THE HOLIDAY.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 878, 28 December 1888, Page 24

THE HOLIDAY.

Boxing Day of 1888 will . long be remembered as one of the finest holidays experienced for many years, not only in this city, but generally all over the Colony. The steady rain which set in on Christmas night about 7 o’clock contirued until past midnight. Toward daybreak the rain clouds cleared away, and as the day advanced it was seen that tho promise of a splendid holiday was about to be fulfilled. The sun shone out its best all the long summer day. There was a light breeze, just strong enough to temper the fierce rays of the sun, but not sufficient to raiso any disagreeable dust. The citizens of Wellington, being tired of the long-continued cry of depression, and knowing that a season of prosperity has set in, determined to show their confidence in the future by making high holiday. From a very early hour vehicles of various descriptions were well laden with pleasure-takers, bound for manypicturesque spotseasily accessible by road. The early trains on both lines of railway conveyed great numbers of ex* cursionist to the several points of interest either in the Wairarapa or along the western coast of the Wellington-Manawatu district. Then as the day wore on there were pleasant excursions on the water to noted spots. The Foresters gathered a goodly crowd at St George’s Hall, and their line of march to the Basin Reserve was well filled by admiring spectators. Their fete attracted a large number of visitors. The main road to the Lower - Hutt was alive with conveyances. - Cobb and Co. despatched 16 of their omnibuses to McNab’s Gardens, at the Lower Hutt, each conveyance carrying a very full load. In addition to these there were a considerable number of wagonettes and private carriages. The picnics of the Garrison Band and the Roman Catholics at the Hutt were well patronised. Island Bay is undoubtedly one of the most attractive of the many pleasure resorts of this city, and although there were no special events in that usually quiet neighbourhood bn Boxing Day, yet the beauty of the scenery drew a large number of visitors, who inhaled the fresh ozone from the gentle Pacific ocean, made castles on the sands, sought rare shells and seed weed from the rocks, and generally spread themselves out for a thorough days pleasure. The engaged couples, happy in “Love’syoung dream,”sauntered round the Bay and paid visits to the far-famed Hermit, who held a numerously attended “At Home ” for their special benefit. He receive I his visitors with an air of mysticism combined with urbanity, although at times rio doubt he felt somewhat ill at ease by the very curious questions put to him by his visitors. In Oriental Bay, ‘ 1 Round the Rocks” was covered with children, from the strong-lunged youngster in the “pram” to the sturdy bare-legged, bronzed young urchins, who made) rare fun in racing along the fine stretch of shingle and sailing their primitive yachts in the quiet waters. The Botanical Gardens were well patronised, and crowds of children sported amidst the leafy glades and picturesque glens of that truly rural retreat. The Victoria Hill, with its charming views, was the resort of those of a contemplative frame of mind, who, from its lofty summit, cau survey the . busy haunts of men spread out map-like at their feet. With such a perfect day—a model New Zealand summer time—it was no wonder that our hard-working citizens threw off the yoke of daily toil and went in for thorough enjoyment. The past few years have been of a depressive nature. Trade lias been bad, and a feeling of low spirits both financially and mentally prevailed amongst us. But the coming year promises a new era for the Colony, a period of increased prosperity ; and our citizens felt in duty bound to give an expression to the confidence they felt in the future by giving themselves up at this season of the year to unmitigated delight. Our storekeepers had evidently been pleased with the earlier part of the Christmas week. The eve of Christmas was one of the busiest everseeninthis city of Wellington. Atdusk the streets were well ’ nigli impassable. Crowds of sightseers jostled the crowds of purchasers, shop after shop iyaa packed

to its doors—even to overflowing—with eager buyers providing for the holiday food, clothes, presents, or luxuries. It is a matter of congratulation that no serious accident is reported to mar the general happiness of the holiday-makers. Nor was there any disorder. There were the usual few who imbibe not wisely but too well, who had to seek repentance in the cool solitude ot the police cell, and the next morning pay penance to Her Most Gracious Majesty. But considering the warm weather, the sufficiency of cash, the jovial, season, and the number of hotels among our population, it may be said that our city presented a most creditable appearance, , and Boxing Day especially was one long glorious holiday, thoroughly enjoyed by the many thousands of our hartL Working population, During the day the Columbia Skating Ritlk reopened for the, season, and was Well attended ; and ih the evening the Theatre had, V delighted audience at the clever performance ; and at the Opera House George Darrell drew a crowded audience with the latest novelty, “ The Mystery of a Hansom Cab.”