The Manawatu Herald. Tuesday, December 28, 1909. SUNSHINE AND STORM.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 702, 28 December 1909, Page 2

The Manawatu Herald. Tuesday, December 28, 1909. SUNSHINE AND STORM.

Proverbially fickle, the weather well-nigh excelled itself at Christmastide in the year of our Lord 1909. The remarkable contrast exhibited these last few days will make the present festive season one to be remembered. Up till Christmas Eve the elements maintained a geniality, bright yet ardent, that encouraged the belief that once again the fates that look after the weather at Christmas would prove happily propitious. The night preceding the natal day was one of memorable beauty and peacefulness, such as befitted the period. “Peace, goodwill to all men,” sang the carollers, but the Government Meteorologist (Rev. D. C. Bates), after looking into things, prophesied evil of the weather , a somewhat unnecessary and extra-intrusive southerly, which duly arrived, blustering discomfortingly. It roared round and over New Zealand in a spirit quite contrary to that which pervaded the habitations of humanity, rudely upsetting things material, physical and ethical, and generally making of itself a decided nuisance. But it came too late to damp all the enthusiasm aiid joyfulness of the time. Christmas Eve was a traditionally lively and happy circumstance in which childhood and adulthood let their hearts, voices and cash go generously. The throngs flooded the streets and glittering wonderlands of commerce, and it was a glad time for both tradesman and customer. But the morning brought the noisy gale from the South, and it was mostly Christmas indoors, a trifle more sober than many anticipated or hoped for. Those who ventured out into the open had their goodwill, put to a great strain, and their peace badly shattered. Yet if must be remembered that the children had had their Christmas Eve just as they liked it. Wind and weather the following day troubled Them not so much as the more thoughtful adults, whose outlook, since they ate grown-ups, inevitably took on some of the dulness associated with a damp southerly. Towards Sunday afternoon the storm abated considerably, and the many visitors to the local beach were simply delighted with the magnificent evening on the sands, while lor Boxing Day the crowds of holiday makers, their spirits turned up to gladsomeness by the returned genial weather, turned their faces to the country attractions and the breezy beaches in good heart.