Yesterday was observed in many places throughout the colony as a public holiday, in honor of the relief of Mafeking, and Gisborne can be said to have not been behind the othor towns in its mani festations of joy at the good news received on Saturday afternoon. A strong com mittee was formed to arrange for a monster demonstration, which was held in the Victoria Domain in the afternoon, and notwithstanding the heavy downpour of rain, the programme was given in its entirety. From an early hour in tho morning the streets presented a holiday appearance. There was a good display of bunting throughout the town, buildings Leing decorated with flags and streamers, the residents in every possible way en deavoring to show their loyalty. A large orowd assembled in the vicinity of the Post Office at 2 o'clock, the hour fixed for forming the procession. Captain Winter acted as Marshal, and quickly got the various bodies into order. The City Band, under Bandmaster Morrison, headed the procession, accompanied by Piper Mclntyre and Master Stevens, the former dressed in the tartan of his clan.. The members of the Firo Brigade, under Superintendent Wildish, came next. The Fire Brigades' manual engine, which was driven by Fireman McLaughlan, was gaily decked with chrysanthemums and bamboo, and was smothered with flags, the British Ensign being attractively displayed in the centre. A life-boat on wheels, manned by a full crew, with Captain Thomson, harbor master, in charge of the steer oar, came next, and formed an attractive feature of the procession. The men, with oars peaked, sang a number of patriotic songs, and [were brimfull of enthusiasm. A de tachment of the East Coast Rifles in charge

of Lieutenant Colebourne, followed, march • ing with admirable precision. The school

children, to the number of several hundred, "■with banners of divers colors and varied designs, held the next place in the proces sion, and took a lively interest in the pro ceedings, singing and cheering at intervals. Then followed a host of civilians, embrac ing all classes. The Whatanpoko Band, under Bandmaster Aston, occupied a central position in the procession, and played a number of patriotic selections. About thirty to forty Natives, under the command of Tata Niho Niho, the latter being attired in his officer's uniform, and having his sword drawn, attracted a great deal of atteution. 