EXCURSION TRIP TO MOERAKI.

Evening Star, Volume VII, Issue 2033, 10 November 1869, Page 2

EXCURSION TRIP TO MOERAKI.

Of the diversified amusements provided to celebrate the birth-day of the Prince of Wales, that of the excursion to Moeraki was certainly not the least attractive. The morning was such as promised a glorious day, and pleasxire seekers, so long accustomed to wet holidays, eagerly took advan tage of the beautiful weather to indulge the pleasure of a sea excursion. We know of no better form of enjoyment than that of a short sea trip, affording as it does a change of air, a change of scenery, and a refreshing change of life. To persons engaged in the fatiguing pursuits of business some such relaxation is absolutely necessary ; and we appreciate the feeling and taste of those who take advantage of the opportunity of enjoying a sea outing, in preference to moping over the dull common-place amusements of the tovm. The Maori had been announced to leave Dunedin at 8 o’clock, and long before that hour the steamer presented a full though not uncomfortable appearance. The whole length of Rattray street jetty was thronged with persons, and we were apprehensive of a terrible crush, but fortunately they proved only spectators and not excursionists. At a quarter past eight a band of musicians arrived headed by M. Fleury himself, and this imparted additional animation to a scene already instinct with life. In a few minutes the Maori proceeded on her way, and, after calling at the Port, soon left the Heads behind her. There was a good sea and a head wind, which prevented very rapid progress being made. If we except some slight symptoms of sea-sickness which always will manifest themselves on these occasions, no incidents of a special kind occurred in the outward trip. M oeraki was reached between one and two o’clock. It may net be uninteresting to thorn of our readers who are not acquainted with Moeraki to state that it comprises about balf-a-dozen bouses, beautifully situated, in one of the most picturesque bays or coves we have seen here. The ground rises gently from the sea, and reminds us of old-world scenes notably, Worthing, or Herne Bay. We are not sure that every house is not here an hotel, but we are sure that if such is the case, the beautiful char \cter of the surrounding scenery should enable them to always command support. We congratulate the Harbor Steam Company on having selected a place so charming for the purpose of excursions as Moeraki. It presented a very lively appearance. In addition to the Native or neighboring population, and a considerable sprinkling of Maoris, there were excur-ionists from Oamaru, brought by the Wallace, and the whole mass, blending indiscriminately, indulged in a variety of amusements, of which dancing formed a prominent feature. But unfortunately, pleasure does not last for ever and the greater the pleasure the more limited it alwaps is in duration—and after a couple of hours we were all again on board the Maori, bent on our homeward trip. Agratifying feature in the day’s amusements was the almost entire absence of drunkenness on board. There was only one person who apneared to be under the influence of drink. We refer to this instance because the victim was likely to have met with a tragical end. He was a man whom nobody appeared to know, and who got on board at Moeraki to come to Dunedin. Walking—or rather staggering—along the deck, he stumbled, and, strangely enough, fell head foremost down into the stokehole. The stoker looked astonished at this new mode of reaching his quarters, but, quickly recovering himself, he picked up the man, who was cut about the head and face and bleeding copiously. He appeared insensible' at first, but it was discovered that be was not much hurt, and he was soon able to walk away. The old adage, “ a drunken man never hurts himself,” was amply verified in this instance, for, had he been sober, he would most probably have broken bis neck. This was the only drawback— and this but temporary—to the day’s enjoyment. The greatest order and decorum were manifested throughout the day, and the passengers appeared to enjoy themselves immensely. They arrived at Dunedin shortly after ten o’clock. The arrangements on the part of the 1 ompauy were complete and satisfactory in the highest degree. Fleury’s band contributed in no small measure to the general enjoyment. The refreshments, too, were excellent; whilst the utmost oiviUty and attention to the wishes of the passengers were shown by the various officers in charge. The whole excursion may be pronounced eminently successful. The weather throughout the day was beautiful. These trips afford a great treat, and as such, are thoroughly appreciated by the people of Dunedin. We hope to see them repeated many times during the forthcoming summer months.