THE PRINCE OF WALES’ BIRTHDAY.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 4878, 9 November 1876, Page 2

THE PRINCE OF WALES’ BIRTHDAY.

To-day will be observed as a general holiday, and should the weather prove as fine as it - was last year, there can be little doubt of everyone enjoying themselves to their hearts’ content, for the amusements at command are • very numerous, and specially calculated to be appreciated for their variety. There are days in the year which from old custom are more generally recognised as what may be termed legitimate holidays, but in the colonies at least the anniversary of the birth of the Prince of Wales has always been celebrated as a day. of recreation, and business people have come to regard it as a day of recreation if not of rest,. , insomuch that very few of them entertain the idea of doing trade, and all classes of shopmen “and those who are engaged in office work - look forward to it as a release from labor. Last year there , were not wanting means of enjoyment for pleasure-seekers, sports of different kinds having been arranged with, care. On this-occasion, however, those who have interested themselves in the matter have exercised themselves in an endeavor, which we have reason to believe will be successful, to provide unusual scope for recreation. At the Upper Hutt sports will be held, and the pro- - gramme is such as to attract crowds of people, while probably numbers will journey there for the sake of the trip merely, or for picniciug, as there are many beautiful places in that direction- for such a purpose. Again the Caledonian Society have a rival attraction s! town. As usual, the sports in connection with ; this body will be held on the Basin Reserve, and the various events should prove very interesting. Two or three novel features have been introduced; but the committee may claim the special gratitude of many for the , introduction of a Baby Show, which is the most novel feature on the programme, and not , by any means the least interesting. There is no good reason why babies should not have a show in-two senses of the word j and it is hoped that Wellington will prove itself on thie occasion satisfactorily. Some fan may be expected to be caused by .it. The judge wilU

have a difficult task. He should not be weakminded or sensitive to.the scorn of the gentler Bex, The trains will run to the Upper Hutt frequently during the day, and for the convenience of pleasure parties will stop at the different stations along the route. The employees' of Mills’ foundry will make a picnic excursion to the Hutt, and subsequently will have a little festivity in the evening. At Fahautanui the cricket club there will play a match with a team from Thorudon, and it is expected that many friends of the cricketers will go out to witness the match, and enjoy the country air. Of course, much depends on the state of the weather, which it is much to be hoped will continue fine. The Moa will make a trip round the harbor, and a very pleasant trip it should prove. At almost every point of the compass amusements have been provided, and it seems probable that the day. ydll be celebrated as it never has been before in Wellington.