CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 December 1917, Page 4

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS.

LARGE CROWDS AND BRISJ BUSINESS.

Christmas Eve broke disappointingly, from the point of view of both the tradesmen and the pleasure-seekers. Throughout the day the district was subjected to the heaviest downpour of rain that has been experienced for weeks. Prospects for business people were somewhat dismal up till well into the afternoon, when the weather moderated considerably. Despite, the uninviting condi- ■ tions, there were large crowds (n town during the late afternoon, and at uigfit the Btreets were thronged. £he train* arriving during the day .continued to bring additional visitors, and ■' when the mail train arrived at night there wag a further large influx. Accommodation was severely taxed, and those who had neglected to Bec\ire rooms previously were obliged to hunt about, and some had to seek lodgings in private houqe*. The holiday traffic has been exceedingly heavy, in spite of the restrictions on rail* way travelling. Last Frid«jr mw the first of the Christmas rush, when about 400 passengers arrived by the evening mail, and on Monday night al>out the same number arrived. The arrivals on Saturday were slightly below tijie other two days. There were also a large number of arrivals from the north by tin Rarawa, on both Friday and Monday, i The outward traffic has not bean so heavy, Saturday morning witnessing the largest exodus, when the mail train took about 200 passengers.

The crowds in the streets on Monday night were evidently bent on enjoyment, and the utmost goodwill prevailed., The shops were crowded, and people Apparently spent freely, as some businesses reported an increase on last year's trade.

The fact that no accidents were reported, and no arrests made, indicates sufficiently the good humor of the people. Yesterday for the most part was spent quietly. Special services were held in several of the churches. In the afternoon the parks and beaches and yarioos reserves about town were visited by a goodly number of people, despite the fact that the trams were not runnjng. To-day the main attraction is tb® Tftrannki Jockey Club's Christmas meeting. The arrangements have received very careful attention, and a succewftll gathering is certain.. Mr. E. Whittle, of the Red House Hotel, will be in of the publican's booth, and th£ catering will be under the control of Mr. A. Wooller. The club will control the tea kiosk this year, Miss 0. Mackay having, undirtaken to supervise that department, The Citizens' Band has been engaged to ppovide music during the afternoon, The first race is timed for 11.46, and though there are no race trains, the service has been arranged so that patrons may be able to witness the whole of the events.

To-morrow the Citizens' Band" carnival is to be held at Pukekura Park, commencing at 11 a.m. Full particulars of an attractive programme have already been given.