THE NEW YEAR.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1285, 3 January 1885, Page 3

THE NEW YEAR.

GERALDINE.. The unfavorable state of the weather | prevented any extensive demonstrations being made on New Year's Eve, to bid adieu to the old year and welcome in the new. It had been raining all day and though it cleared off somewhat towards midnight the streets were very wet, This did not, however, prevent a good number of people from attending St. Mary's Anglican Church, where a special service was conducted by the Rev. James Preston, who preached a very impressive sermon. The band paraded the town at midnight, und enlivened the air with a few selections. Earlier on in the evening a few persons indulged in a small display of fireworks. The earlier part of New Year's Day was wet and disagreeable, and disappointed many promised rides and drives. In the afternoon the weather cleared up, and a few townspeople went to Timaru to the Caledonian sports. The .township wore a quiet appearance all day. The band again paraded during the evening and played some excellent music. TEMTJKA. The passing away of the year 1884 and the ushering in of the year of 1885 was marked in Temuk-i by very litte that was out of the common. The weather was wet and miserable, and perhaps this accounts for the quietness of what is usually a very noisy time. Shortly before 11 o'clock the members of the Salvation Army paraded the Main street singing a hymn, and proceeded to the Wesleyan Chapel, where a service was held till about half-past 12. The church was crowded. A special vigil service was also held in St. Saviour's Anglican Church, which was also well attended. At 12 o'clock a f*w crackers wen let off by some persons who vere determined to keep up old customs, even if on n very small scale ; some festive individual rang the Presbyterian Church bell for a few seconds ; and a small band of choice spirits made the air resound for a short time with a few popular musical selections. Happily there was a maiked absence of the silly and destructive practices usually perpetrated en New Year's Eve. On New vear's Day the weather broke dull and threatening, but towards noon it cleared up and many betook themselves to the Caledonian Sports in Timaru. There were no amusements of any kind provided in the district. ' j I