SCHOOLS EXCURSION

Hokitika Guardian, 29 March 1926, Page 1

SCHOOLS EXCURSION

SUCCESSFUL VISIT

The Westland scholars who had an eiglit-days trip to Dunedin to see the great Exhibition there, returned on .Saturday evening. The trip was a most successful one. Mr R. Lynn who was in charge of filje large party, there being (59 children and six supervisors, speaks well of the behaviour of all. The boys were principally in Air Lynn’s charge and they did everything they were asked to do cheerfully. The girls were in.charge chiefly of Airs Alauson and other ladies who speak as glowingly of their charges. All in charge speak most highly of the arrangements made for the tour. At Christchurch, Air t’. Kirk had made complete preparations for those requiring billets and the hosts treated their young attests in a. very homely manner. Every consideration and attention were shown tho young visitors and in the short time of their stay in Christchurch everything possible was done for them. At Dunedin the local organiser Air CL A. Struck, and the Committeemen and ladies connected with the reception and entertainment of tho children, had made very complete arrangements. Each week there are parties of 000 to 700 children in billets, besides hundreds of country schools children on dailv visits. These all have to bo catered for and entertained. Transport arrangements in and about the city aie in, small matter, and this side of tho task is excellently conducted. The visitors from the Coast were given a very cordial reception, and it was not long before they were enjoying the evening repast. Then a lornial welcome was given them and an outline of the programme for their visit. After that they were free to go sight-seeing and at a fixed time were motored to their billets. The well-ordered daily round left no possibility of a hitch, and the arrangements worked like clockwork. In addition to “doing” the Exhibition, there was a trip by ferry steamer round tho harbour; an observation trip hy motor Ims round the hills and through the city to the ocean hen eh : visit to the Roslyn \\ oollea mills, and other side trips. It was a crowded period without a lost moment. The children were given also free access to the amusement alley, and in common with all who visit that centre of pleasure, had a good time. While “doing” that portion of tho grounds, Air Seddon. ALT., was encounterd. and he took all available scholars and supervisors into the Fun Factory where a jollv hour was passed, Air Seddon entering into tho spirit of tho fun as much as the children themselves. The educational side of tho Exhibition and the various pavilions wore visited and much instruction given and derived from an inspection of the exhibits. TIIO Educational Court is of the highest value in indicating to all and sundry what the young folk are doing at the schools. There was a merry scene on the final night when farewells were expressed at the last meal in the restaurant. The waitresses and cooks were- honored in the custom-, ary fashion and Uie whole proceedings were very memorable. Ahr .Strack and others expressed pleasure at meeting the Coasters and complimented them on their excellent behaviour. Mr Lynn acknowledged the kind remarks and thanked nil and sundry for what they had done for them. The youngsters replied also with boisterous cheers. Tlie party was sent off from Dunedin ill good style and supplied with provisions and refreshments to see them on the way, thus indicating to the lasi the thoughtful nature of the arrangements for the visitors at every stage. The visit gave great pleasure to tho supervisors who derived great delight from the enjoyment of the children, who were bright and happy throughout and there was no untoward incident to mar the success of the tour.

THE THIRD YISTT. While in Dunedin last week, Air Evans made arrangements for a third party to visit the Exhibition. The party is hooked provisionally for April 10-17, that is Saturday, April 10th. will he the date of departure from here and on Arondav. April 12th, a Canterbury excursion of 020, will be joined, and proceed to Dunedin. The usual three days will he spent at tlio Exhibition and the. return made from Dunedin to Christchurch on the 10th and to Hokitika bn April 17 (Saturday) Air AY. Pratt. Schools Organiser for Westland District, will he in charge ol the party and Aliss Hogan (Runtapn) and Aliss Ward (Stafford) are nominated as supervisors. About twenty school children are now nominated, and as the list fs to close immediately any desiring to go should not delay in sending in their names to the County Office. The third party is the final excursion it will be possible to arrange from Hokitika.