PORT NEWS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19267, 2 January 1931, Page 16

PORT NEWS.

many picnickers at bays. It was estimated that over 3500 picnickers arrived at Lyttelton by train yesterday. During the forenoon the bookings on the port line were: Christchurch 2100, Opawa 169, Woolston 58, Heathcote 59. Corsair Bay and Diamond Harbour were the main centres of attraction, Corsair Bay being overcrowded. The number of people there was estimated to be a record. The ferry launches had a busy day coping with the traffic, but there were no dela } r s. The weather conditions were pleasant all day and last evening conditions were perfect. Bathing was enjoyed till a late hour. The Railway Department ran several special trains in addition to the usual week-day services. New Year’s Eve Festivities. The old fashioned custom of parading the main street to await the arrival of the New Year has almost died out at Lyttelton. Only a few residents were to be seen in London Street at Midnight on Wednesday. Early in the evening scores of small bo3*s amused themselves by letting off fireworks, but even these were not so numerous. There were the usual number of private parties and first footers, some of whom were still making calls at 3 a.m. The most exciting moment was on the stroke of 12 o’clock, when the ships’ sirens, ships’ bells, and railway engine whistles made a terrific noise which lasted for several minutes. The police reported that the crowd was most orderly.