NEW YEAR'S DAY.

Wellington Independent, Volume XVI, Issue 1689, 7 January 1862, Page 5

NEW YEAR'S DAY.

New Year's Day was observed as a general Holiday, the Bunks, Government Offices, and Merchants, Stores being all closed. The day was beautifully fine, with a breeze froni the N.W. At an early hour, vehicles of all descriptions might be seen on the Kai Warra road, filled with persons in holiday attire, and who were wending; their way to that portion of the country which best suited their fancy. Porirua seemed to be the favorite place of resoit this year, and a great number of pic uic parties proceeded thither, some selecting a quiet shady spol, in the woodland glade ; and others going further on the road to have a view of the Bay, and the magnificent scenery surrounding; it. Nor was Karori or Makara without its admirers. One of the "most splendid views in the district is to be obtained from the Makara road. On descending the hill from Karori, Park Vale is (o be seen ou the right,' and down thu Valley the sea stretches away-to the distance; and that, with the varied foliage of the trees, and the nrkau and tree palms, make up a scene at once picturesque and beautiful. A large party proceeded to Evans' Bay in sailing boats, and selecting a fitting spot by the side of of a. running 1 brook, held a pic-nic on rather an extensive scale. A band of music accompanied this party, and dancing on the green sward was not the least amusement of the day. The Juno made two trips to Lowry Bay, the day being ull that could be wished for sailing excursions. The Hutt, too, had its ad miters ; and pic-uic parties were the order of the duy there also:- In the eveniug, the members of the Loyal Rose of the Valley Lodge, held their 13th anniversary,' in the Odd Fellows' Hall. There were about i6O of the brethren present. The dinner w.as of the best description, and was done ample justice to. After the cloth was drawn, the usual loyal, fraternal, and patriotic toasts were given and responded to in the most hearty manner. A band was present, and greatly enlivened the enteitainraent by playing a capital selection of! music ; and some songs sung by the brethren, added not a little to the enjoyment of the evening, which passed off iir the most agreeable manner possible. The several parties returned to tows in the evening, aud we are glad to record that no accident whatever occurred to the excursionists, either by land' or water. In the evening, a large party met at the Odd Fellows' Hall, and danciug was kept up with great spirit, quadrilles, polkas, and other dances following each other in quick succession until an early hour, when the company separated to their'respective homes, after having enjoyed themselves to their heart's content. We fondly hope, that the year so auspiciously begun, may indeed be " A happy new year " to each and all.