Excursion to Pahiatua.

Manawatu Herald, 16 February 1899, Page 3

Excursion to Pahiatua.

— •• The annual excursion in connection with the Public School was held on Tuesday, and was a pronounced success. There was not such a large attendance as last year, but doubtless the fact of the weather being so bad for such a long time accounted for a slight falling off in numbers, especially as it was very threatening the evening before. To the delight of all the children fhey were favoured with a perfect day, it could not have been more pleasant, and very shortly aftef 8.30 the train steamed out on its way to Pahiatua, and went merrily along until arrival at Oroua Bridge when some 80 more adults and children were picked up on pleasure bent. A stoppage of ten minutes at Palmerston gave the young people a chance for a run, but very soon the train was on its way again and made very good running. It was a glorious ride through the Gorge, and the varied beauties of the river and the numerous waterfalls and exquisite little patches of bush were all thoroughly noted and enjoyed. The excursionists arrived at their destination about 11.30, getting three hours' ride for three shillings, surely enough to satisfy everybody. On being informed that the camping-place was about a mile from the station all started off, some to walk and others to drive, as there was plenty of vehicles, and for a small charge you could be spared the dust and weariness of the walk. On arrival it was found that the billy was boiling and plenty of hot water and milk was kindly provided by the Pahiatua School Committee. A little more shade would have been appreciated, as It was extremely hot, but the folks soon had lunch and took themselves off in various directions, some to look through the town, others to explore the bush, and lots of the children to wade in the river. One member of the committee stayed to look after the children in the river, and a good job to, for as he was sitting quietly on a log calmly dreaming, he was aroused by the cries of the children, and looking up he saw a little girl being rapidly carried away down stream. There was not a moment to lose, not even time to take off a coat, so in he rushed, and in less time than it takes to tell had the little one out of the water * apparently none the worse for her ducking, only terribly frightened. She was not one of the excursionists, but belonged to Pahiatua. so she was promptly sent off in an express to her mother, who would get a surprise to see her daughter come home so saturated. We hope the iittle thing is all right, as she only appeared to be about seven years old, and was considerably knocked about in the water. The committee man got a dry change with the help of Mr Howard, of the Bank of New Zealand, to whom he was much indebted. It was decided not to have races as the children had all got scattered, and probably some would not have been back in time to compete, so the prizes were brought back again and will be run for some afternoon shortly. The return journey was commenced at 4.35 p.m., everybody being ready for home. The Pahiatua folks were very kind, and had it been a holiday there, no doubt more would have been seen of them. The local cricketers were a little disappointed that they could not get a game, but everybody up there seemed bus}'. Somebody said Pahiatua is a live bristling place, and so it was, they have good buildings, nice wide streets, and apparently plenty of work, only sometimes they get too much water. The train reached home at 7.45 p.m., everybody being tired out and having thoroughly appreciated the day's outing.

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