QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5044, 24 May 1877, Page 2

QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY.

Tlie time-honored custom of making holiday on the natal day of England’s Sovereign will of course be observed on this the 24th of May. It is rightly looked upon as an occasion to be devoted entirely to recreation, and we have observed that great preparations have been made in various directions for amusements of different kinds, and as a rule no doubt many’ will avail themselves of the opportunity afforded by the special trains to visit the country, and seek for the true pleasure to be found in rural scenes. It is to be hoped, therefore, that the weather will be favorable, and that a clear sky and genial sun will invite the people forth to recreation. Having alluded to the railway, it may be as well to state, for the information of such as require it, that trains will run as on Saturdays, namely, leave Wellington for Lower Hutfc at 7.30, 9.45, and 11.30 a.m., 1.15, 3.20, and 5 p.m.; for Upper Hutt, at 7.30 and 11.30 a.m., 3.20 and 5 p.m. Leave Lower Hutt for Wellington at 5.41 and 10.25 a.m., 12, 10, 2,4, and 5.40 p.m.; leave Upper Hutt for Wellington at 8 and 11.25 a.m., 3.15 and 4.55 p.m. At the LOWER HUTT Arrangements have been made for a pigeon shooting match, and some capital sport is anticipated. BASIN RESERVE SPORTS. The programme of sports to be held on the Basin Reserve to-day has been for some time before the public, and there is every reason to believe that (the weather being favorable) they will be quite as successful, if not more so, than those which have been previously held either on the Basin Reserve or elsewhere in Wellington. UNVEILING the FEATHERSTON BUST. As announced, this interesting ceremony will take place to-day in the presence of his Excellency the Governor. The doors of the Museum will be opened at half-past 2, but entrance by the eastern door, in Museum-street, will only be given until a quarter to 3, after which admission will be by the south door only, the entrance in Museum-street being reserved from that time for members of the Government, the memorial committee, and those who have special cards of admission. No doubt there will be a large attendance to witness the ceremony. FIRE BRIGADE DINNER. To celebrate the opening of the commodious and handsome station of the Wellington Fire Brigade, a banquet will be held this evening in the large committee meeting room on the second floor of the new building. Everything has been done by Captain Whiteford and the committee to ensure its being a success. Mr, Urwin is the caterer for the dinner, and that should be a sufficient guarantee that so far as this portion of the proceedings is concerned there will be nothing wanting. OTHER AMUSEMENTS. In various other directions there will be amusements, viz., the Theatre, &.C., in the evening, and dancing parties, besides an entertainment in the Dixon-street schoolroom.