CHRISTMASTIDE.

Otaki Mail, 29 December 1919, Page 3

CHRISTMASTIDE.

The Christmas holidays have come and gone. That most important factor at such times —the’ weather—was most favourable on the whole. Wednesday, 'the day preceding Christmas Day. was ,n. perfect, summer’s day, consequently a very busy time was experienced by business people. The town was full of people all day, and until a very late hour at. night, and all business people report having done excellently. Christmas Day was also a beautiful day, ideal for holiday-makers, but on Friday , (Boxing Day) steady rain set in early in the morning and continued practic- , ally all day, completely spoiling all out- ■ side functions, and the many picnics which had been arranged had to be postponed or abandoned. Saturday , morning, however, broke beautifully fine, and perfect weather has been experienced since—the most delightful spell of really summer weather we have had this season. A very large number of visitors have patronised Otaki and other parts of the district this Christmastide, and a great number remain here, still, the seaside resort being full to overflowing, and the various hotels and accommodation bouses being all well patronised. A considerable number of district residents attended the Palmerston race meeting. AT THE CHURCHES. Splendid congregations attended all the services held at All Saints’ Anglican Church on Christmas Day. The number of communicants at both morning services was a record. The enrol service in the evening was most enjoyable. and the church was titled on that occasion. The singing of a number of Christmas carols by a full choir was a pleasing feature of the service, while .Miss Evclyne Junes’ solo was sung with great feeling and perfect liarmany, was delightfully rendered and much enjoyed. The church had been very beautifully decorated for the festive occasion. The three Masses on Christmas morning at .St. -Mary’s Church, Olaki, were well attended. At 10 o’clock High Mass was celebrated by Rev. Father Maillard, - Excellent music was rendered by the choir. THE HOSPITAL AND SANATORIUM At both the Otaki Hospital and Sanatorium Christmas was celebrated with much gusto, and the many patients at both institutions spent a very pleasant time, thanks to the splendid efforts of tlie Matron and staff and to fHo many kind friends who assisted with donations and Christmas cheer. Considerable time had been spent by the staff, assisted by patients, in the decorations, which were exceedingly pretty and tasteful. Flags and flowers were used in profusion, and made a brave showing. Santa Clans did not overlook a single patient, and Ihe coning of the Christmas stockings proved a merry time for all. Christmas dinner passed off splendidly, and Christmas rejoicings came as a pleasant break and time of happiness to those who were suffering from sickness and compelled to be away from home and loved ones for Ciiristmastide. At the Sanatorium, after afternoon tea. a carol service conducted by the Rev. G. F. Petrie, M.A., was much enjoyed. Sanatorium desire to acknowledge Sanatorrium desire to asknowledge, with hearty thanks, receipt, of further donations for Christmas, from the following. viz.:—Airs Blair, Miss Buncos, Messrs C. 11. Williams, H. H. Olliver, Rev. Father Maillard. Thanks are also extended to the following for gifts of Christmas cheer: Mcsdames Bright, Meßeatb, Cockrell. Miss We they, Messrs ,T. P. Howell. Frank Brown. Bills and Moore, St. George, F. Penn, and Askew.