State School Excursion.

Manawatu Herald, 22 February 1900, Page 3

State School Excursion.

. Wednesday morning came out bright and sunny and at a very early hour the whole town seemed to be astir. The excursion was timed to leave at 6.45 but at 6 o'clock some of the early risers were down at the station waiting to secure their seats, and before the time for starting every available seat was occupied and - a number of people had to stand on the platforms. There were a crowd of adults disappointed of this trip, who, having failed to secure tickets the previous evening found when they got to the station that they could not be supplied, owing to their not having children with them. The railway regulations are rather stringent and will not allow of more adults being carried than children, this is no doubt as it should be, as the trips are for the children's benefit, but very often they do not avail themselves of the opportunity, and were it not for outsiders the excur* sion would be a failure. Punctually at 6.45 Guard Morton, who was in charge, started the train, and picking up contingents at Carnarvon, Bainesse (16), and Oroua Bridge (60), there must have been upward of 450 people on board. At 8.5 the train arrived at Palmerston and after a stop of five minutes to change the engine the journey was resumed, and "everybody seemed to enjoy the beautiful view of the .country as they passed along, harvest was in full swing and it was quite a treat to see the big stacks of grain that were in the process of being built. Somebody remarked that evidently the farmers thought the war was going to last and New Zealand oats would be in great demand. At 11.15 Wan- ' ganui was reached and everybody was pleased to get out of the train. Arrangements had been made Iffy Mr , F. 8. Newcombe, secretary of the j Central School Committee, to supply j milk and hot water, but as thera ; were so many shops handy where ; refreshments could be had very few ' availed themselves of the privilege. ; A large number went out to see the j cricket match that was being played by Wanganui against Victoria, and were rewarded by seeing the World's ; ' ' greatest bowler, who was in grand form, delivering ballsthat were evidently too' much for the Wanganui men. Others visited the museum, ' and were delighted with what they , saw there. Wanganui is certainly to be congratulated on its varied and j collection of curiosities and | S interesting relics. The Boer Bible ! which has been sent from South ! Africa by one of the " boys " from the town who is fighting them, receiving a lot of attention, the Bible was taken from one of the Boer ' farms, whose inhabitants had fled, and evidently had been in daily use, as it is well marked and full of, pressed flowers, etc. The Rhine of { New Zealand of course came in for | its share of visitors and many were ' longing for the trip to be extended so that they could have a run up the beautiful river. The latest fashions in the shops were eagerly criticised by the young ladies, and no doubt we shall soon see some sweet things in hats, &c, ala Wanganui. The town is well , worth a visit and. has a good show of shop windows that are well dressed. At 4.15 promptly all were on board ; and a start for home was made. At ! 9.15 the train drew up at Foxton I station and everybody was pleased to j be at home again. The members of < the Committee, with the teachers did their best to look after the children and make people comfortable^ Guard Morton and his assistant, Mr Hughson, were extremely kind and courteous, and a very happy and interesting day was spent and not marred by accident or disappointment. The committee are deeply indebted to Mr F. 8. Newcombe, of Wanganui, and all the other ladies and gentlemen who contributed to the success of the excursion and tender them their heartiest thanks. j