School Excursion.

Manawatu Herald, 26 March 1898, Page 2

School Excursion.

DANNEVIRKE GREETS FOXTON

Yesterday morning punctually to the minute the train from Foxton to Dannevirke left the station with eight long double bogie carriages which were almost filled, and were quite after ( leaving Oroua Bridge. The early morning was wet and though tickets were sold freely, it was feared that the rain would interfere with the attendance, but it was not so however, the excursionists, proving they were made of different materials than sugar or salt, and thus they had their reward as after the Gorge was passed the train ran into fine weather without any bad result, and was the only casualty to report. The train must have bad close on 350 persons on board, big and little, the smaller ones, as is best, outnumbering the adults.

Mr Imrie, the station-master, exercised his usual care to see the passengers safe on the train, and Guard Morton, Porter Robertson, and Mr O'Brien were also on board to assist him. Mr Thynne, in response to a few persons who satisfactorily accounted for not having purchased tickets previously sold a few on the morning, but how few can be estimated by about a pound's worth being only disposed of. At Palmerston ono of the Napier lino guards had charge of the train. As we have said, it rained during the journey to Palmerston hut cleared from there, though the outlook seemed black indeed and the sun was not seen until the Gorge had been passed. AT DANNEVIRKE. 1 On the arrival of the train at Dannevirke, Mr Henderson, Chair man of the School Committee and Mr McPhee, one of the same committee, and Mr Soundy, headmaster of the State School, met the train and gave all a hearty welcome. He said it had been the intention to have provided tea in the Recreation ground, but the weather looked so like rain that the Hall had been secured for that purpose, and the excursionists were invited to go there for lunch. This kindly act was very muoh appreciated, and there was found plenty of seating accommodation, and Mr Henderson had boiling water, tea, milk and sugar ready for all. Mr McPhee of the large firm

of Godfrey, McPhee & Co., obligingly lent the children a number of cups, which were indeed wanted. After lunch Mr Henderson said that the Fire Brigade would give an exhibition of the splendid water supply of fche Borough. . . THE WATER POWER. On walking to the Fire Brigade Station Captain Nuttall had a hose run out and fixed to the nearest plug, and threw a stream of water from an inch nozzel high in the air. He then put two hoses, and lastly three, and fchey showed no diminution in the force of discharge. The day was windy and therefore the fall height of the jet could not be seen to , advantage, but as the Station is on the highest part of the town, and the water can be sent to 10_ ffc in the air the value of the supply can be guaged. The pressure is equal to a/%" Lf. ii.- ...... mi.. ... pviDf/ " square inoii. iue oicursienists are obliged to Captain Nuttall and his men for their courtesy and interesting exhibitioti. THE GAS WORKS. Mr Henderson then personally conducted the party over the Water Gas Works, of which, by the bye, he is sole proprietor, and received from him a most interesting account of the way this new gas is manufactured. Ifc is the invention of Mr Watt of Balcltitha, aiid is ih effect a gas made froria oil, steam, and air. The works are much in excess of present requirements but the working is giving every satisfaction and is fast being used by the inhabitants. The gasometer is oapable of holding 10,000 ft of gas. Besides the acttial making of the gas we were shown numerous stoves, and other handy appliances to whioh this gas could be used. The. light is a pure bright one giving off no smoke or smell when alight, but a leak is easily discoverable by a very pronounced odour. BOWLING GREEN. A visit was paid to the bowling green and tennis courts whioh lie side by Bide. They are splendid grounds, very true, the grass in grand oondition, and all well kept. We* are informed that during the season, on a weekly half-holiday, there are often 100 persons present. STATE SCHOOL. Under the guidance of Mr Soundy we inspected the State School, but we only saw the class-rooms, as the children had been given a half-holi-day to fraternise wfth tht young Foxtonians. The sohool has a roll-num* ber of over 400 and the building show's the continual additions made to it to keep pace with the growth of the population of the town. The place was very clean and tidy, the rooms well lighted, brightly painted and the wall spaces broken with pictures and designs. Mr Soundy is to be congratulated on the school under his charge. CONCLUSION. The excursion train left Dannevirke at 4.10 and arrived in Foxton afc 7.45. The children were well conducted and well behaved. We desire on the part of ourselves, the committee and the excursionists, fco express to Mr and Mrs Henderson and all who co-operated wifch them, the most hearty thanks for all their kindness and courtesy, and we feel sure we all hope we may at some early day have an opportunity of attempting to do unto them as they have done unto us. Not only did Mrs Henderson - supervise the lunch tea, but with a thought, ulness which all ladies will appreciate, she insisted on the excursionists leaving all their baskets in the Hall and on their returning again for afternoon tea before the train left. Tbe members of the committee who went wifch the children, the Bey. B. Young and Messrs Thynne and Bhodes did good work in looking affcer the children, in whioh they were duly assisted by the teaching staff of the school. Guard Morion also was more than a mere official as he showed he bad his heart in his jeb, and exercised the utmost care for the safety of his passengers. We are not surprised that the train arrived at Foxton amid the ringing cheers, of the children. We desire to add a word of praise to the Department for the comfort" able carriages provided. They were a distinct improvement on any pre* viously sent. The amount paid over by the Foxton Committee totalled over £29, to whioh has to be added the takings of the Oroua School Committee,