One hundred years ago, in 1920, Launceston experienced the best Easter holiday period ever.
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The quarantine restrictions in place during the 1919 influenza epidemic and the shipping strike over Christmas and New Year had prevented visitors coming to Tasmania for their holidays, but now interstate tourists flocked to the city on the steamer Loongana and Tasmanians came by train, motor car and bicycle.
Visitors inundated the Tourist Bureau booking tours, travelling in record numbers and packing the hotels and boarding houses.
Storekeepers closed their shops from Thursday evening until Tuesday morning, but there were plenty of excursions, sports and amusements to keep the tourists busy over the four-day holiday and beyond.
The beautiful autumnal weather in early April allowed visitors and locals to spend time outdoors 'in characteristic Australian manner' the Daily Telegraph reported.
IN OTHER NEWS:
The river steamer Rowitta ran daily excursions to George Town dropping off holiday makers at various ports along the way.
At the National Theatre the Fisk Jubilee Singers and Steel Rudd's 'On Our Selection' comedy drama each received enthusiastic receptions from three full houses.
Launceston's picture theatres - the Princess, Academy and Majestic - screened popular programmes during Easter, except on Sunday. That evening St Joseph's Band entertained a crowd in the City Park rotunda.
Bowling matches were held on local greens with Launceston clubs competing against teams from Burnie and Sandy Bay.
The highly anticipated North v. South cricket match won by the northern team by seven wickets, drew many spectators.
Golfing enthusiasts gathered at the Launceston Golf Club at Kings Meadows for a successful tournament.
Easter Saturday's Northern Tasmanian Trotting Club meeting at Elphin broke all records in the number of horses competing, visitors attending, gate takings, betting investments and dividends.
The Railway Band, conducted by Mr Corrick, provided musical entertainment.
The Tourist Bureau organised a motoring tour to the Mole Creek caves, which was well patronised by Tasmanians and mainland visitors, the party totalling about 32.
The 18th Literary and Musical Competitions at the Albert Hall started on Easter Monday and unlike the previous year, adjudicators and competitors came from the mainland, creating special interest.
A grand final concert held nine days later featured 22 items from the champions and selected winners with close to 2000 people enthusiastically applauding the competitors.
Good Friday church services were largely attended by 'earnest congregations' and Easter Sunday services celebrated 'in the usual joyous manner.'
There were no chocolate Easter eggs for sale, but hot cross buns could be purchased the day before Good Friday.
In summing up the Easter holidays in 1920, the Daily Telegraph stated that 'After the buffetings the state has received during the last year by the influenza epidemic, strikes, etc., it is time that a share of good fortune and prosperity should be bestowed on it, and apparently it is here.'