PICTON EXCURSION

Evening Post, Volume CXXI, Issue 1, 2 January 1936, Page 16

PICTON EXCURSION

RANCATIRA'S RUN

Though every excursion by sea was well patronised yesterday, the Rangatira's trip across to Picton was surely a record. , Nearly 2300 people were carried. The vessel could not have carried more. It was a delightful day out, with a band aboard, and, though the decks were crowded, there was room for aIL

It was an ideal day for such an excursion, the skies clear except for occasional clouds, and the sea calm. Crossing in the morning the wind was fresh, but as the sun warmed the air this passed, and it was pleasantly warm on the return journey, while during the time the excursionists were ashore, it was not excessively hot, as it can be in Picton. As Wellington's familiar coastline feU astern, and Tory Channel, with its spectacular entrance in deep, crag-bordered water, drew near, the crowd began to enter into the spirit of the day. It was only when the crowd began to stream off the ship from three gangways that its magnitude could be assessed. People were packed so closely aboard that fifty looked about the size of a dozen. As people spread out it could be seen that this was a record trip. They reached from the ship to the town, and when they had mingled with those who had .come in by train, or were already scattered over the foreshore for the regatta, Picton looked a very lively place indeed. The time ashore proved all too short for the excursionists, many of whom had made the trip to foregather with traveUers from aU over the South Island, who have come to look on the north end of it as the best place in the summer. Launch cruises and short land excursions filled in the time all too quickly. Many people made for the ship long before it was due to sail, in search of coveted sheltered or sunny spots on deck; and by 2.15 p.m. the bulk were aboard. The arrangements were excellent, and the,minimum of time was taken up in embarking and disembarking, considering the numbers to be dealt with. Berthing at each end of the trip was very speedily accomplished, and within a minute or so of all being fast, the gangways were down. The Rangatira left a few moments after 8 a.m., but, even so, there were those who did not connect with her, and missed a delightful experience. She reached Picton in 2 hours 20 minutes, and, leaving at 2.30 p.m., was tied up at the Ferry Wharf at 5.15 p.m. . Morning and afternoon, tea could be obtained on board. , , I The spirit of the trippers was excellent. Everyone seemed to be out to, increase other people's pleasure in the excursion, and the weather was such that everyone succeeded.