EXCURSION TRIP TO POVERTY BAY.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume IV, Issue 193, 23 September 1864, Page 1 (Supplement)

EXCURSION TRIP TO POVERTY BAY.

On Friday afternoon last. 26 persons, on pleasure bent, assembled on board the little steamer Wonga Wonga, Capt. Thompson, foi the purpose of enjoying a trip to Turanaa, Poverty Bay. At about 5 p.m. the anchor weighed, and a start made, the wind being against her. Soon afterwards sea sickness set in with one ortwounlucky victims, and another was chagrined to see his “ slap-up” new * 4 Uie floating away ra the distance, ha ving (been eased of it by a sudden puff, The captain, however, soon found him another head-piece, and’away we sailed, without further mishap. There being a scarcity of berths for sleeping accommodation for so many, the plans and shifts resorted to for a night’s rest were various and amusing to look upon. Here were two or three on deck, covered from “ stem to stern'’ with a blanket, whilst below tne rest were to be found laid in all directions—some athwart ship, some fore and aft, some high, some low, but all endeavoring to get a sleep, with what

success we leave each to tell. As daylight broke in the morn, the vogageurs anxiously made their way to the poop, to see where they were, when they found themselves just off Table Cape with Portland Island still in view. The little Wonga fired up, and increased her speed northwards for Young Nick’s Head, the entrance to Poverty Bay, which soon appeared to view. Breakfast being disposed of, the excursionists lounged on deck, viewing the coast scenery, and indulging in a whiff of the fragrant weed. At 11 o’clock the little steamer dropped anchor in Poverty* Bay, and a rush was made to the boats, the first of which was soon filled, and pulling for shore, and in about ten minutes those in her were landed at Captain Read’s wharf. Another boat followed with the remainder, and the majority of the plea-sure-seekers betook themselves to the country in various directions, some on foot, others on horseback. The party to which we were attached wended their footsteps in the direction a native pah, for the purpose of inspecting the church there, which, we understand, is beautifully carved, and well worth seeing. After a long walk, however, the party came to a river, where were located several Maoris, from one of whom some information ami a drink of water was obtained. The pedestrians being tired, and not relishing the prospect of crossing the river and walking some distance further, ascertained that a pakeha lived near at hand } and made their way to where he lived. The pakeha proved to be Captain Bloomfield, who, assisted by his good lady, entertained the hungry party to dinner in a most hospitable maimer, and to whom those who partook of his liberality and welcome feel greatly indebted. An air of comfort and plenty seemed to pervade the homestead of this gentleman, and long may he live to enjoy it. About 4 p.m,, a start was made buck again, Captain Bloomfield accompanying the party some distance, for the purpose of showing them a shorter route. Having put them upon the track, that gentleman took leave of the party, and there journeyed onwards, fortunately falling in witii some natives, from whom horses were obtained, and arrived back at the startingpoint between 5 and G p.m. The excursionists then took leave of Captain Read, and were conveyed by the boats, which awaited them, on board the Wonga Wonga. Steam was up, and all ready for a start, but she was delayed until half-past 7 for Bishop Williams and family, who, however, did not make their appearance, and she therefore steamed away for Napier, where she arrived about half-past 9 a.m., the Ladg Bird arriving just before her. Too much praise cannot be given to Capt, Thompson and those under him for their kindness and attention to the wants and comfort of those who took advantage of this trip.