THE HOLIDAYS.

Waikato Times, Volume X, Issue 707, 28 December 1876, Page 2

THE HOLIDAYS.

The public has had splendid weather for the enjoyment of its Christmas holidays. Christmas Day itself was kept as usual, quietly and decorously. The morning Church service were well attended, the churches themselves being suitably decorated for the occasion. Indeed, in the case of St. Peter's, Hamilton, very great credit is due to Mrs Calder, under whose superintendence the decoratiouß were carried out, for the artistic taste displayed, and the general effect produced. The pillars and niullions of the windows, the pulpit, the alter rails, and choir sittings were lightly and elegantly dressed with evergreens and flowers, and the floral cross abo\ c the altar, the -vases of flowers and candles upon it, and the appropriate mottos in raised work on either side presented a very beautiful and imposing appearance. Midnight Mass or Watch Service was held on the night of Christmas eve and largely attended. Boxinir day, however, is the. great holiday institution, and the people of Waikato seem generally to enjoy themselves. The Ngaruawahia Races on Tuesday, and again yesterday were a great success and tbe steamer which left Hamilton each day for these sports took down a large number of visitors not only from Hamilton but from-up country disd riots also. At Hamilton East the sports ocoupied the entire day and were largely attended, everybody seemed thoroughly to enjoy the amusement provided, and to enter into the spirit of the several events. Sports also, the account of which arrived too late for insertion in to-day's issue, were successfully carried out at Whata Whata. At Alexandra our correspondent informs us there were no sports, but it will be seen that that township, like Cambridge, reserves itself for full enjoyment on New Year's Day.