THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2072, 26 December 1907, Page 2

THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS

A .MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE. HEAVY RAIN SPOILS OUTDOOR GATHERINGS. v GLOOMY PROSPECTS FOR TOr DAY’S FUNCTIONS. Bv train, coach, ’bus, and trap, people have been pouring into Gisborne from tho country districts, far and near, for the past few days, on pleasure bent. .. The morning and afternoon trains on Tuesday were crowded, and there is no doubt that v record traffic was handled. On Christmas Eve all the available carriages, trucks, etc., were fully occupied, and a very long train conveyed tho pleasure-seekers to their homes. A visitor to any of tl\e local .stables would see a vast array of traps, buggies, and gigs placed wherever a spare corner could be found, and there was no means of passing through the buildings through the number of horses being attended to; and still more kept coming in. There was a very large number of youths and nva'id'ens, old people and young people, taking possession of the footpaths and the roadway. Indeed, the only possible method of progression was by the road, and Gisborne is fortunate in its fine broad streets. The most noticeable tiling was the incessant din —a perfect pandemonium—caused by tlie free blowing of bugles, .whistles, etc. It was clearly children’s night, and the young folk were there to enjov themselves, and they succeeded admirably ill tlieir object. They were liberally supplied with toys by indulgent parents, and there was nothing to mar tlieir enjoyment in any way. As to decorations, scarcely more than half a dozen business premises were decked for the season, but those which were decorated relieved the aspect considerably. It is pleasing to record that tire work of the police was rendered liedit by the good behavior of the people, and there is only one inebriate in the cells to be brought up to-day. As tlie liour grew late many weary papas and mamas could be seen wheeling home perambulators laden with purchases and dragging tired children with them. Fortunately for the business portion of the community, the weather was all that could be desired, and some of the shopkeepers estimate that their takings constitute a record.

The weather, an uncertain quantity lately, was unkind to liolidayma’keis, .and deceived them into setting out yesterday morning, and then wetting them. A considerable number went camping andi picnicing to the Wainui beach, and reports received in, town during the day show that there were many urgent requests for cabs or any conveyances to return the unlucky ones to their homes. Several parties set out up the .Waim.vta river. Some returned when they saw the hopeless nrespects, cutting sorry figures to observers on the bridges and river banks. Of several river excursionists nothing had been heard up till last night. Several gentlemen set out on horseback for the Morere Hot Springs. They would be certain to receive the full benefit of the rain near the junction.

The City and the Salvation Army bands were out carolling from 10 o'clock on Tuesday evening .-util 7 o’clock yesterday morning. They were unable to make as complete a round as mapped out, but- visited as ■many residences as possible. At several gentlemen’s places they were hospitably treated, and the kindness was appreciated, for playing so .ong at a stretch w-a's found very trying. At the time of writing the outlook is not promising for to-day’s outings. •Boxing 'Day is the day for outdoor sports, etc., but they are likely to ho seriously interfered with. The engagements for the day aro races at Wliatatutu, Salvation Army : ionic at Busbmere, H.A.C.B.S. sports at Kaitaratahi, cricket, and bowling, and tlxe Howard Vernon Company in the evening.

Press Association.

WANGANUI, Dec. 25. The holiday passed off quietly. Rain fell on portion of Christmas Evo and up till 2 p.m. to-day. WELLINGTON, Dec. 25.

The weather on the whole has been gloriously fine for the holiday season so far as it has gone. Yesterday was very hot. The city was very busy, ami the tradespeople appeared to bo doing exceptionally good _ business. The postal! and telegraphic traffic was heavy, particularly the latter. In fact, during the whole ol yesterday and last evening it was a matter of no small difficulty to get near the counter .at the telegraph office. When the city streets were crowded rain began to fall about half-past nine last evening, driving the crowds homeward earlier than they would otherwise have done. To-day broke fine, and continued so. The day passed quietly. The suspension of the electric tram service made the city seem unusually quiet, though the traffic on the harbor excursion steamers was heavy.