CHRISTMAS IN MASTERTON.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXIX, Issue 8319, 27 December 1906, Page 4

CHRISTMAS IN MASTERTON.

IDEAL WEATHEK. The Very rapid growth of the town o( Masterton during recent yeare, and the prosperity of the district generally, was exemplified on Christmas Ere by the large, cheerful, Bad evidently prosperous crowd that thronged the streets for several hours. The shops, as a whole, were simply crowded, and business people speak well of the Christmas trade done. The eaen& that presented itself was'bright and animated, and full of promise for the future. Owing to the fineness of the weather, which, fortunately, prevailed, a large number of oonntry people were in town, who must have been well pleased by the bright and busy air of Wairarapa's capital on the festive occasion. Pleasant by their almost complete absence were those abominable fireworks, which the Celestial, with bis wonderful appreciation of the ''eternal fitness" bf things Western,, delights to sell to the youngsters in large quantities at this time of the year. However, despite tbe elimination of fireworks from the programme the young people seemed to have a very good time, as, do doubt, many a parent's well tbinned pocket on Ohristmas morning testified. Later at nigbt musioal enthusiasts caroled more or leas vigorously-and until daylight was in. They were well received, and it is understood that those residents, whose feelings were not soothed on Ohristmas Eve, will be visited on the eve of the New Year. /

CJhristmae morning came ; in as bright and fair as ever day dawned. At the Anglican and Oatbolio Oliarehes there were large congregations at the different services, wtiicb were of an exceptionally hearty and invigorating character. On Boxing Day the only gathering of a semi-public character ifaß the Y.M.O. A. picnic, which was well attended. Very many private picnics were arranged, bat there is no doubt that some gathering of a really putllq character is required on Boxing Day Jn Masterton. The difficulty, owing to the nearness of the /Caledonian Society's meeting,, is to know what sort of amusement should be provided. Holidays, hawever, on which "there is nothing, to do" are a mistake. A sprinkling of the sporting community attended/ the races at Martinborougb, while others went to Palmerston North,, where the fascinating "maobiae" wbp, alao, being worked. Splendid weather prevailed for the holidays,, and it is a matter to be thankful for that ttoere were no acoidenta or other mishaps locally which frequently attend publii holidays.