the General Hospital also received fruit, tobacco, or sweets. In the afternoon the chairman and members of the Hospital Board paid their customary visit to the General Hospital, Coslley Home, and Alexandra Home. The returned men in the Evelyn Firth Home and at tho tubercular shelters at the Domain were provided with Christmas dinner and gifts by the RedG'voss,Society and the War Relief Association.' Harbour excursions on Christmas Day were well patronised, and the steamers which left for the various seaside resorts carried hundreds of holiday-makers. The majority of Aucklanders, however, prefer to spend the day at home rather than on excursions, for it is primarily a day set apart for family gatherings. The outstanding athletic fixture wa.' the first Plunket Shield cricket match of the season, between Hawke'R Bay and Auckland, at Eden Park. There was a' : good attendance, and some fine cricket was witnessed, The athletic sports at tho Remuora hockey ground wero well patronised,. and so were the swimming carnivals at the Shelly Beach and Mount Eden baths. The picture theatres provided entertainment for large numbers of adults and children throughout the afternoon and evening. The various other places of amusement in'the evening also attracted large attendances. A most enjoyable entertainment was Erovided for seamen in the Masonic Ha'l, forthcote, on Christmas nitrht. Tin; building was crowded by men of the mercantile marine. The festivities started with Divine service, conducted by the missioncr, Mr. Arthur P. Cowie, who gave an appropriate address. A high supper followed, every man receiving a present, and then a dance, with musical items interspersed.