CHRISTMAS IN THE DISTRICT.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 December 1917, Page 4

CHRISTMAS IN THE DISTRICT.

PLEASURE AND BUSINESS. Signs of the near approach of Christmas are not wanting in and about New Plymouth. For some days past vied tore have been arriving in goodly numbers, and each train and boat appears to add to those who have selected this favorite holiday resort for their Christmas vacation. Though the dark clouds of war still overhang the world, there are evidences that the people are not altogether bereft of the joyous spirit which Ts the peculiar gift of this season, and it is evident that, for the time being, at least, such sorrows as undoubtedly cloud many lives, will still feel the influence of. that highest form of peace and. goodwill njjth which tli-s Christmas season .is so closely associated. Though this is war time, Mid the high cost of all those kindly toluns which usually change hands at Christen as may limit expenditure, yet the custom is being honored as largely as ever, and there is no lack of purchasers for th« attractive articlea that are so temptingly displayed in the various .shops, HOT are the boys at the front forgotten. A large number of soldiers who have bfien granted leave from the camps have readied their homes, and their presence amongst their friends during the festivities will add to the, general enjoyment of the occasion. The town has presented an increasingly busy appearance daring the paut tew days, anil the shops have been doing a satisfactory amount of business, which always comes with something of a MMb during the last few days before the days commence. There are, of e&one, some businesses which profit more than others at this season of the year, but in the main all classes of trade appear to be participating in the general, prosperity, The children everywhere are entering into the season with their accustomed and natural abandon, and all indications point to as cheerful a Christmas time ns the serious nature of events Will permit.

The holiday attractions are sufficient, 1 and of a kind, to provide amusement for all. The Taranoki Jockey Club's Christmas meeting, which takes place on. Wednesday, has: drawn big entries, and the arrangements in connection with, the meeting are such as to assure patrons of an excellent day's sport. On Thursday the New Plymouth Citizens' Band carnival will be held in Puke» kura Pave, and the programme has been arranger! in such a way as to eater for all tastjis. In addition to the customary Sports fventa, there arc to be quite a mimlW of novelty items, a fid at night an entertainment will be held. The items announced include a number of partsongs by the Male Choir, which will be sung from boats on the lake. As the proceeds of the carnival are in aid of the bandroom fund, it is anticipated thu venture will be accorded generous support.

On Now Year's Day picnics have been ■ arranged by the energetic beach committees of both East, and West Bods, and at those, again, popular programmes will be provided, and, despite curtailed train arrangements, each will attract lttg* ) crowds.

A monster combined picnic is also bsing held on the west side beach at W*itnra, and here, bo doabt, there will large gathering of residents' of the (tar port.

There will ateo-be on January 1 *nd2 the usual bowling tournament, wimA will be played ou the time local grigme. There will also be on January i the annual meeting of file Stratford Badly Club. A good programme, m which Jtfeeral stages are offered, should ptovide aji attractive day's snorting. In addition to the local fixtures, and the beauties of the immediate rorroundings of New Plymouth, there is always the lure of the mountain, and of tho Mokau riiw, tad residents and visitors alike should avail themselves of the excollent facilities,.provided for visiting these favorite tourist resorts,*which offer unique- attractions. Tlio Ngaere Gardens, with their picturesque scenery and many amusements for ■young and old, should alao attract lwj» (crowds of visitors from all parts of Ta- " ranaki.

Special holiday programmes for Everybody's and the Empire Theatres have been arranged,' and appear elsewhere.