LABOUR DAY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18999, 23 October 1923, Page 12

LABOUR DAY.

THE HOLIDAY WEEK-END. HAPPY CROWDS ABROAD. Babour Day has como to be tbo most widely obsevved and eagerly enjoyed holiday between Easter and Christinas. Tn recent years this holiday has been frequently marred by bad weather, *>ufc tins year the weather could scarcely have been better. Despite several ominous threats, particularly on Sunday afternoon, the ram held off and allowed alt outdoor excursions and sports to be enjoyed to the full. The exodus of holiday-matters from the <ily began on Friday evening and on Saturday. The Dunedin railway station presented quite a holiday appearance, especially at the time of the arrival and departure o! the express trains. The express from in' vercargill, which consisted of 10 full ear riages, arrived in Dunedin on time, put was a quarter of an hour luto in getting away owing to the largo of pas sengors joining the train hero \\hen me train loft it consisted of 15 full carnages drawn by two engines. The through express from Christchurch to Invercargill was late in arriving owing to the heavy passenger traffc. Although drawn by two engines it did not reach Dunedin till 0.50 p.m.—three-quarters of an hour benind its -scheduled time. Six carriages had to bo added to the train at Dunedin, and t iett at 5.55 p.m., a full train of 17 carriages. The Otago Rowing Club opened its tittyfirst season on Saturday afternoon, and a number of bowling and othdr sporting clubs also made a forma! beginning with their activities for the season. Tn the evening the Sports Wonderland Carnival in His Majesty’s Theatre, which has been organised by various sports bodies lor the strengthening of their funds, was mosv successfully inaugurated. Tlie influx of overseas vessels during the past three or lour days attracted large numbers down to the waterfront during the week-end. and the vessels, with their coloured erews of different nationalities, created much interest.

Sunday was Trafalgar Day, the arm; vcMary of Nelson’s immortal victory off Capo Trafalgar on October 21, over the combined navies of France and ’ispam. The famous signal was flown from tlie Hagpole in the Queen’s Gardens yesterday, and a number of public buildings displayed the New Zealand ensign or the Union Jack in honour of the occasion.

Labour Day itself was fine, warm, anil windy, and numerous attractions were offer mg for any* who did not prefer to make their own private arrangements for the day’s enjoyment. Over 2000 people took advantage of the Labour Day railway ex cursion to Ontrani, and there was a large attendance at an excellent athletic sports meeting run at the Caledonian Ground by the Wonderland Sports Carnival promoter. The carnival itself was continued with much enthusiasm in the evening. The ferrv boats were crowded with excursionists visiting the various resorts down the bay, ever 2000 people making the iourney up and down. Hundreds of children and family parties found a day’s wholesome recreation and enjoyment in the beautiful Gardens with which the city is endowed, or on the easily accessible beaches. Tho Railway Department had to handle very heavy bookings on all lines yesterday morning, and the totals will greatly exceed those recorded for last Labour Day. The tramway traffic was also ncavy, but Jetans of exact figures were not available last night

LA BO ITU DAY ASSOCIATION. ANNUAL PICNIC, About 2000 people attended the annual picnic of the Otago Labour Day Association which was held on the Outram Domain yesterday. The weather conditions were ideal and this added to the enjoyment of Uie picnickers. A good programme ot athletic and other events was got. off, many competitors taking part in each event. A feature of tho day was tho goal kicking competition, in which great interest was taken. There were 25 entries for this event, and out of 42 goals attempted, 10 were kicked. Considering that the ball was kicked against a rather high wind, this could be considered fairly creditable. The waltzing competition in which 29 couples took part, also created keen interest, ami so keen was the contest that the judges (Messrs P. D. Wilson, C. Gilchrist, and J. Watkins) had difficulty in deciding the winners. After due consideration, however, they awarded the prize to Mr C. Marshall and Mbs Godding. Messrs D. Telfer and U. D. Dagg supplied the music. Mr and Mrs Miller, two old residents of Outram, kindly lent drinking vessels for the use of the dancers. During the day the Dunedin Highland Pip© Band played selections on the grounds. Following are the results of the various events ;