The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING GISBORNE, DECEMBER 24, 1901. YULE TIDE.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 298, 24 December 1901, Page 2

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING GISBORNE, DECEMBER 24, 1901. YULE TIDE.

Before another issue of the Times appears, the festive .season of Christmas will have come and gone, and we therefore take this opportunity of wishing our readers the compliments of the season. Apart From its religious significance, the joyous season of Yule tide is looked forward to by all classes in English-speaking countries as the one occasion in the year lor the home-gathering of kith and kin ; the one time in the rear when all members of a family are drawn together to share each other’s affections, sorrows, and their joys, Although the old associations in regard to Christmas prevail to a certain extent in the colonies they are hardly appreciated here as in the Homeland, the reason for I his probably being that the festival is celebrated under totally different circumstances. The observance oi Christinas from a religions and homegathering point of view is, we regret to say, on the wane in the colonies. It is a sentiment which seems to have been left behind in tiie colder climes of our Fatherland. The present generation’s 'idea of the holiday season, in honor of the birthday of the Redeemer of mankind, is dim indeed were it not associated with a picnic party or a race meeting, ainl the longest, odds on the winner in some big racing event.. More frequently in the colonies ms.ead of the occasion being regarded as the time for all members of the family to he gathered under one roof, we find them scattered and seeking ''ifferent pleasures, the boys awav on yachting or fishing excursions, and Jl2 guis spending the holiday 111 the countr) The altered circumstances from the Homeland under which we live 111 New Zealand give us a good excuse for observing tiie season of Christmas in t.ie II miner that we do, and perhans, afte. all we do not miss much by not keeping Christmas more in the old-fashion-ed way. The season, m addition t' being made one for rejoicing, is also one for reflection, and coming xs it 6 does a few days before the New Year it is the one time in the year when events are noted, and then import to the individual as well as to the community taken into account. The joy fulness of the present season ■will he somewhat marred by the tact, that- the nation has for (he third year in succession been prosecuting a war which has brought sorrow to many thousands of homes. At the Christmas gatherings around the hearths m British homes to-morrow as well as in the colonies, there will he many heavy hearts on account of beloved ones wbo in answer to the call ol ,lutv took up arms for their country and sacrificed their lives on the veldt of South Africa. There will also be sorrow and anxiety for those who are at. present engaged in that wai, and whose return was looked for before Chr'.'tmas. but these are necessary experiences to a great, nation, and, although it is hard to do. so, must, be accepted with quiet resignation. It is satisfactory to note, however, that there is every prospect of an early cessation of hostilities, and that peace Will Mi'itlj reign in Sout.i Africa The low prices of wool and mutton are piotc or less calculated to put a damper on the spirits of those engaged in agricultural pursuits, and this depression, as one would naturally expect- m a district, such as ours, which depends almost entirely for its prosperity' on tiiose products, is hound to up [pit, this Christmas directly or mjirrci’y by almost every member of she community. The prevailing low prices for the products mentions! should, however, have one good effect, and that is to cause settlers to look round for other sources of income. Already there are signs ill this district that the dairying industry is likely to take a strong hold, and with 'this extra card in the hands of farmers there is every reason to look for increased prosperity. We mustlook to the development of new industries and the extension of colonial markets for the betterment of things, and doubtless some arrangements will be arrived at with the Australian Commonwealth which will facilitate trado with those colonies. The steady growing confidence in this district is somewhat phenomenal, considering the adverse prices which are ruling for its chief products, and a district which. under such circnmstonces can maintain its elasticity must undoubtedly have a great future before it. The last two years hn\e been anxious years, but the nation lias learnt many lessons from its experiences, and to-day it stands more united and confident in its own power than has been the case for a long time past. This being so, there is much to be thankful for, and although as we previously pointed out, our joyfulness this Christmastime may be somewhat saddened by the events which ore occurring around us, yet we cannot but admit ‘hat they are not without thengood results, and tbo nation has profited withal. Although .-’ , _ honored, and perhaps will thought oy . some to be threadbare, we canno« do better than conclude this short article by wishing one and all of our readers

A Happy Christmas and A Prosperous New Year.

There will be no issue of the Times tomorrow (Christinas Day), or on Boxing Day. The Magistrate’s Court was closed for the holidays yesterday. The Christmas vacation extends to Monday, January 6th, 1902.

All persons in town this evening are reminded not to miss seeing the Darktown concert given in Adair Bros, showwindow.

Messrs Bedstone and Son’s Whatatutu coach leaves town at 10 o'clock this morning, an hour earlier than usual, and a return trip, leaving Whatatutu at 4 p.m. the same day, will be made. There will be no coach'to Whatatutu on Christmas Day. Yesterday morning southerly winds prevailed generally throughout the colony. Passing showers were reported at Napier and rain at Christchurch. Heavy rain fell at Wellington and Blenheim on Sunday night. Moderate seas were running at'Tauranga, Cape Campbell, Nuggets Point and Cape Egrnont yesterday. The New’ Zealand Literary and Historical Association's prize of three guineas for the best New Zealand poem has been awarded to Miss Dora Wilcox, of Christchurch, for a poem entitled “ The Last of the Forest." Sixty.eight poems were sent in, and the judges were sur- j prised at receiving so much high-class j work. I

Murk Way ; unuunec.-; great reductions in the price ol ladies' ready-made costumes. The cycling sports to be held in Gregg’s paddock on Boxing Day should prove a great attraction. To-morrow being Christmas Day, services will be held at the Anglican, Roman Catholic, and Wesleyan Churches. ; Visitors to town during the present I week arc reminded that air .J. Robb’s photographic studio will be opened to-day and on Friday and Saturday. An invitation is extended to ail to inspect the Christmas display, The Union Steam Ship Company notify in our advertising columns that theii office will not open on Christmas Day and request that all passengers who intom travelling per Te Atiau to Aucklam should book at- the office before 5 p.m j to-day.

Messrs Adair Bros., the enterprising ! ocal drapers, have just had built to order ; ,111 exceedingly handsome van for the ; lelivery of parcels to their numerous : customers. The van was built by Mr | J. 11. Ormond, and reflects great credit [ upon the manufacturer. The work done by the Beautifying Association near the Taruhcru bridge has 1 been much admired. At tiie meeting of : the Borough Council last night, on the j motion of Or Mason, seconded by Cr j •Jones, It was resolved to take the enelo- | sure over from the Association, shingle j the pathway, and have turnstiles erected, the ground then to bo thrown open to the public. The semi-final of the Poverty Bay trial fours took place last evening, when R. Jones (stroke), B. Williams, T. Nicholson, and If. Smith, defeated J. Smith (stroke), Newton, A. Pool, and Arch. Pool. The race was splendidly contested throughout, Jones’ crew winning by a baro half length. The result was somewhat of a surprise, Smith’s crew being the popular fancy.

It is anticipated that a large crowd of townspeople will go out to Tatapouri on Boxing Day. The Natives have gone to great trouble in preparing for the race gathering, and there should be a very pleasant day’s outing. For the concert in the evening the assistance of popular town singers has been obtained, and the evening entertainment should take rank as one of much excellence. Tho night will be moonlight, and the drive or ride to and fro should bo a very enjoyable one. “ Biffer ” writes: —Those desirous of witnessing a good day’s cricket should attend tho match on Victoria Domain oti Boxing Day. Tho New Zealanders have the advantage of being in better form than the Englishmen, hut the latter are stronger on paper. Both teams have supporters. I hear that it is the intention of tho representatives of the English schools to hold a “capping ’’ ceremony in the evening should they prove victorious, when the “ diplomas ” taken during the day will be presented to the successful candidates. Neale will captain the Englishmen.

Part of Messrs Macdonald and Co.’s store at Tokomaru was yesterday destroyed by fire, and it was only by the exertions of a number of Natives that tho main building was saved. The insurances were : JUOO on tho building, £’loo 011 the stock in the Manchester Office, and DIOO on the furniture in the Northern. Tho firo occurred between 13 and 4 o’clock yesterday morning, being first obsorved by some men who were going out fishing. They hurried to the locality and awakened the inmates of tho premises—Mr and Mrs Gordon, Mrs Gordon’s sister, and a little girl—who had a somewhat narrow escape, and were unable to save anything of their effects.

The summer excursion to Stewart Island and West Coast Sounds, promoted by the U.S.S. Company is as line a holiday trip as 0110 can make, and should certainly- not be missed by persons who can take advantage of it. Tho excursion is to he made next month, and tiie magnificent s.s. Waikare will again be employed to make the trip. The accommodation provided by this steamer is superb, and tho vessel is in every way adapted for such an excursion. The Waikare leaves Sydney on January 4th, and proceeds via Wellington and Lyttelton to Dunedin, and after two days in tho latter place continues her voyage. The following passengers have booked at Gisborne : Mr and Mrs WE Branson, Mr and Mrs W. R. Barker, Mr F. B. Barker, Mr H. W. Barker, Miss F. V. Barkor, and Miss M. Barker.

A most successful concert was given at Waerenga-a-hika last evening, in aid of tho funds of tho Turanga Cuureh. A capital programme was submitted, the following items being contributed : ’Cello and piano duet, “ Operatic Airs,” Messrs Parker and Ernest Chrisp ; songs, “ Link Divine ” and “ Bide a-Wee,” Miss Redstone ; songs, “ Sally in our Alloy ” and “ The Toilers,” Mr Barlow ; song, “ Oh Promise Me,” Mr Dali-ymplo ; duet, “ Life’s Dream is O’er,” Mrs W. Graham and Mr Dalrymple ; song, “ Golden Love,” Mr Woodward ; recitation, “ The Toast,” Miss Ferguson ; song, “ If All the Stars,” Miss McCrcdie. A limelight exhibition of views of the Old Country was given by Mr W. F. Crawford, and proved very' interesting and amusing. Tho accompaniments during the evening were tastefully played by MrsW. Graham and Mr E. Chrisp. A well-known Auckland sportsman writing to a friend in Gisborne makes tho following reference to the Auckland meeting :—“ Tho festival season is fast approaching, and tho great carnival of the year, the Auckland Racing Club’s summer meeting, commences Boxing Day. I think Nonette will win the Auckland Cup. Much speculation hao -been indulged in. The race seems to be open. Bluejacket, Beddington, St. Michael, Coronet, and Ideal will also take a power of beating, but you go for Nonette, Bluejacket has next, best chance, notwithstanding his tremendous weight. Ideal is the best handicapped horse in the race, but no one knows what Ideal has been doing, he was not well in spring, and if a horse is not in form in spring it is almost an impossibility to be ready by the summer for such an event. Buchanan, 1 believe, will ride Beddington ; Gallagher, Battleaxe; Joe Sceats, Formula ; Lindsay, Bluejacket. Sceats, a Gisborne boy, rode Bluejacket to victory the last two years in succession. The Railway Handicap you should have a good bet 011 Cruciform ; she should pay a little over i'2. Tt is picking up money, don’t let | it pass. Jewellery and Roseila are next best.”

The monthly meeting of the Charitable Aid Board was held last night, and a good I deal of husi:? I ''- ""'as dealt l with, the members King :;::;ch concerned as to the increasing burdens that were lining placed on the Board's funds. The Auckland Board threatened proceedings on claims totalling MSS Bs, which the Gisborne Board did not consider itself justified in paying. In view of the many demands made in this way Mr Miller urged that the Board should take the initiative in getting the country boards to combine to have remedial legislation passed; he thought the Board should not be content to go on paying away money like this. The Chairman said that Mr Miller should give notice of a mbf!" 11 on the lines proposed. Among the requests put the Board was that it should take responsibility of the keep oi a little boy, who it was stated had been brought from Auckland by a resident some years ago. The Board considered that in such a case it should not take up the responsibility. Mr Hepburn reported that the new custodian of the Old Men’s Home had taken up the duties. The plan of the proposed new building was referred to the committee to report on.

Roman Catholic Church Services. Christmas Day. Gisborne, Mass ni , 7 a.m., 8.80 a.m., and 10 a.m.; Makauri, j Mass 7.80 a.m.; Ormond, Mass 9 a.m.: j Patutahi, Mass 11 a.m.-—Rev. T. Mulvihili. j Divine Service will be hold in Wesley | Church on Christmas evening a; 7.80. I Rev. Mr Rothweli will give a short j address, and special Christmas music will j be rendered by the choir. Holy Trinity Church Services, Christmas Day.—S am., Holy Communion; 11 a.m., Morning Prayer and Holy Communion, subject “ The Christmas Festival ”; 7 p.m., Evening Prayer, “Good Tidings of Great -Joy.'’