EXCURSION TO WAIKARI.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2508, 21 April 1882, Page 4

EXCURSION TO WAIKARI.

On Thursday the manager of our local railways, Mr Back, provided tho public with one of the best excursions which it has been our pleasure to enjoy in the colony, namely, in the cheap trip to Waikari and b&ck, a distance of forfy-cigbt and a half miles, at the fares for first class sj, second class 3s, and :t is computed that between 1200 and 1400 persons availed themselves of the opportunity of inspecting the rugged and grand scenery which the Weka Pass affords, which was described in the Prbss of Tuesday last. Too train left the Christchurch station at 9 35, and before half tho journey was accomplished the twenty-four carriages, drawn by two engines, wore filled so that there was barely standing room. Many could not be taken on from the road side stations, and, as they had taken tickets, it is understood that such persons will be able to travel forward to-day. The weather was gloriously fine and clear, so that the panoramic views of the country were iu no wise obscured. A sharp run brought the train to the vVaipara, and up the first pinch a supply of water was taken from a special water engine. Further along there was a general shout of laughter at some incident which appeared to tickle the risibilities of the passengers, and hundreds of fingers were pointing to “ that man,” while scores of throats called out fora well-known ex-professor. It was soon seen that four of the railway laborers, at their noonday siesta, were two of them reclining, reading the Press aloud, while one was following the practice of the tonsorial art upon the fourth individual’s poll. When the cause of the merriment was divined by the al fresco barber, ho end his mates joined, and made the welkin ring again. After this pleasantry the train slowly, but surely, made its wsy round the t.rtuous course laid out for it through reck, clay, and conglomerate. When the public of Waikari saw the state of affairs they concluded that the south wind had brought up people with a vengeancs, and the greatest consternation for some hours reigned at the house of the sign of the Star and Garter in their efforts to comply with the demand# of the largo accession made to population, while the village smith caid to the other village gossip, and he in turn proclaimed it at tho parish pump, that half of Christchurch bad come out, and they concluded that after all tho advent of tho railway was not tho forerunner of such a gloomy outlook as had been anticipated. Returning to the visitors, they had set out in parties to explore the country, some in quest of little coves for a picnic, others fern hunting, nnd many in tho direction of tho painted coves. At ary rate a pleasant three hours was spent, when the return whistle was sounded, and with our indefatigable railway manager in the cab of the first engine, a return was made to town iu very good time in the evening- The general and unanimous conclusion come to is that Waikari will become the future picnic resort for Canterbury inland, and it is hoped that the railway authorities, having broken the ice, will continue these excursions, which are the manna of effirding a treat to tho public who are e gaged in various pursuits.