CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS.

Otaki Mail, Volume XXIII, 29 December 1920, Page 2

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS.

GOOD WEATHER THROUGHOUT. The Christmas holidays iu this dis-trit-t were enjoyed to the fullest by young and old. Fine weather was ox- i perieneed right, through, and although the wind was a bit disagreeable at times, it was not really bail, and did not dampen the ardour 'if tbos»: who ' wished to enjoy their holidays in the ' open-air; in fact, it was ideal weather for outdoor import and camping. CHRISTMAS TRADE. Contrary to the expectations of many, who thought that Christinas !r;<de would suffer considerably thj-i season by comparison with last, trade was excellent. All shopkeepers did a roaring trade on Christmas Eve, and not only so, but the trade for the whole of last week way exceptionally good, and in most cases the taking.-; were a new record. This is exceedingly gratifying, and is a fair criterion of the abnndaucc of money among the public. On Christmas Eve the main street at Otaki was densely thronged. The spirited music supplied by the Otaki Brass Band greatly enlivened proceedings, and one and all seemed in happy, holiday mood. AT THE HOSPITAL AKD SANATORIUM. Fortunately, there were only a few patients at the Otaki Hospital for Christmas, but all who were in the institution spent a happy ticac, receiving very nice presents, while there was an abundance o'f Christmas cheer. The decorations were verv nice.

Christmas Day was a red letter day to the "San" patients. Nearly all the patients were out of bed for tie day, which wag a real festive occasion. At a very early hour of the jnorning, when the patients emptied out the treasures brought them by Santa Claris, the fun began, and was kept going fast and furious- all day. One would never have thought that -the bright, eager faces of the holidaymakers belonged to invalid.?. The decorations were, as usual, on lavish scale and exceedingly pretty,i the large dining-room looking vzrr sice indeed. The Christmas dinner was "done full justice to. while afternoon tea w&& another joyous function. A lady visitor delighted all by a. snmßer of race vocal solos. Afterward.-, a Christinas service was conducted by tat- Rev. O. F. Petrie, M.A., concluding with a weli-ksown and popular Christmas caroL Altogether it was a very succes-sfal and happy time for the patients, who tor the time heicg forgot aO about "temperatures" and their troubles, and gave themselves up to the full enjoymtrit of the joyous, reason. If the donors of Christmas cheer could have ~:en how heartily same were appreciated, they wonld have been delightedAT THE SEASIDE. Perhaps the Otaki beath was never i better patronised tear; during the hoii- j days. For months pSst ever-' avail- ! able bed at the seaside resort baa beeu ; booked, and during the pttst few days about 100 person* have been accommodated there. The hotel-: in Otaki and other aetommodation hoaxes have also been faiL while a Biu&ber have been camp-i.g It. variOßi: localities. The kiosk has been a psrtieslairy busy plate during the past few days. Last night a da-ce was held u tie spaeiotu cinin-g-room, ween a splendid time was spert by aH. It is pleaeißg to krenr tiat all tie viators have gs^ojkJ

themselves at the beach. On Christmas Day and Boxing Day many visitors from various parts of the district, as well as local residents, patronised

the beach, where picnic parties wero to be seen in all directions. AT THE CHURCHES. At the Methodist Church there were special Christmas services, and on both occasions there were large attendances. The Rev. W. G. Slade gave appropriate addresses. The Roman Catholic Church was nicely decorated for the Christmas services, and special services and masses were. held, the latter being conducted by the Rev. Father Melu. At the Anglican Church two communion services were well attended, while at the carol service there was also a large attendance. The Rev. G. F. Petrie, M.A.. officiated, while Mr and Mrs- G. F. Davies sang "Love Divine" ("The Daughter of Jaims") very nicely.