THE HOLIDAYS

Waikato Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 2568, 25 December 1888, Page 2

THE HOLIDAYS

Tub strange unseasonable weather we havo experienced throughout almost the whole spring up to within a short time of Christ* mas, gave cause for some anxiety in the minds of those who have been busily engaged in organising tho annual amusements for the pleasure-loving public. But the gods have apparently decided to be propitious, for during the past week tho summer has, at last, really burst upon us with full force. The transition from the previous very cold weather to extreme heat has been sudden and trying ; at the same time we feel assured that fine weather has settled down for the holidays, at least. In the Waikato there will he a perfect round ot amusements. Friends and relatives are coming and going ; some leaving for Auckland, some arriving in the country to bo at their own homes at the annual gathering. During Christinas week Hamilton will be made lively with a variety of entertainments. This day the usual services will be held in the Churches, which have been tastefully decorated. To-night there will be

THE CAROLS, by the Hamilton Choral Society, in the form of a grand concert, in the Public Hall, Hamilton West, on which occasion tho Oratoria of Christus (Mendelssohn) will be given. The Socioty is a strong one, and lias been subjected to a complete course of training and preparation under Mr 11. Connell, the conductor. We have no doubt tho public will heartily patronise them, especially as the charge of admission is fixed at the popular one of a shilling. __ TAMAHERE. At S. Stephen's Church, Tamahere, carols will also oe rendered by a band of amateur vocalists, Most of whom are from Cambridge. SPORTS. Hamilton will be treated on BoxingDay to two sets of sports. It is regretted that rivalry should have led to such a division of the public attention, in place of concentrating it on one spot and making that an immense success. Both parties have a good sum of money in hand and offer tempting prizes. Tho sports on Claudelands will havo the advantage of proximity to the railway and the comfort and convenience of the. splendid grand stand for the accommodation of on lookers. The sports on Sydney Square will no doubt attract a number of people as the ground is a public recreation reserve and sports have been held there for many years. The Hamilton Light Infantry Band will be present on the Square, and Mr Hutt's band, from Ngarnawahia has been engaged to play *t Claudelands. GIFT AUCTION. Taking advantage of the sports on Sydney Square, the Roman Catholic community will hold a bazaar and gift, auction in the Oddf,-How's Hall, opposite. The Sisters at tho Convent are the organisers and principil w-rkers, and havo provided many beautiful things for disposal. The proceeds will be devoted to the reduction of the debt on the ConveuJ. DANCE. In the evening after the gift auction, there will be a dnnco in the Oddfellow s Hall, under the auspices of the Hamilton Band. RACES. The races at Ellerslie will no doubt take a number of Waikato people to Auckland. CAMBRIDGE RACES. The Waikato Jockey Club, of Cambridge, have their fixture for Boxing Day, and races will be held on Mr Alhvill's course at llauta.pu. Train arrangements will enable visitors to attend and return the same day. There have been a satisfactory number of entries and acceptances, and wo have no doubt the club will have a successful and pleasant meeting. ALEXANDRA. On the same day, the annual sports and races on the Waipa side will bo held at Alexandra. These meetings have always proved very successful, as they are invariably carried out with spirit and energy, all the settlers about, as well as the Maoris, attending in full force. HAMILTON RACES. The principal, and from the superior value of the stakes, the most important of Waikato race meetings, will be held on the Claudelands racecourse, on Saturday, 29th inst., under the auspices of the South Auckland Racing Club. These races are run strictly in accordance with the Auckland Club rules. Many of the best known horses in the province have entered for competition, and as the railway runs alongside the course, thus enabling visitors to arrive and depart without trouble or delay, we have every reason to anticipate a large attendance on that day. RAILWAY FACILITIES. Excursion trains on that day, with tickets available for return for a fortnight, will, no doubt, be a strong inducement to tempt many away for a trip to town.