GOOD BEGINNING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26349, 2 January 1947, Page 4

GOOD BEGINNING

ADVENT OF 1947 IMPROVEMENT IN WEATHER __ * NEW YEAR’S DAY IN CITY The year 1947 began promisingly in Dunedin as far as weather was concerned, and as a result of the pleasant change to sunshine and comparative warmth many people ventured out on picnics and motoring trips. A total of 10 hours 24 minutes of sunshine was recorded in the city and the thermometer reached 62.4 degrees—the best readings for some time. In spite of a westerly wind that became colder as the day advanced, the weather seemed a decided improvement after the recent rains and cold conditions. Reports from Central Otago indicate that ideal holiday weather was experienced in most inland districts yesterday. There was not a great deal to interest people in the city , yesterday apart from a representative cricket match, motor cycle racing, and a band display, and the streets had a deserted appearance for the greater part of the day, only waking to life in the evening when picture entertainments attracted full houses. The Waikouaiti Racing Club’s meeting at Oamaru was a popular attraction. No fewer than 700 people travelled north by the special train, and the 8.45 a.m. express also carried numerous racegoers to Oamaru.

Short motoring trips were particularly popular, and those who did not have cars made use of the various bus services, the City Corporation running no fewer than 13 buses on observation tours around the city, down the Peninsula, and to Whare Flat. Beaches attracted fairly large crowds, but the wind had an edge to it in the afternoon that took away some of the pleasure from bathing, paddling, and sun-bathing. • Among noliday-makers who welcomed the improved weather were the 200’ campers at the Tahuna Motor Camp. On New Year's Eve the campers held community singing and. a dance and greeted the New Year in traditional style. They were delighted to awake yesterday morning to bright sunshine and set out early to become better acquainted with Dunedin and the surrounding district. Trips down the Peninsula and drives around the city were popular, while other campers spent their time on the beaches or golf course. The peak number at the camp this holiday season was 300 over Christmas, but the number making use of the excellent facilities available at Tahuna has averaged around the 200 mark over the entire period.