BOXING DAY.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2718, 26 December 1882, Page 3

BOXING DAY.

THE FRIENDLY SOCIETIES’ PETE

This day, which is looked upon by the numerous members in Christchurch of the ■various societies, as their own proper holiday, broke with a threatening for rain in striking contrast to the unsually brilliant weather which had prevailed for the previous week. A slight shower began to fall about ten o’clock, but passed over soon, leaving the day cloudy and pleasantly cool, a grateful change from ths late intense heat. From a very early hour that portion of the city leading to the Agricultural and Pastoral Show Ground was thronged with people travelling in that direction, or waiting to view the procession of the orders on their way to the rendezvous. The tramcars ran at short intervals in large trains, heavily loaded, and numerous other vehicles took large numbers of people. The brethren fell in near Latimer square shortly after ten o’clock. They mustered as strongly as usual, and as seen at various points along their route, which comprised the leading thoroughfares, were a very pretty sight. They passed in the following order :

Band Foresters in costume and mounted Grand Banner Foresters in regalia on foot Grand Banner Juvenile Foresters, witKbannerets Banner Druids in costume on foot

Triumphal Car containing Bards, &c., emblematically grouped in costume, crowned with oak leaves Druids in costume, on foot Band Lyttelton Orphanage Children Oddfellows in regalia, various Lodges each with their own grand banners. BICYCLISTS’ PROCESSION. The members of the various clubs in Christchurch and others about to take part in the races at Lancaster Park, assembled in Cathedral square. They were in costume, and forming in pairs, mounted their machines and proceeded direct to the Park via High street. Amongst them were a diminutive bicyclist, fancifully dressed, who piloted his toy vehicle with as much apparent ease and address as did any of his big brothers. Mr J. M. Thompson Brought up the rear on a tricycle. ST. ANDREW’S SCHOOL. The children of this school, with their teachers and many friends, with flags flying and a band of music playing, occupied to overflowing three tramears, and were taken away in the direction of Sumner for their annual treat. MISCELLANEOUS. Vast numbers of people were conveyed By the trains, principally to Lyttelton for the sea excursions. The usual turn out of all conceivable shapes of vehicles also were to be seen in all directions crammed with holiday makers, the result being, as far as could be seen, a good old-fashioned celebration of the day.