THE NEW YEAR.

Colonist, Volume LIV, Issue 13316, 17 January 1912, Page 1 (Supplement)

THE NEW YEAR.

SATURDAY NIGHT IX THE CITY (From "The Colonist," Jan. 'J.) Attracted l>y the fino woathei crowds thronged the .streets on Satin day evening. Children in hundredparaded the thoroughfares, blowing" toy trumpets :uid other weird instn; iients, and appeared to be endearoi ing to make up for their disappoint ment of the previous Saturday. Adult; were also out in largo numbers, am with tho Garrison and Citizens' BamU paying selections in various parts oi the town, proceedings generally were lively. 'I he utmost good order prevailed, and there was very little, ii finy, drunkenness. The retailers re port good business, and, as usual, tin toy shops'did' a thriving trade. Oi Sunday morning there was a mist\ rain in tho early hours, but toward* noon the sky cleared and tho rest oi tho day was beautifully fine. Man,\ holiday-makers took advantage of tin favourable weather conditions to gel out of town and driving parties wen numerous in' the afternoon. In tlu evening the Garrison Band gave i concert >in the Botanicp.l Reserve which attracted a large attendance. THE PASSING OF THE OLD YEAR. Being Sunday night probably accounted for the quiet way in which the New Year wns ushered in. A considerable crowd assembled at tlu Post Office towards midnight, expecting a baud'to play the old year ou and the now year in, as has been done in years gone past, but no band turned up, although the strains of tin Citizens' Band in the distance eoult be heard. As the clock strncl the hour there was an attempt t< sing '"Atiki. Lang Syne," and sonic one discharged a packet of crackers A solitary piper could be heard play ing "Tho Cock o' the North" i. another street, but there was no othei demonstration, and thus passed 1911 Watch' night services were held ai some of the churches, and by the Good Templars and the Salvation Army*. Yesterday was beautifully fine foi the holiday, and all tho picnic resortswere largo'y patronised. Tho Baptist Sunday School picnic was held in tlu Maitai Valley, and the Salvationists spent the day at Glen Dunn. Tahuua proved mi attraction for hundreds and large crowds Hero carried by rail into tlie country, where the Druids' anniversary was celebrated at Tapawera. The representative cricket match Marlborough v ; Nelson was commenced at the" Park in the presence of a fair crowd of spectators.

The Good Templars held a unique watch night service on New Year's Eve. Sister Mrs Terriss presided, and a profitable hour was spent. Just before the passing of the old yea; throe five-minute addresses were* <_ivon by Brothers T. Voreoe, R. Watson, and W. Terriss. Sisters Cadzow and Wi.lkih sang sacred songs, and Brother W. Terriss gave as a recitation "Tho Muster Roll." Sister Mrs Terriss followed with "When tho Roll is Called up Yonder," all the visitor:', joining in the chorus. Master David Terriss sang a sweet little song 'Jesus is Speaking." Misses Dorothy and Ethel Atkinson (Wellington * Good Templars) were present, and the former kindly consented to act as organist. Tlie meeting closed with prayer just as the clock struck twelve, and Francis Huvcrgal's consecration hymn was sung. Tea and sandwiches were provided, nnd the New Year was started on with hearty good wishes all round.—(Communicated.)