MOONLIGHT EXCURSION.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2149, 14 January 1881, Page 3

MOONLIGHT EXCURSION.

A more suitable or agreeable night for an excursion by moonlight around the ho rbor could not have been chosen than last niijht. Thero was not a breath of wi d, and the sky was unclouded overhead. The band had made arrangements with the owners of the steamer Titan to make the trip, and the fare was fixed at as low a figure as would cover expenses. The steamer left the wharf just upon eight o'clook, and simultaneously the s.i. Akaroa made a start. There were a good many exouraionists on board the lastnamed steamer and about 120 on board the Titan. It was felt by the Railway Band that the other steamer had attempted to encroach upon their benefit, and was taking advantage of their playing on the water. After the two stoiimurs left the wharf there waa a little manoeuvring, the object of the Titan being evidently that the band's music should be enjoyed as little as possible by tho opposition Bteamor's patrons. In this the Titan, by one or two adroit turns, well succeeded, it is said, and the two steamers were seldom within hearing distance after they passed out between the breakwaters. There was great cheering from the crowds upon the wharves as the Titan left her rival. A run was made up the harbor first, pust the Native settlement of Baupdiki, then round tho reef past Quail Island! and the various headlands and bays on the south shore, passing close to Bipa Island, and proceeding well down towards the Heads. The cither side of the harbor was traversed in a similar manner, the band of music discoursing spirited airs at intervals the whole time. Some danoing and singing by way of amusement was indulged in, and altogether a most delightful evening spent, the steamer returning to the wharf at eleven o'clock. The Akaroa went down to the Heads and round the harbor, finally returning home just ahead of the other steamer.