NEW YEAR'S DAY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1836, 3 January 1889, Page 2

NEW YEAR'S DAY.

At Temuka no special attempt was made to celebrate the dawn of a new year. In the small hours there was soma little cracker-firing and music, but little'4)f the riotous gaiety with which it is the custom to hail New Year’s Day. The Caledonian sports in Timaru attracted a large number of visitors from the Temuka district, and at an early hour vehicles of every description, well filled with passengers, wore to be seen making their way to Timaru. The train was also well patronised, and after it had left the town presented a very deserted appearance, Such of the residents who did not appreciate sports indulged in picnic parties, several going to the park or bushes, whilst others went to the beach, Milford Lagoon appears to be daily growing in favor, and on Tuesday there must have been close upon 300 people there. Fishing was the order of the day, and the sport was of the very best, several individuals securing from 6to 12 dozen of herrings with single lines. The happy owners of boats were to be envied, for the fifty was simply perfect for boating. The water, except in mid-channel, was as smooth as a mill pond, while tho gentlest of winds from the ocean lent a refreshing coolness to what would otherwise have been » scorching day, Among the visitors to this pleasant spot must be mentioned » number of people from Timaru, who expressed themselves very favorab'y impressed with it. It is,a pity that so few boats are available. Anyone with several boats for hire would not only confer a favor upon visitors, but would probably reap a substantial reward for his enter-prise.—-The local Salvation Army corps with their friends to the number in all of some 150 had a very pleasant gathering in the Park, where they indulged in the customary games, finishing op with tea and refreshments in the cool of the evening,—Yesterday was also kept as a holiday by the tradespeople, many of whom again sought rural retreats. The early train to Timaru was fairly well patronised, but there was nothing like the crowd of the previous day.