CHRISTCHURCH.

Tuapeka Times, Volume XX, Issue 1415, 24 December 1887, Page 3

CHRISTCHURCH.

(From our own Correspondent.)

Christmas is once more upon us, and in another week we will have passed from the old to the new year. There is no doubt that time flies, and quickly too. It seems but yesterday that we were wishing each other "A Merry Xraas;" bat still it is twelve months ago, and it is always the general thought "I wonder how many more Ohristmases are we to see?" and the older we get the quicker the time flies. The trains, coiches > aud boats are now being crowded with people on their way to spend another Christmas with their friendß or relatives, and everyone seems happy ;— and why should they be otherwise I For Christmas comes but once a year, and we are supposed to bury all grievances against each other, and make merry. There are also, unfortunately, raauy to whom, no doubt, Christ* mas brings with it sad thoughts ; for around the family table there are vacant seats once filled with some loving son, daughter, sister, brother, or friend who is now no more, but who is spending his or her Chistmas, we hope, in a better world. These sad thoughts will arise, bat the old saying is perfectly true — that "every black cloud has a stiver lining ;" and as time passes so will these sad thoughts arise. But there is one consolation— that " Christmas is for all, rich and poor, weak •

and s'rong " — all are privileged to en jny this welcome season. So that it is with genuine pleasure I am a 1 le once more to wish one and all " A Merry Christmas ! and a Happy New Year." Last Friday was the anniversary of the province of Canterbury. Of comae it was a general holiday, and it was with difficulty that one decided where to go to amuse one'sself, for there were so many places. On Lancaster Park there were sports, also in Hagley Park ; there was a trip to Tiraaru, the regatta at. Akaroa, to which the Union Company's steamship Takapuna ran ; then there were the two watering places — Sumner and New Brighton —to go to, and numerous other attractions, so that the town was entirely deserted, for each was well patronisedIn tbe evening there were concerts, th» theatre, etc; and altogether it was a regular Cirnival Diy. Unfortunately, the Clerk of the Weather did not look favourably ou us, for a strong wind was blowing and the dust was flying in all directions. However, everyone seemed to enj'ty himself. On Boxing Day and the day following WB art) going to have a monster bicycle race meeting, The English champion (Fred Wood), a<>d the English amateur champion (Tom Brown), also cyclists from Dunedin and Auckland, are going to compete. The event of the meeting is the " Test Race "— fist; prz* £50, second £25. tHrd £12, fourth £6, fifth £3, and aix'h £1. The one who scores the highest number of points in a one-mile, five- mile, and ten mile race is to "scoop the poo)." I suppose Fred Wood is bound to win it, but some of our local men will make him travel, and he has not got such a soft thing on as he thinks. The Park (Lancaster) is certain to be crowded, and the weather being fine, we are sure to have a jolly time of it. The weather at last has got Into its right senses — about time, too. The shops are filled with all kinds of fruits, and we are beginning to believe thdt we are really in the proper season. H>w long it will last is a hard question — I trust over the holidays, 19th December, 1887.