FIFTY YEARS AGO

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21993, 27 December 1934, Page 10

FIFTY YEARS AGO

BOXING DAY ATTRACTIONS An interesting comparison between the manner of spending Boxing Day in Auckland half a century ago and now, can be gained from the accounts which appeared in the New Zealand Herald of December 27, ISS4, of various events that had attracted holiday-makers the previous day. ' " Boxing Day is essentially the holiday of the year," it was stated. "Unfortunately the weather yesterday was not of such character as to contribute to the enjoyment of the throngs that sallied forth on pleasure bent, but delusive gleams of sunshine tempted many out of doors, and the streets were early thronged with _ pleasureseekers. The bulk found their way to the raceoourse at Filers] ie. and hundreds, in spite of the threatening character of the weather, swarmed on the excursion steamers bound for the various places of interest and attraction on the coast. The North Shore as usual was a favourite resort of picnio parties. The Domain attracted a very large crowd of holiday-makers, the principal feature being the temperance demonstration. The various societies which took part in the demonstration met at the junction of >\el* lington and Hobson Streets and marched to the Domain, where sports were held during the day. In the evening the various places of amusement were crowded." . , Among the amusements mentioned was a Christmas pantomime entitled " Blue Beard, or the Heathen Chinee, at Abbott's Opera House. The advertisements stated tli.it the production was presented by "the celebrated tragic, emotional and burlesque artiste, Mrs. (i. B. W. Lewis and her premier company," and that the scenes included the "grand amazonian march, the "dazzling hall of many nuptials,, and a fantastical", diabolical, electric* bacchanalian ballet." The. product}? concluded with "'Britannia's* reception of the nations." Other entertainmen were an annua] promenade concert t " lowed bv a ball at the Lome Stree Hall, and a bazaar and concert at Theatre Roval.