THE HOLIDAYS.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 January 1920, Page 4

THE HOLIDAYS.

RECORD NUMBBER OP VISITORS. VERY ORDERLY CROWDS. Many records have been established in New Plymouth during the Christinas and New Year holiday season. While it is not possible to ascertain the number of visitors it is estimated that they constitute a record. The numbers travelling were considerably in excess of those for the previous year, and the accommodation in the town has been quite inadequate to meet the demand. Travellers by railway, both to and from New Plymouth, largely exceed the numbers travelling last Christmas. The re-introduction of excursion fares is believed to be responsible for this in a great measure, while the plentiful supply of money which is reported on all hands has no doubt been a contributing factor. And, again, because this was a real Peace Christmas employers have been more generous in granting holidays, many firms closing for three week? who before only closed for two weeks, and others extended the holidays beyond the customary period. The traffic by steamer between New Plymouth and Onehunga has been particularly brisk. Holiday makers started to move earlier on this occasion, the rush starting when the Rarawa resumed running on. December 16th, and the bookings continue to be well maintained. Tne number of visitors by motor cars is believed to be very much greater than in previous years.

The police report a very satisfactory holiday season. A detective Btated that the crowds were larger titan usual for Christmas in New Plymouth, but tliey had never been more orderly. At this time of the year the police expect to see many old friends about, but they state there has been a gratifying absence of undesirables. As is usual a few men were warned off the racecourse, but no one had to be requested to spend his holidays in some other town. There has been a complete absence of crime throughout the holidays. The cool evening which followed the hot summer day attracted a large crowd in the streets in New Plymouth on New Year's Eve, Shop-keepers had a very busy time, though business was not quite so Tirisk as on Christmas Eve. Though the crowd was large it was orderly, and tho absence of fire-works, which on previous occasions have caused much annoyance, was very noticeable. Tiie actual passing of the Old Year was celebrated very quietly. A small crowd gathered around the Post Office and on the stroke of twelve sang the National Anthem and "Auld Wg Syne," but soon after heralding the New Year everyone dispersed homewards. A glorious summer's day yesterday made the holiday a delightful one. There were crowds everywhere—on the beaches, in the parks, at the races, and at all the pleasure resorts.