RAGLAN VISITORS

Waikato Times, Volume 123, Issue 20690, 28 December 1938, Page 7

RAGLAN VISITORS

HUNDREDS ON HOLIDAY TOWN’S FESTIVE APPEARANCE FEATURES WELL PATRONISED Raglan appears to be getting more than its usual share of holiday activity this year. All last week, in spite of high winds interspersed with heavy rain showers, carloads of visitors kept on arriving, and shacks and baches which have had only seagulls for company during the last eight or nine months have taken on a live appearance again, with doors and windows open, smoke issuing from chimneys, children running in and out, and fathers and elder brothers cutting the long grass and thistles away from doorsteps and gateways The influx of visitors reached a climax on Saturday, when, besides a steady stream of private cars and taxis, all the service coaches were in use and packed to capacity, some with luggage and perambulators lashed to the roof. As if to make atonement for its bad behaviour during most of the week, the weather on Saturday was ideal throughout the day. the heat of the sun being tempered by a cool sea breeze, though light rain fell after dark. Rowling greens and tennis courts were in full swing. Jn the town itself the authorities have gone to considerable trouble to give things a festive appearance, and to make t.he stay of the holiday-maker as enjoyable as possible. The shop windows all carry special displays, strings of coloured lights hang across the wide main street, and a special loud-speaker system has been installed on the roof of the hotel. Motor Camp Improvements In the camping ground across the stream at the end of the main street extra shelters and dressing sheds have been erected, and the camp sites reticulated with fresh-water pipes. Those people who hire out boats and fishing-tackle have been busy putting the finishing touches to their equipment in anticipation of what they confidently expect to be a record season. Besides several public dances to take place in the Town Hall, two cabarets have engaged special orchestras to cater for those in search of terpsichorcan amusement. Raglan business people report a record turnover for Christmas Eve. practically every one of them having had to engage extra assistants to deal with the throngs of shoppers. Christmas Day dawned in heavy rain, but before noon Hie sun came out and with it the holiday-makers to throng the beaches and playing areas. A strong carnival committee has arrangements well in hand for the athletic and aquatic sports, to conclude with a ball in the evening, on January 2. in lieu of New Year’s Day. which is the big rlay of the year in Raglan-by-the-Soa