THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS.

Waikato Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1635, 28 December 1882, Page 2

THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS.

_ « Qwing ,to the larjje number of people that annually seek change in Auckland at this season of the year, Christmastide in Waikato, "however joyful ifc may be in individual households, is not generally very lively. This year was, however, somewhat of an exception to the rule. .Those who haji plentj' of money to spare no doubt went out of the district, but on the other hand many visitors from Auckland and elsewhere came here for a change of scene and climate, so that accounts were about balanced. The various sports were well patronised, aud were successful in every way. Perhaps the dullest place in Waikato on Boxing Day was Cambridge, but aa the people of that flourishing town are to have a race meeting on Monday, it is quite natural they should desire to conserve their energies. During the afternoon of Tuesday, rain fell pretty freely in Hamilton, but did not reach Ngaruawahia, and consequently did not mar the pleasure of the picnic party up the Waipa. Below we give such extended notices of the several events as the limited space at our disposal admits of : — The Hamilton Band Picnic to the Cherry Grove on Boxing Day was in every sease of the word a decided success. The steamer brought down over a hundred people from Cambridge, and when slie steamed away from Hamilton the passenger list had swelled to over 200. The trip down the river was delightful, and as the Delta rouuded the bend near Ngaruawahia the spectators who had assembled on the banks sent up cheer after cheer. Here the Hamilton Band, under Bandmaster Holloway, landed and played a few tunes on the green. After a stay of about half-an-hour, .the boat resumed its course to the Cherry Grove, about 70 people from Ngaruawahia availing themselves of the trip. Arriving at the Grove, the juvenile portion of the community at once made for the cherries, which were in abundance, and regaled themselves to their hearts' content, whilst the elder ones dispersed in gronps here and there along the bunks of the Waipa to attend to the comforts of the inner man. About 4 o'clock the steamer started on her homeward journey, and, after a short stoppage at Ngaruawahia, reached Hamilton about 9 o'clock. Dancing was freely indulged in both up and down the river, and on the passengers separating for their homes they expressed themselves highly pleased with the day's outing. Not a single hitch occurred during the day, for which Captain Cullem is to be congratulated, A word of praise is also due to the providore (Mr Kellow), who took care to have an abundance of refreshments on board.