Manawatu Herald. THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 1903. Our Rivet’.

Manawatu Herald, 12 March 1903, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 1903. Our Rivet’.

Anything that tends to introduce people to the advantages enjoyed by Poxton in the possession of the beautiful Manawatu river lying at our doors should receive the heartiest assistance of every inhabitant, as it mean* the small commencement of a valuable stream of money pouring into the town in the near future. The energy displayed by Messrs Jupp and Cook in providing river excursions-is to be applauded, for it ishy this means that those who live miles away can get acquainted with the river. Thp time is not yet ripe for the floating palaces which the pluck and energy of Mr Hatrick has placed upon the Wanganui river, but the time has arrived when every effort should ha made to keep the pleasure of water excursions fully before our inland friends who must during the summer pant for cooling breezes and sparkling waters. This opening of the river to excursion trade is no new idea with us, as wo have advocated the movement four or five years ago, therefore wo can appreciate any action which displays more energy in this direction than has been shown before. We congratulate the Traffic Manager of this section of railway in falling in with the suggestion made to him to run a cheap excursion from Palmerston for the river excursion organised for St. Patrick’s Day. The' train should pay, and it will also be accepted on the part of both towns as a graceful concession to a much desired wish The public need be in no fear of any contretemps occurring as the steamers to be employed are powerful boats well manned by skilful engineers, and the passage of the river, up or down, ia well known. To take a number of people the large flax barges will be used which are powerfully built and steady as a rock, and, as was proved at an excursion the other day, with an awning rigged over them they make most convenient dining saloons. Whether the wind blows a gale or not a trip oa the river can be made, for if too rough for the beach the steamer can bo hsaded up the river.

These excursions are but the beginning of a great movement as we believe if the schema appears to meet a long felt want, the plucky owner of our river steamers is prepared to securefa proper passenger boat for those services. Thus we must al! hope that the trips will bo well patronised. There ia one thing to be regretted and that is the shortness of time to make this initial trip a great success, but we must trust to the energy, of the promoters to counteract this to the best of their skill and ability.