THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 848, 1 June 1888, Page 2

THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY.

The old legend about “Queen’s weather" was exemplified yesterday week by a brilliant day. There were several showers of rain just before daylight, and the sun rose in a oloudless sky. The air, however, notwithstanding the cheering rays of the sun, was cold and bracing, rendering a long walk a most delightful exeroise. From soon after S o’clock the Volunteers belonging to the several companies made the streets somewhat lively by their gay uniforms as they proceeded from all parts of the town in ones and;twos to the Drillshed, where the assembly took place at 9 o’clock. Then followed the usual parade and review, which are described at length in another column of this day's paper. There was a large attendance of spectators, who, despite the cold wind, were loyal enough to stand very attentively to the salute in honor of her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen. ." As this holiday falls on one of our winter days, there is always an absence of marine excursions, which are such a great feature in our summer holidays. The harbor yesterday week was a model one for amateur yachting. There was scarcely a ripple on the water, and just sufficient light breeze to fill the canvas of a whole fleet of white-winged yachts laden with their owners and troops of friends. There were a good number of rowing boats out, takiug advantage of the smooth water for some excellent practice. The two railway lines were well patronised, the up-country trains in the morning taking a large number of excursionists booked fora pleasant day’s outing either in the Wairarapa or Manawatu districts. Particulars of the number carried will be found in another column. 1 About the only public amusements were the races at Porirua, which attracted a large number of spectators. The account of the races, furnished by our reporters, will be found in another part of this week’- issue. The football matches on Newtown Park drew a'very large attendance of holiday-makers. Every tram-car and 'omnibus was crowded to its utmost extent, and a goodly line of private and public carriages took a fair amount of visitors to i the grounds iu the afternoon, while j Adelaide-road presented a lively scene with ] the continuous stream of foot passengers. A favorite place of amusement - was the Columbia Skating Link; There were about 1500 at the morning session, with about 1800 iu the afternoon, and fully IGOO at night. The Salvation Army had special meetings Iu the afternoon a tea was given to the young, and there was a. crowded meeting at night. Nearly every place of business, wholesale and retail, was closed, and the city wore a deserted look. In the evening a grand ball was given at Government House in honor of the occasion. There was a very large attendance.

'So far as we can learn, the day passed > t without any seriouo accidents. -The accounts of how the day was spent in other parts of the Colony will be seen by the telegrams from the various centres.

(per press association - ,) Auckland, May 2L The weather for the holiday was showery. In the.afternoon the Auckland Yacht Club held a race iu the harbor for large yachts, whioh was won by the Rita. Beyond the firing of the feu de joie' in the morning there was no military display, and the football match, Auckland v JEngiand, monopolised all public attention.

Christchurch, May 24. The weather was beautifully fine for the holiday. The Volunteers had a very suecessful day at New Brighton, 55J men being present. 200 Queen’s cadets paraded in Hagley Park and went through, battalion movements. The Heathcote races were well patronised. The Salvation Army gave a tea to 300 children. The Mayor gave a dinner to the inmates of the Armagh-streefc DepOt and give a ball in the evening. Dunedin, May 24. To-day was generally observed as a holiday. The weather was fine but cold. A stiff wind was blowing, and slight showers fell late in the afternoon. The football match between Oamaru and the Union Club attracted a large attendance, resulting in a win for the Union by oue point to nil.