THE HOLIDAY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2519, 4 June 1909, Page 5

THE HOLIDAY.

OBSERVANCE IN GISBORNE

The Prince of Wales’ Birthday passed off quietly in Gisborne. Flags were flying on all the public and many private buildings, and on a few of the boats in the river. The holiday attractions were coursing at the Park racecourse, football and hockey on the Victoria Domain, bowls on the Gisborne green, and West’s pictures at His Majety’ Theatre and ‘‘The Laughing Gallery” in Lmve Street.

CE LEBRATIONS ELSEWHERE

[Per Press Association.]

WANGANUI. June 3

The holiday was quietly observed here, the only attraction being the shooting for the 'West Coast battalions’ shield and the representative football and hockey matches. The weather was fine.

FEILDING, June 3. The holiday was not observed by the business people. There were a few flags flying.

WELLINGTON, June 3

The weather for the holiday, which was generally observed, was dull. The local attractions included representative hockey and football matches and pony races. A large number went out to Otaki. CHRISTCHURCH, June 3. The half-holiday was not generally observed to-day. The Canterbury College celebrated' it as Empire Day with a great gathering in the College Hall. Addresses and patriotic songs were given. Lord Plunket presided. The route from' the street to the college entrance was lined on either side by High School Cadets. The corps presented arms' on Lord Plunket’s arrival, with bugle calls. Many representative citizens were present. Prayer was offered by the Rev. Dr. Erwin. The Old Hundredth was sung. Lord Plunket delivered a speech at some length. He thanked the college for finding it advisable to celebrate Empire Day, as it gave him a chance to be with them. He deprecated jingoism in these celebrations. ft was far hotter to realise the difficulties and responsibilities of the Empire. The Empire was one of tremendous strength, but stupendous carelessness was displayed arranging the Empire’s forces. Recent events would he a, blessing in disguise _if the onlv result would be the Naval Conference. He referred to the excellent spirit actuating the various colonies, and expressed admiration for New Zealand’s Dreadnoought offer. Other attractions to-day were the trotting races at Plumpton. the football match Wellington v. Canterbury, and other fotoball and hockey matches. The weather Avas fine.