THE CHRISTMAS SEASON.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 December 1918, Page 6

THE CHRISTMAS SEASON.

BUSINESS AND PLEASURE. This district, and indeed every district throughout the Dominion has been hit hard uy the recent iniluenza epidemic, and ousiness in every direction received a serious set-back. This was particularly regrettable in any case, out coming as it did just at tile time when the feelings of the people, wliicn had been pent up by four years of the crudest of warfare, found relief by the news of tha signing of the armistice, which gave prospects of an early peace, it was even more to be regretted, and prevented the throwing off restraint in tlio full measure that tile occasion warranted. Happily, however, this has been combatted, the noble work of all who assisted being a matter of justifiable pride to the whole community. Doubtless business people will not altogether recover the loss that was sustained, but the recovery in this connection that had been apparent during the past few days, indicates that the joyous Christmas season will be honored in the customary fashion. A new realisation of the meaning of "peace on earth" must come with this season, as after four years of war the celebrations will be made with the war-drums silenced, and hi anticipation of the trumpet tone that shall herald a peace which it is universally hoped will make war in the future impossible.

New Plymouth has had a busy appearance during the past few days, and in spite of all the adverse circumstances the Christmas shopping has been as brisk as could reasonably be expected. The children, of course, claim the pre-emin-ent place at this season, and their anticipation of Santa Claus is no less keen than was that of their parents in bygone days.

UNSURPASSABLE ATTRACTIONS. New Plymouth and the surrounding district affords unsurpassable attractions for the visitor and holiday-maker, and already the presence of strangers in town shows that these attractions have proved as magnetic as in former years. The town itself is "beautiful for situation," lying as it does to bask in the full blaze of the sun's splendour, having its forefront laved by the blue waters of the Pacific, where the beaches offer every facility for seaside enjoyment that can be desired by young or oldWithin the borough area are parks and reserves second to none in the Dominion, whilst the town i 3 girt with rich, fertile, undulating hills, which rise again to lose themselves in the slopes of mighty Egmont, which reaches to the realm of the eternal snows. Excellent accommodation for visitors is provided in these many resorts, while abundant facilities are offered for those who desire the mountain trip, with its many and unrivalled beauties.

NGAERE GARDENS. Within easy reach of the chief centres of Taranaki are also the charming Ngaere Gardens, which offer a variety of pleasures, and whose proprietors axe catering specially this season for holi-day-makers and picnic parties.

THE MOKAU. The Mokau river is also another exceedingly attractive resort. CHRISTMAS CONCERT As is customary, Christmas Day is not an occasion for 'entertainments, people for the most part preferring to spend the time quietly in famly reunions. At night, however, the Ngamotu Seaside Committee has arranged an excellent concert, to be given in Everybody's Theatre, in which a number of the most popular local performers, as well as some visitors, will be participating.

THE RACES. On Boxing Day the chief attraction is the Taranaki Jockey Club's summer meeting, which will afford an excellent day's sport for followers of racing. At night there will be special screenings at the Empire and Everybody's picture theatres, while a dance-recital will also be given in the Good Templar Hall. A SEASIDE GALA DAY. Friday will be a gala day at the East End Reserve, which, with its river and surf-bathing facilities should receive good patronage.

NEW YEAR'S DAY. On New Year's Day the Stratford Racing Club holds its annual meeting. This is always a popular Taranaki fixture, and this year promises to be in every way equal to, if not to exceed, that of previous years. There will also be the big seaside picnic at Ngamotu, with its endless programme of attractive competitions, etc. SPECIAL RAILWAY TIME-TABLE, In connection with all the holiday fixtures, special railway time-tables have been arranged to facilitate both inward and outward traffic.