ANNIVERSARY DAY IN CHRISTCHURCH.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2126, 16 December 1880, Page 2

ANNIVERSARY DAY IN CHRISTCHURCH.

The response to the invitation of TT'« Worship the Mayor to the business-portion of the community to observe the Anniversary Day as a close holiday, was very generally responded to, although, as always will be the case, certain tradesmen preferred to makethemselves conspicuous by displaying their wares for sale. Many parties of pleasure seekers were organised, and during the morning the streets were kept alive by a large number of traps passing to and fro bearing their living freights to the suburbs, and the more easily available watering places in search of relaxation and amusement. The tramway came in for its share of patronage, bearing a large number of school children, under the care of their teachers, northwards for a day’s outing. A largo influx of country folks came in by train from north and south, doubtless attracted by the wonder of the “greatest show on earth ” and the sports in Hagley Park. In addition to these attractions, the devotees of Terpsichore are provided for at the Oddfellows’ Hall by a ball in the evening. Whilst those who believe in “ the feast of reason and the flow of soul,” can find their wants supplied at the converzione at the Conyers' Lodge, Sydenham.

The sporting public took advantage of the Northern line to attend the race meeting at Amberley; whilst the trains to Port bore large numbers to Lyttelton, where excursions to Akaroa per Wanaka, and to Port Levy and Governor’s Bay per Akaroa and Lyttelton, were arranged. But the great centre of attraction was Hagley Park Anniversary Day Sports. For those sports, if the weather was not all that could be desired, the strong nor’-easter causing great inconvenience from the clouds of dust on the running course, the complete arrangements of the committee conduced to a more successful issue than on previous occasions. Notably, the direct entrance from the dressing-room to the course, which enabled the competitors for the various events to come up promptly to the call ef time. The Excelsior Band was in attendance, and played several selections of mnsic, with their well-known ability. From about half-past eleven o’clock a steady stream of people could be seen crossing the College Bridge, where the irresistable W. P. Warner and bis associates stood at the receipt of donations. Various amusements were provided, apart from the programme, notably, the unicycle, the camera obscure, dancing pavillion, Ac , Ac. The running course was in capital order, having been well rolled and watered. The publicans’, confectionery, and refreshment booths, did good trade. The committee are to be congratulated on the improved arrangements for the children’s sports, a coarse having been laid off on the river side of the course proper instead of on the north side, as was the case on former occasions. The sports commenced punctually at 12 o'clock, and]were proceeding when we went to press.