NEW BRIGHTON.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5769, 13 January 1897, Page 2

NEW BRIGHTON.

m — [By Te Kuuaea.] The current season has been the best yet experienced here. No empty cottages, and every available room in use, whilst .tents, camps and visitors simply abound. Our Tram Companies have done excellent business, and during the recent heavy traffic there was not an accident, which is a matter of congratulation. Recently we had a dangerous grass fire in close proximity to a villa. Thanks to Captain Owles and other willing, workers danger was soon averted. Some day a serious fire may break out, and as houses are close together no one knows where the mischief may end. Surely the need for a Fire Brigade is sufficiently apparent to cause some steps to be taken to form one. Miss Ethel Hawker's long services as honorary organist at the Beach Church have met with recognition from the members. The purse of sovereigns presented to her. was — in the words of Mr C. Winny — " only a slight recognition of her valuable services." As organist, Miss Hawker displays -marked ability*, and lier attention to the services of the church has be,en most devoted. Bathing is a major charmof the place. Freah or salt water, places for nonswimmers, and places for experts — we cannot be equalled in this respect — but why do a few people outrage ] common decency ? On a recent occasion several young fellows bathed, naked, before young children too. On Saturday next the E Battery come into camp here. They are welcome. Their stay last year was a merry time, and the ball given by the battery boys was quite a feature of last summer. Mr Patterson's new shops are near completion, and our enterprising pioneer shows sturdy faith in the increasing prosperity of Brighton. The corner will now present a most town-like appearance. The lupin patch has gone for ever, thanks to Mr Patterson. Gala Day was splendid, Captain Owles made excellent arrangements, and the weather was royal. Both tram companies carried many passengers, and the beach in the vicinity of the pier presented an unwontedly busy appearance. Messrs Hardie, Batchelor, Robb, Blake, Nicholls and several other residents worked splendidly. Mr D. Wood and others from town lent their services, tor which Brightonians are grateful ; whilst to the honorary secretary (Captain Owles) belongs the lion's share of credit. The treasurer (Mr H. D. Pine), too, worked energetically. The results exceeded expectations, and it is proposed to — but that is quite another story. Cricket is not booming just now. Swimming leads, with tennis close up. Last night's meeting of swimmers will result in more races soon.