MIDNIGHT PARADE

Hokitika Guardian, 5 October 1931, Page 3

MIDNIGHT PARADE

RANGITTKUS PASSENGERS. AUCKLAND, October 1. Passengers in pyjamas and dressing gowns lent an unusual touch to the medical and Customs inspection carried out in the liner Kangitiki, which arrived at Auckland from London at 11.30 last night. It is most unusual for overseas vessels to he cleared at such a late hour, and while some passengers participated philosophically in the midnight parade, others were frankly critical of the arrangements which disturbed their slumbers. It was stated earlier in the evening that it was not intended to clear the vessel if she arrived Hater than 10 o’clock, hut after consultation it was decided to proceed with the inspection, in spite of the vessel’s late arrival. Those who hoarded the Rangitiki shortly after she dropped anchor in the stream were confronted with the Spectacle of children huddled in blankets, elderly men muttering protests to themselves as they paced the corridors in bedtime regalia, and women disporting finery usually restricted to the bedroom and bathroom. By the time the passengers had passed through the hands of the doctor and the Customs officers the hour of midnight had passed. Fortunately the night was beautifully fine, so that noart from the loss of several hours’ sleep, the passengers are unlikely to contract colds to remind them of the midnight parade.