THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2257, 24 December 1886, Page 2

THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS.

Chrisfmas 1886 will, unless the weather takes an untoward turn, be long remembered in Waikato on account of the exceptionally good programme of sports and amusements prepared for people of all afces and all tastes. Those who delight in the old familiar strains of the Christmas carols will find their opportunity at the Public Hall Hamilton, to-morrow night. Those whose proclivities are of a sporting character can choose between Alexandra and Cambridge on Monday, go to Matamata on Tuesday, and wind up at Hamilton on Wednesday, when in addition to witnessing the sports they can also enjoy an hour or two at the grand carnival in the Odfellow'a Hall, hard by .Sydney Square. For those whos© minds are aesthetic, for those who love the drama, or wish to renew their acquaintance with the pantomime and the maypole dance they have seen in other days ; or those who, not having seen these, wish to do so ; for ttnse who love to listen to the quaint sweet melodies of old Kentucky and South Carolina ; for those who can enjoy a good lunch or revel in ice cream, in short for everybody who derires te enjoy himself the Carnival and International Fete at Hamilton has been orgamsod, and it it fail in its object we shall indeed be greatly surprised. There will of course be the usual picnics, warter parties, riding and driving parties, excursions to Raglan and Aroha and some, (we trust the number will be small) may go to see the Auckland Races on Boxing Day. We have|good authority for «ayin£ that large numbers of people from Auckland will be with us during Christmas week, more particularly on Wednesday, on which day a cheap excursion train will be run to Hamilton and back. On tho whole we have reason to be satisfied with the train arrangements. We have got a*s much as we wanted, but it is seldom that we do in this wjnrld and we are not therefore greatly disappointed. A few words ot reference to the various events of the coming week will be of interest to our readers.

The Carol Concert Will take place in the Public Hall, Hamilton, to-morrow (Christmas night) commencing at 7.30 o'clock. Those who remember the carol concerts of former years need only to be told that the choir is composed of (juite as many and nearly the same voices is supported by the same efficient orchestra, and is under the baton of the conductor who first organised them, to be .assured that the singing will be well worth going miles to hear. The programme is very similar to that of last year, though of course it contains a large proportion of new music. Careful and > continuous rehearsal lias been engaged in for the last three or four months, and as the proceeds of the concert are to be devoted to most worthy objects we doubt not that the hall will be crammed to the doors.

The Hamilon Carnival and International Fete Will open at the Oddfellows Hall, Hamilton East, at noon on Monday, at which hour the stalls in the hall and the annexe, including the luncheon and refreshment stalls will be ready for business. Though a great deal yet remains to be done the design of the whole has been laid bare for some days. The hall itself presents even now a most charming appearance. The stage has been completely renovated, for one thing. On either side wall are erected two most imposing trophies, the whole embracing the flags of all nations. The arms of the various countries are also there, four shields forming the centres of the trophies the rest being displayed higher up, while from the roof depend an endless \ariety of beautiful banners and bannerettes, the Union Jack, the Tricolour, and the Stars and Stripes standing out boldly amongst them. As the hall will bo artificially lighted dining the whole progress of the carnival, the windows have been temporarily obscured with floral pictnies on canvas, forming in themselves unique specimens of artibtic work. Festoons of greenery, flowers, &c, complete the decorations, which are abundant without being oppressive. On either side of the entrance in the hall proper are two stalls for the sale of work, that on the right hand being a representation of a French salon, and that on the left a Swiss chalot. These will be in charge of ladies dressed in the costumes of the respective countiics, and will, it is expected, do a large and lucrative business. Behind the Swiss chalet, its facade looking towards the stage, is an exact representation of a. little Dutch cottage, built of red brick, with erreon door and shutteis, and high pointed gable. This is the Dutch museum, and visitors, on payment of sixpence, \\ill be permitted to inspect a large and varied assortment of curiosities and woiks of ait brought from the Low Countries, and placed in charge of hidios. die.s.sed in the co.stumeb of Zeeland, South Holland, &o. Occupying the corresponding position at the other side of the hall, behind the French stall, stands a pretty Indian temple in miniature. Within its sacred precincts will be ai ranged specimens of all kinds of Indian ait and handicroft, and the ladies who will describe its wonders to the visitor (who has paid beforehand) will wear the graceful robes and assume the dusky complexion of the daughters of the East. Entering the annexe, the first thing we encounter is the Christmas tiee, a beautiful specimen of the Norway pine, laden with many wonderful treasures, dear the eyes, and dearer still to the heart of every child. This will be superintended by ladies dressed after the manner of the people of the land of the midnight sun. A little further along is the Spanish Picture Gallery, a pretty little edifice, which is bound to be extensively patronised. Next to this is a beautifully modeled Moorish house, in which, behind a gorgeous screen, will sit the Gypsy Fortune-teller, the only one of the f-pecies we have known willing to apply her gains to honest purposes. Then we come upon the German Restaurant, flaunting above which are the Imperial arms of the Vaterland. The attendant ladies are to be arrayed in the costumes of the peasants of the Black Forest. Besides these there is the ice-cream stall (which in this weather will not lack patrons), the Tyrolese shooting gallery, and many other attractions which cannot bo enumerated, but which will unfailingly strike the visitor when he sees them. The various entertainments, including two representations of the children's pantomime, the Maypole dance, on Sydney Square, a comedy, a farce, two high class promenade concerts (in which two well - known Auckland amateurs will assist) a limelight exhibition and a minstrel performance are referred to in the advertisement and will De minutely detailed in the programmes to be issued in the hall on Monday. As we have said the hall opens at noon each day. On Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock, a procession, consisting of the maypole children, in two large and gaily decorated farm waggoiis, after the old Ensrli-.fi style, those composing the respective teams in the comic costume cricket match, and others engaged in the Fair will start from Barton's hotel for Sydney Square. A Maypole dance will precede and follow the cricket match, which willbeoneof themo&tanm&ing atfaiis ever witnessed in Waikato. Some of the costumes are grotesque in the extreme. Amongst the players will be several "cullud gemmen " in the orthodox long coat and bashed-in hat, a l>anel of Barton's bright beer, and others to describe whom would be simply impossible In short the match will be a real treat for those who see it. For the remaining items set down for Monday, as ewll as those on the other days we must refer our readers to the printed programmes.

Alexandra Sports. These will be held on Monday (Boxing Day) and judging by the result of former years they will be very successful. The programme is a liberal one, and the entries have been fairly numerous. The Alexandra Reed and Brass Band will be in attendance, and will play at the dance iv the evening. The dance will be preceded by a dramatic performance consisting of "Sarah's young man."

The Cambridge Sports will be held on J3o\ing Day, and are likely to be extensively patronised as the events are numerous, and the prize money large. In the evening a grand ball will be held in the Public Hall.

The Matamata Races. Tlie^e events will take place on Tuesday, and are likely to attract a large number of visitors from all parts of Waikato, and the Thames valley, the train arrangements suiting admirably. Very bubhtantial prizes are offered, and there is sure to be a large attendance. In addition to the races, visitors will have an opportunity of seeing the Matamata estate, and enjoying a dip in tho fatuous hot springs.

Hamilton Christmas Sports. These take place on Wednesday, the 20th inbt., on Sydney Squat c, where every preparation possible is beinpf made for the proper carrying out of the same. The grounds are fenced, off, and in good ruuuing

condition. A printed list of " instructions to competitors" ha* been issued, and every person taking part will know to whom and wheie to go for information regarding any event he is entered for. All races are definitely fixed for a certain time, and punctuality in starting will be one of the features of the day. The entries are more numerous than any ever veqcivsd in Waikato before, and the amount of prizes is over £6'o, the Cup being worth £22 108 ; tho mile, £0 10a; and many others of nearly equal amounts, whilst the gold medals for tho footballers and bicyclibts are works of art supplied by Mr McLernon. An excursion tmin ih to run from Auckland, convoying passengers at cheap fare.*, and tho district services will enable the public from Te Awamutu, Kihikihi, Cambridge, Te Aroha, Ngarnawahia, Hnntly and' elsewhere to attend the meeting and return home .it a reasonable hour. Tho Hamilton Brass Band will be on the ground, and an awning will be put up to shade them. A zealous and active committee are in charge, and the hon. sec, Mr T. G. Sandes, infoim.s us that nothing hut bad weather can prevent the 188(5 sport* outstripping all previous efFoits of the sort.