THE ILLUMINATIONS.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 3964, 22 June 1887, Page 3

THE ILLUMINATIONS.

Very soon after darkness had set m the Main street presented a very animated scene, the town being crowded with country people from North and South, which, added to the many residents made the sum total several thousands, all of whom were eagerly bent on seeing the whole of the illuminations and pyrotechnic display. In the early evening the rain still fell very steadily, and as it was driven well bbfore a strong easterly wind, matters both overhead and under-foot were far from pleasant. The illuminations on the whole were most creditable, and though up to 9.30 the strong wind blew out the gas, after that hour a lull took place, and the gas illuminations were seen to full advantage. Coming into town from the North, a pretty display of Chinese lanterns at Mr Beckingham's shop, arrested attention, and on coming to Strathallan street the transparencies at Messrß Miles, Archer and Co.'s were greatly admired. The devices, like many others all along the line, were of a loyal kind, and were exceedingly well executed. Opposite, the Ship Hotel had Chinese lanterns out of the first floor windows, and the well-known "sign" on the centre window; whilst opposite again, the Clarendon Hotel had the pretty and well-known "Irish welcome " as a transparency m the northern upstairs window. After a cursory glance at Mr Carmichael's, the crowd passed along the Main Road, and after admiring Messrs Ross, Sims and Co's small but very pretty transparency, made an eager rush for one of the chief centres of attraction, Jonas' Buildings ; but before reaching it Messrs Priest and Holdgate's and Messrs P. W. Hutton and Co.'s Bhops came m for attention, the former being very good, and the latter being marred by there being a little too much of the advertising medium mixed up m it ; nevertheless the effect was complete. On getting to Mr M 033 Jonas' one had to atop and admire. In bold letters the words "Queen and Empress" stood out well, and were surmounted by a " V.R." and crown. These were really first-class, and tho great light emitted had a most telling effect. Still going south excellent transparencies were seen at Messrs Perry and Perry's, Moody and Ziesler's, the Loan Company's Buildings, and the Bank of New Zealand. Above the Club Hotel was a brilliantly lighted "V.R.,' and opposite Messrs Gabites and Plante and Drummond and Glasson combined loyalty with business m the illumination of their handsome shops. These firms, like the Messrs Thomson, also gave a free exhibition of their goods, which to the ladies was one of the leading features m the night's show. Next to the Club Mr Craigie had made supreme efforts, and the result was the best display of its size seen m Timaru. At Messrs Quelch'a, Feriior'a, Napier's, Robertson's, Wagstaff's Gilchrist's, Ballantyno's, Anderson's and Levein's splendid transparencies were on view, and all were greatly admired, though ono or two had rather too much "trade mark." At the Theatre another special illumination was on view, and aB Mr Gunn burnt a lot of colored fire at intervals, the effect m the shadow caused by the brilliant light was most unique and grand. In the suburbs Messrs Kernohan's amongst other shops, was illuminated, and the Mayor's and the Rev. Mr Gillies' private houses looked excellent. About 8.30 the attention of the crowd was distracted by a torchlight procession taken part m by the Fire Brigade, the Foresters, the Oddfellows, and last, but by no means least, tho Druids. Headed by the Garrison Band they marched to the breakwater, where matters were soon m train for the display of fireworks. The arrangements were very complete and reflected great credit on Captain Jones and his men, the whole passing off most successfully. The Rocket Brigade added greatly to the occasion by burning signal lights, and sending up service aod signal rockets. These rockets caused a great sensation, especially tho service ones, whose report of late years has fortunately not been heard on the beach of Timaru. The whole display was finished about ten o'clock, and the vast assemblage quietly melted away.