LABOUR DAY

Southland Times, Issue 20010, 26 October 1926, Page 8

LABOUR DAY

HOLIDAY TRAFFIC INCREASED RAILWAY RETURNS CHAR-A-BANCS HAVE A BUSY DAY When a steady downpour of rain set in late on Sunday evening the prospects for a fine day on the morrow looked anything but bright, only the most optimistic souls predicting an improvement in the conditions. However, the goddess of the weather deigned to smile sweetly on Invercargill and when, as a result, the sun shone from a cloudless sky, holiday makers were all smiles once more. Immediately after breakfast a rush was made for the excursion trains and charabancs, and it was well after ten before the streets lost the deserted appearance which was to be in evidence throughout the day. The bookings for each of the railway excursions showed an increase on last year’s figures and this is best demonstrated by the fact that although there was no, excursion to Orepuki this year the aggregate number of passengers carried was greater than last year’s aggregate, when the Orepuki excursion was available. A slight increase was reported in the number of passengers to Gore, 679 making the trip as against 673 last year. Over 1200 tickets were taken for the Bluff, the number last year being 1170. The largest increase of last year’s figures was found in the Queenstown bookings, 264 excursionists making the trip. Last year 143 left Invercargill. The figures quoted are, of course, the Invercargill bookings only. EXCURSION TO QUEENSTOWN. Fourteen carriages, carrying approximately 600 excursionists, comprised the train from Invercargill which drew into Kingston at noon yesterday. The hour of arrival was very much behind schedule on account of engine trouble experienced at' Lumsden and as the result of this delay the Waimea express w’as an hour late in leaving Kingston for Gore. This, however, was the only unsatisfactory 'feature of the outing and the steamer journey to Queenstown was undertaken in perfect conditions. The excursionists spent a period of about three hours at the City of the Lakes, the return journey being commenced at 5 p.m. Invercargill was reached about 10 p.m. In addition to the railway excursions the char-a-banc fleet was kept in full commission, the Rocks proving the most popular camping ground. In addition eight full char-a-banc loads were despatched to Kennington where a large picnic was held. PERFECT WEATHER AT DUNEDIN. (Per United Press Association.) Dunedin, October 25. The weather was perfect for the Labour Day holiday to-day and hundreds took the fullest advantage of every transport facility available. Country picnic grounds and seaside resorts were crowded and the corporation and railway transport services experienced the busiest day since the Exhibition closed. < ATTRACTIONS AT WESTPORT. Westport, October 25. For Labour Day the weather was wet in the morning but fine in the afternoon. The principal attractions were the labour sports meeting on the Westport Jockey Club’s course, the Sheffield being won by Crooks, a promising young runner, and also the official opening of the Westport Bowling dub’s season. The green dried quickly and fully maintained - its reputation of being the best green south of the line. Mr P. A. Struthers, president, officially declared the season open and said numerous telegrams were received from former members of the club now in other parts of the Dominion, also from presidents of kindred clubs. SPORTS MEETING AT WELLINGTON. Wellington, October 25. Labour Day was celebrated by holding a successful sports meeting at Newtown Park. The athletic events were contested and good times were recorded. In addition to 'adult events there were several races for pupils of secondary and primary schools. At the Basin Reserve the Wellington Colts played a cricket match against a Wellington team. Wellington in the first innings made 241, Lambert 50, McGirr 35, Baker 35, Kortlang 31. Boxyling for the Colts Badcock took 3 for 43 and Rollings 3 for 46. The Colts made 225, Rollings 79, Bilby not out 49, Monkhouse and Browne each 30. Bowling for Wellington Lush took 4 for 35, Baker 3 for 45 and Lambert 2 for 45.