THE HOLIDAYS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2416, 5 January 1888, Page 2

THE HOLIDAYS.

The superb summer weather has continued j throughout the holiday time, affording ample inducement fur pleasure-''seekers deriving every enjoyment they may have desired. Watohnight services were held in the various churches by which the requiem of the moribund year was sung with fitting solemnity, and tlie new year was ushered in. Excursions and picnics wero the order of the day. Many of our fellow-settlers went off to Auckland and To Aroha by rail; others went to different parts nearer at hand. Picnic-parties wended their way on horseback and in buggies to Ngaruaj wahia, Taupiri, Hautapu and other favourite localities, where they all appeared to thoroughly enjoy themsolves. Public sports were carried out successfully at several of the Waikato townships, reports of which appear below. The Christmas and New Year's festivities are at last over, and matters in Cambridge have settled down in the old steady groove. The Christmas week was one of the liveliest experieneed.in that township, and in spite of the numerous goods on sale at the Church fete, shopkeepers have had no reason to complain of lack of patronage, the toy shops especially boing pretty well cleared out of their stocks. Some of the displays in the windows were above the average, the drapery window of Mr T. Wells being most artistically arranged, while tempting displays of Christmas dainties were shown by Messrs Houghton and C. Boyce. Mr C. H. White had also a handsome exterior show, while a perfect bazaar was to be seen inside, his shilling table being a marvel for variety and cheapness. The hotels did a thriving trade, and were decorated in the traditional fashion, the being a perfect bovver of ferns, shrubs and flowers, arranged with excellent taste. Everything passed off pleasantly and harmoniously, and the majority of the people spent a merry Christmas in a rational way. On New Year's Eve the band played the old year out and tho new year in, opposite to the Criterion Hotel, and were hospitably entertained by the host. After midnight a few noisy spirits paraded Duke-street, declaring that they " Wouldn't go home till morning," but at a hint from Constable Breman they went quickly away before '' daylight did appear." On Christmas Eve midnight mass was celebrated by the Rev. Eather I'ox at St. Peter's Church, Cambridge. There was a full congregation, and the choral part of the service was rendered by an excellent choir, Winter's mass in E being the music selected. Mrs Breman presided at the harmonium in her usual effective manner. Having indulged in so much ploasant relaxations, all classes now return once more to the stern realities of life and to the wear, tear and care of ordinary business pursuits. : ■ s , I i