CHRISTMAS AT SEA

Hokitika Guardian, 31 December 1930, Page 8

CHRISTMAS AT SEA

FESTIVITIES ABOARD NIAGARA. AUCKLAND, December 29. The 150 passengers who arrived by the Niagara from Vancouver were very nearly deprived of their , Christmas. The liner crossed the 180th meridan, which is the international date line, on December 25th, and in accordance with the custom of navigation that day should have been missed. Feeling, however, that the passengers and crew would “b'e ; disappointed- if they wept without their Christmas, Captain Hill gave instructions for the previous day to be skipped and Christmas Eve was struck off the calendar instead. Christmas was observed the day before the liner reached Suva. The day was spoiled somewhat by rough weather, rain and very muggy atmosphere, a continuance of the depressing conditions that dogged the liner all the way from Vancouver. The officers, passengers, and crew did their best, however, to make the proceedings as cheerful as possible, and a “oecial treat was given for the benefit of the children. A large and gaily ornamented Christmas tree stood in the music room, and children from the first, second, and third saloons were invited to share the. presents with which it was heavily loaded. Gifts land tfinklets were handed to eagereved Youngsters by a- live “Father Christmas,” arid an amusing ventriloquital entertainment was given by one of'the ship’s company.

Captain Hill presided at the festive board, which was spread with good things to eat and cut the Christmas cake. Afterwards there were games and competitions. Christmas dinner was served in the traditional lavish style. A large Christmas tree occupying a central position in the first-class dining saloon was hung with, tinsel and trinklets and illuminated with red, green, orange, and yellow electric lights. The branches of the fir tree were weighed down with artificial snow and a huge Christmas cracker reposed on top. Festoons of greenery and sprigs of English holly turned the saloon into a leafy bower gaily decorated with coloured balloons. The roughest day of the trip was December 23rd. So uncomfortable was the ship’s roll that a hall which was to have been held that evening had to he. postponed.