Saturday's Excursion.

Manawatu Herald, 26 February 1895, Page 2

Saturday's Excursion.

"The Assyrian came down like a wolf on the fold, And his cohortß were gleaming in parplo and gold." Some such thought as the above mast have struck everyone who wit- . nessed the arrival of the immense / train at the race course on Saturday morning. It was also a .most inspiriting and cheerful sight to ob- , serve the numbers who were able to come and enjoy a pleasant holiday. The descent of the " Assyrians " was partially expected, that is that some were known to becoming, but hardly so many. However, the more the merrier, and all was done by the residents that was possible under the circumstances. *

The train was the largest that har ever run between Woodville and Foxton, if not, and we believe : ffc. was, that has ever run on this see?; . tion of the railway, aB it was composed of twenty-five carriages and covered truoks,. some being the long double'bogie cars, and two engines were employed to move it, one ahead, and one in the centre. " True friendabipV laws ate by Ms : rble exprefct ■'■ -- • •■ ; ; .i» v* Welcome the coming, speed the parting guest." , , . And true to this teaching our many friends were met at ths racecourse by the Mayor of Foxtbn, Mr' s ' T. P. Williams, and by Mr Thynne. i chairman of the School Coqinitttee; and a large' number of lad&& %nd 1 school children. Abont Half the train load got of to pipoie at the course, whilst the other* half pro* ' > ceeded into Foxton. All the Church : of England Sunday School scholars from Palmerston disembarked, and were under the care of the Rev^s * ; Harvey and Young. The Mayor of Woodville, Mr Haggen, and the chairman of the Woodville School Committee, Mr Sowry, and a very large number of the children and parents got off at this point, not for-, getting the Woddville Brass -Band thoughtfully brought along. The band played up to the grand stand

Where Mr Williams spoke a few expressive words of welcome, which Mr Haggen as suitably responded to. Hhe seen* on the ground was exceedingly pretty, though, ds We Have about one half of the visitors Were elsewhere. The train, We may mention, to give those who did not Witness its arrival and departure an idea of its sfae, contained over %800 passengers. The train started from WoodviHe at 9 p.m., and, aa appears now usual, there were not sufficient printed tickets supplied. Besides the actual Woodvifle people, there Were detachments from the neighbourhoods round about, and at Ashurst also a large contingent joined) so that When the train reached Palmerston there were over 2000 on board. The Falmerstonians came to the station some 600 to 600 s&ttfig atid diore waiited accommodation but had to. be turned diß&#--jtoifited away, as there were no more Carriages to .place them in. We were informed that three dr four more oars Could easily have been 1 filled.

The day was a splendid one, tiot too hot, the Ollly objection being thatftf apart of the aftdrtiooti a strong breeze arose which threw dust in the eyes of our visitors, a thing none of us would ever have dreamt of attempting to do. One cheerful party whose spirits Were not to be damped under any circumstances, when a remark had been matfo &b to the pity it blew so bard, said, " Oh, that's riottiirlg-, it Only shows what freehold land you own here, and how easily it is disposed of,", which considering this artist was from the north is not bad. A feW spots of rditi feU about three o'clock, but tiot sufficient to wet any one, and the wind suddenly fell. The Palmerston Sunday School picnicked and held sports on the ground. The other children lunohed and played about. Most walked into the (own during the day to have a look round. All seemed happy. Tho visitors were refreshed with tea and fruit by the Mayor, acting as representative of the Burgesses who one and all worked hard to make the visit pass off pleasantly. It would be invidious to mention the

names of the many who gave their * services, beyond stating that Mrs Williams presided at the grand stand assisted by active lady helpers, Mr Bradcock superintended the many boilers, also supported by ready helpers, and the Bey. Aitkens, Messrs Stewart, Lyall, and others handed round tea to the outside

patties. $he Mayor of Woodville, and the «^fed were entertained by the Mayor " at lunch, and the band acknowledged the compliment by playing " For he's a jolly good fellow," and by afterwards playing a number of selections in the Main-street. Some of the visitors inspected Mr Rutherford's flax mill, and the working was courteously explained to them by Mr Forster, the manager. Mr Stansell placed himself and his four-horse coach at the disposal of the committee and took parties free of charge up and down to the course. He also drove a party of children up to Mr Bhodes* garden where that gentleman amused them by giving rides oh two ponies, and also plenty of fruit. The s.s. Ivy took one large party of youngsters down the river for a trip, some others obtained the loan of boats for a pull. The wharf was also a point of great attraction. Before leaving the racecourse the Rev. Mr Harvey called upon his party to join him in giving three cheeri for the Mayor of Foxton for providing (hem with tea. He said this had- not been done without much trouble as the water had to be brought from the Township and there was also the difficulty in procuring so much milk. They had all spent a most enjoyable day. Three most hearty cheers endorsed Mr Harvey's remarks, Mr Williams said that with the assistance of, his numerous friends he was pleased to have been able in some small measure, add to their enjoyment and be hoped they would soon pay them another visit when he would endeavour ,to make it more enjoyable for them. He again thanked them for their kind remarks.

The departure was a scene to be witnessed, and the course was the

last point. While the passengers prere getting on board, Mr Haggen thanked the Mayor and the Chairman of the School Committee for their at tention and said he looked forward to another visit at no distant date. He called for three cheers for these gentlemen which were heartily given. Messrs Williams and Thynne shortly replied. Three cheers were called, for; Woodville and return cheers, and so on, till with a harried shake of the hand with Mr Haggen and the Revs. Harvey and Young, visitors steamed away. We verily trust that they did really enjoy themselves. To those who contributed donationsfln money, milk, and fruit, and goods, the best thanks of all are due. It was. the ■earnest wish of those who had re- -~ ceived the hospitality of our visitors, earlier in. the week, to do unto them as they had to us, and if we were not quite so successful, it must be remembered that they came nearly gis-fold. However, we trust they will accept the will for the deed. To all ft most have been a cheering

signt to have seed ttie tiuiUiter of children participating in a rational pleasure, they looked so bright and fresh, and were dressed so neatly, and appeared to be on such good ternis with one another. To be able to say that we did our little best to secure this pleasure to them, should be its own reward*