THE HOLIDAY.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1289, 12 November 1896, Page 36

THE HOLIDAY.

The clerk of the weather was on his best behaviour on Monday, consequently the holiday was well observed. Day's Bay and the townships on the Government and Manawatu railway lines were visited by hundreds of city people. Large numbers also went to Island Bay, Kitbirnie, and other holiday resorts. In the afternoon the town was practically deserted, as the majority of those who did net go out in the train or boat patronised the bicycle sports on the Exhibition track, about 3000 persons being present. A fair number was attracted to the Basin Reserve, where a cricket match was in progress. The Duco and Mana ran trips to Day's Bay, over 2000 persons being taken over to this popular resort. Considering that there was no very special attraction on the Government line the traffic was very good. About 2000 persons travelled to the Upper Hutt and intermediate stations, the majority of whom went to the picnic at McNab's gardens, organised by St. Mary's bras 3 band. Fully 500 persons went over the Summit by train, the greater number of whom were bound for the races at Carterton. The Manawatu line was also well patronised, about 3000 persons being carried during the day. The larger number of these went to Otaki and Plimmerton. There was a full train to Palmerston in the morning. The picnic in connection with St. Mary's Brass Band was a great success. The band, under the conductorship of Mr Dean, was accompanied by a large number of picnickers, who went down to the Lower Hutt by train shortly before 10 o'clock. Numbers also travelled there during the day. A good programme of games and sports of various kinds was provided for the youngsters, whilst the band added to the pleasure of those present by selections during the day. Among those on the ground were the Very Rev Fathers Devoy and Lane and several of the local clergy. A number of visitors and the members of the band were hospitably |entertained by Mrs Ross. Prior to leaving, the band played in front of Mrs Ross' residence, and on the party departing cheers were given for the proprietress of the gardens. The net proceeds are expected to be very satisfactory, and will be devoted to the purchase of band instruments. The success of the picnic was largely due to the secretary, Mr W. J. Bradey and the bandmaster, Mr F. L. Dean, who deserve great credit. The admirable arrangements made by the Wellington-Manawatu Railway Company for Monday's excursions formed the theme of uniform praise. Though an unusually large number of passengers went to Otaki and to stations higher up the line, they were conveyed punctually to time and without the slightest hitch. The late train from the Manawatu last night, though a particularly long and heavy one, was brought down the grades to Wellington in first-class style. Palmerston North, November 9. The Caledonian Society's Sports were a great success to-day. The; weather was tine and the attendance totalled 1500. Nelson, November 9. There was fine weather for the holiday, and numerous picnics, private and public (including that of the Oddfellows at Brightwater and Good Templars at Wakapuaka), were held. Dunedin, November 9. The day was observed as a close holiday, and the day being fine, though dull, the town was nearly deserted. There was only a fair attendance at the cricket match, most persons going picnicking or driving out to the Taieri Races.