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Hawke's Bay Times, Volume XII, Issue 538, 30 December 1867, Page 3

Eeef was marie, where she anchored about noon. Fishing and partaking of some re» freshment (of which, owing to the foresight of Mr Forrester, the steward, there was no lack) now became the order of the day. A

pleasant hour being spent in this manner, the steamer was once more ploughing the water, heading for Cape Kidnapper, near which she dropped anchor about three o’clock. Two boats alongside were Immediately in requisition, and a large proportion of the excursionists were soon ashore. “Leave of absence” for two hours wss

kiudiy ailowed uy Captain Palmer, which time was well spent in bathing, dancing, racing, &c The ‘ Cleopatra ’ started on her return trip about five o’clock, and after a couple of hours’ easy steaming the Iron Pot was entered,—large numbers of people being on the Spit to welcome their friends, —the brass band meanwhile appropriately playing Home, Sweet Home,” u Auld Lang Syne,” and other heart-stirring airs winding up with “ God save the Queen.” The steamer once alongside the wharf the excursionists were not long in getting on shore, and quickly dispersed to their respective homes. This trip of the ‘ Cleopatra’s’ may be set down as a complete success, and when we say that every one who went in her thoroughly enjoyed themselves, we do so without fear of contradiction. Hot a few—and we confess we had our own misgivings about the matter—predicted an accident of some kind ; and we know of several who did not go in the steamer lest their fears should be realised. Hapnily, however, nothing whatever occurred to mar the universal enjoyment. The day was warm and clear, a gentle north-easter tempering the heat; the sea was smooth, and the steamer wont through the water beautifully,—no r filing, so distasteful to landsmen, being experienced. Captain Palmer, Mr Routledge, and others connected with the steamer did all in their power to make the excursionists comfortable, —He brass band which played some favorite airs at intervals throughout the day, contributing greatly to the general enjoyment. It will be seen that another excursion trip is announced for New Year’s Day, and we only hone the good little steamer will be as well patronised as she was on Boxing Day. Band of Hope Treat.—The usual annual Band of Hope festival was held on Thursday last, in Mr Parker’s paddocks at Waitangi, and, judging from the numbers that attended, and the many ways in which they amused themselves, it was the most successful gathering the Association has had. According to notice previously given, children from all parts of the town came flocking in to the appointed gathering place, St. Paul’s School-room, so that at the appointed hour (9 a m.) over one hundred children had met, each and all showing by their smiling faces their determination to enjoy themselves. Before leaving! the school nearly all had banners or flags given them to carry, and the gay appearance the children showed with them on lurching through ITastings-sfreet, was a sight that has rarely, if ever, been seen in Napier before. On returning to the school, a dozmi carts were found ranged in order to receive them, and it was with pleasure we noticed that the various carters had done their best to give their horses a holiday appearance ; which with their wellbrushed hides, the ornaments on the harness polished up, and the drivers themselves so obliging and agreeable, made it quite a pleasure to look at them. By halfpast nine the procession got fairly started, and the gay appearance it showed along the "White Road, with the many-coloured flags and banners streaming in the wind, was really admirable. In the front cart there appeared a largo and very neatly got-up banner, having on one side the words, " Napier Band of Hope,” and on the other side, “ Prevention 1 is better THAN Cure.” In the getting-up of these banners great taste had evidently been displayed. On reaching the paddock the children dispersed, and soon occupied themselves in those games usually played at such gatherings. The artesian well, we need scarcely add, was a source of attrac-! tion to a great many. Soon after the arrival of the Napier procession the Clive contingent made their appearance, and joined in the various amusements ; for those who were londof “ tripping (he light fantastic toe ” opportunities were not wanting. During the course of the day many parties from the neighboring districts visited the field. The feeding de partment was under the charge of three ladies, with no niggard supply of good things—milk and tea for the thirsty, bread and beef for the hungry ; and judging from the crowds constantly round the tables wc are certain their office was no sinecure. On making enquiries of the committee, wo were told that the consumption was really enormous—buns that were countea by the gross ; cakes and loaves by the score; 1 milk unknown in quantity ; nuts, figs, and raisins by the basketful disappeared with marvellous insomuch, that the committee had not the slightest difficulty with any remainder. At the close of the day the children were gathered together, and under the direction of Mr Palmer sang several Temperance' Hymns, finishing up with “ God save the! Queenafter which loud and hearty were the cheers that were given to Mr Parker and lady for the great kindness they had shown to each and all throughout the day, also for there generosity in granting the use of the paddock, and for supply ins a quantity of milk. The procession starting immewaru soon reached town in safety, when the children, after singing the National Anthem, and giving three cheers for those gentlemen who had provided the treat for them, dispersed to their several homes all well pleased with their day’s enoyment. During the course of the day

there were close upon two hundred children and friends from Napier in the field, and about ninety from CJive j there were also about 30 conveyances of all sorts and sizes present, besides a great number of saddle horses. Great praise is due to Messrs Palmer, Townley, and Large for the very successful manner in which every arrangement was carried out; and we are glad to hear that although the expenses were heavy, yet the subscriptions more than cover all.