THE HOLIDAY.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXIV, Issue 4870, 23 January 1903, Page 5

THE HOLIDAY.

ACCESSION DAY.

Yesterday was tho second anniversary of the accession to tho throne of King Edward VII. In accordance with the King’s wish, as expressed to the church authorities in England and by thorn to the Bishop of Wellington s Commissary (Archdeacon Fancourc), short services were held in the Anglican churches at an early hour. Tho only other celebration of the occasion by tho public was tho dressing of public buildings and shipping with bunting and flags. At noon, the warship Wallaroo, lying in tho stream, fired a salute of twentyone guns. ANNIVERSARY DAY. The province yesterday made feto on tho sixty-third anniversary of the arrival and landing at Petono of tho first colonists of Wellington. The weather was all that could be desired for an outdoor day, and it was taken full advantage of by the citizens of Wellington, for from an early hour the streets wore almost deserted. Tho attraction nearest homo was tho regatta of tho Port Nicholson Yacht Club, which was brought off in a light breeze. A considerable number of persons followed tho races on the steamer Penguin. A largo contingent proceeded by rail and road to the ’Wellington Racing Chib’s meeting atHntt Park, where a pleasant day wa.s spent. There was also a great exodus, chiefly of Liberals, to tho picnic at "Masterton, at which the Premier and Mr A. W. Hogg received presentations from tho Maoris and tho Liberals of tho district respectively. The sports of tho D Battery at Scatoun attracted a very large crowd, most of whom were conveyed thither by tho ferry steamers. This means of transport was also employed by thousands seeking a quiet day at tho different bays. Tho Wellington Volunteer Rifle Association’s meeting at Trentham was. held in the best of shooting weather. There were numerous private and public picnics at different spots in the vicinity of the city. A very enjoyable picnio was given to the sailors of tho vessels in port by the Missions to Seamen. _ Oyer one hundred seamen, with their wives and families, assembled at tho Botanical Gardens, where a variety of sports were indulged in. Lunch and afternoon tea were provided under the supervision of Mr James Moore, the .missioner. There was unusually heavy railway traffic yesterday. Tho tickets taken out hero wero more than double the number taken out last Anniversary Day, .when tlio weather was very unfavourable, From Wellington and io Aro 3300 tickets wero taken out to tho races, 3500 in tho suburban'area and 300 over tho incline. This booking is a record.

The Sunday school teachers of St. Joseph’s, Buckle street, had n most enjoyable picnic at Wallaccvillo yesterday. Through the goodness of Mr and Mrs McGovern, the whole of tho grounds wero at tho disposal of the picnickers, who numbered about fifty. Tho Revs Father Lightheart and Father Ganerno were amongst tho gathering. A largo number of people journeyed by train to tho Lower Hutt yesterday to attend tbe annual picnic and sports of tbo Wellington Wharf Employees’ Benefit Society at tho Bollevno Gardena. An. extensive programme of sports for young and old proved a thorough success.