TRIP TO THE KAWAU.

Auckland Star, Volume II, Issue 611, 27 December 1871, Page 2

TRIP TO THE KAWAU.

This was tho great event of the day; and Sir George Grey having, with his usual liberality, given permission to pleasure parties to land at the Kawau, the magnificent steamship Golden Crown was laid on for that place and the Hot Springs. The opportunity of visiting these two favorite localities was eagerly seized, and long before the appointed hour the wharf was crowded with old and young. Many who would not have ventured to sea under other circumstances, were tempted out by. the clear fine weather, and the knowledge that the light breeze was blowing offshore even encouraged those who still had a vividrecollectionofacorresponding trip last boxing day, when the rain fell in torrents and a- gale from the eastward soon upset half the pleasure seekers. Yesterday was all that could be desired, and the good ship having taken on board a dense crowd of at least.. 600, cast off her moorings and was soon under full steam. Numerous points of interest presented themselves as she dashed along steadily and without the slightest vibration or tendency to roll, although an immense mass of human beings was packed away high up on the hurricane deck. The North Shore, with its beautiful villas, was soon passed. Then opened to view some pretty scenery in the neighbourhood of Lake Takapuna, and the Royal Alfred was passed having on board as many as she could carry. On tho starboard side the craggy peculiar shaped extinct volcano Rangitoto formed a contrast to the smooth cultivated ground on the left. After this came a kind of blank, when the great bight between the North Head and Whangaparoa was being crossed. However the picturesque pile of Cape Colville could be dimly seen .through the haze, and glimpses were caught of many islands. In about an hour after leaving the wharf, the channel between Tiri Tiri and the barren looking promontory of Whangaparoa was passed, and the steamer's head pointed. for a small break in the line, of densely timbered hills. This shews the course of the small river Waiwera, all about the beach at whose j mouth the celebrated hot springs ooze out

of the ground. The locality is a charming one. A sandy beach with a narrow strip of flat ground is backed by steep hills thickly wooded to the summits, and, & the present time, the numerous pohu*ikaua trees being in full bloom, the -fed masses of blossom afford a pleismg contrast to the dark green of tbe perennials. At the head o' tbe small bay, is situated a large aid commodious hotel, to which large idditions are being made with a view of bringing the water from the springs intothe house. This, of course, will add lately to the comfort of those who visit tie springs for the purpose of getting rid of rheumatism, and kindred complaints, fae thing, however, is much needed; M considering the number of people whotand on holidays, it is scarcely too much to expect to find some landing accomodation. There is none whatever, and cnsiderable difficulty was experienced yesterday in finding a place sufficiently d»ep to allow the four or , five score who lamed to reach the shore dry shod. However, they managed it and when picket up on the steamers return in the evcuing, one and all expressed themselves de-ighted with the place. To add to the li-eliness of the proceedings, - a number of people from the interior had assembled aQ<_ festivities suitable to the , season, w»re being carried on with spirit. Having weighed anchor, the steamer proceeded on her way towards the Kawau, passirg the picturesque embouchure of .he Itahuraugi and surrounding country, i whiih shows a pleasing alternation of bush and cultivated land, and sliding rapidly between islands and rocks apparently of the same soft character as those about Auckland with one singular exception ; for standing right between two of that formation a steep islet stands boldly out, and to all appearance is either granite or the hard conglomerate of the other side of the gulf. Kawau was reached in due time, and turning sharply round into a beautiful little cove whose deep water will admit of the largest ship lying alongside the rocks, the beautiful mansion and grounds of Sir George Grey came into view. The steamer was run up as far as possible to the sandy beach, and some boatloads of passengers having been landed, Captain Ellis by skilful management got her nose up to the end of the jetty, where the rest soon rushed ashore. Here Sir George met the excursionists, and courteously welcomed them. The six hundred were soon dispersed about the island, —some going far inland to see the vast improvements made by the proprietor, some to shady nooks to investigate the contents of their baskets, others to make explorations among the rock oysters, and others to inspect the works of art in Sir George's residence, to which all were made welcome. All having thoroughly enjoyed themselves, the dreadful whistle of recall sounded, and reluctantly the visitors re-embarked. Three hearty cheers having been given for Sir George, the Golden Crown turned her head towards Auckland, which she reached, after picking up the Waiwerians, and transhipping a few Thames people to the Royal Alfred, at about nine o'olock. Tho omniona expressed by all were that tho trip had been pre-eminently adiigutfti}. aud successful; that tha skilful management and gallant courtesy of Captain Ellis wore above all praise ; that the endeavors of Mr Griffiths, the purser, to-provide foa* and satisfy so great a hungry crowd were crowned with triumphant success; that Signon Bellizia and Bofa contributed largely to the enjoyment of tho day by their excellent music ; and that although the hot glances of Sol were so amorous as to bring blushes to the cheeks of many a fair beauty, they had the satisfaction of seeing them reflected on the faces of their admirers. All was good order and rational enjoyment, and a more delightful excursion could not have been made.