SCHOOL EXCURSION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1087, 22 April 1913, Page 3

SCHOOL EXCURSION.

VISIT TO THE BATTLESHIP

One hundred anJ Iwenty seven school children, including 17 from the Convent, lined up at the local railway station oefore 6 o’clock on Saturday morning, to make the journey to Wellington to visit the battleship New Zealand. The weather was on its best behaviour and the youngsters were in high spirits—many of them had not previously seen the Empire City with its bustling thoroughfares and busy life and they made light of the tiresome journey ahead of them. Nearly every child was equipped with a supply of food and a drinking vessel. The contingent was in charge of the teachers and committeemen. As the train sped along, Old Sol gladdened the countryside and the youngsters were keenly interested in the passing landscape. At Otaki a targe milk can of steaming tea was taken aboard and served out to the children and a further supply of refreshments and fruit handed round. Then the tunnels ! How the children yelled with delight as the train sped into darkness. They counted tunnel after tunnel. Kapiti Island and the glassy sea bathed in bright sunshine, kept the little ones keenly interested, and when Wellington was sighted with its fine harbour and ships lying at anchor or outwardand inward bound, the delight of the young bloods knew no bounds Some children had been to Wellington before and aired their knowledge with great gusto. Then the train steamed into the station at about 12.30 —nearly six and ahalf hours on the journey. No complaint was uttered on this score —the journey had been full of interest. At the station the children assembled and were met by a Government messenger and two officials, and under their guidance the youngsters were marched to the King’s Wharf. It was impossible to keep fours and march with military precision—the trams, buildings and other sights had to be taken in and little feet and bodies described all sorts of angles as the serpentine procession wended its way to the King’s Wharf. Here the stately Tutanekei was waiting to convey the contingent. Outsiders who tried to slip aboard were keenly watched and prevented at the gangways. The vessel cast off and steamed out quietly to the great drab dreadnought lying motionless at anchor. It could be seen that its decks were lined with excursionists who had preceded the arrival of the Foxton contingent. On board the Tutanekei we met Mr J. Hislop, Under-Secretary, who had been responsible lor our guidance. As the vessel drew near the battleship a lieutenant informed us that we could net come aboard until the Hinemoa had taken off the other country children and back we had to go to the wharf. The children could not have been more disappointed than was Mr Hislop who had made arrangements to have the little ones catered for in town. However, after half an hour’s delay the children stepped aboard the New Zealand about 1.40. They scampered everywhere on the ship inspecting all classes of guns, climbing up to the bridges and down below, catching fleeting glimpses of

almost everything that was to be I seen. The officers and men did not think any question too trivial to answer and the youngsters had a free run ot the biggest fighting machine that has yet crossed the line. The time quickly flew by and the warning whistle to depart was sounded at a quarter to three. As the Tutanekae steamed away it was discovered that three local youngsters were left aboard, but ■„ these were subsequently brought ashore by the Hinemoa. Mr Hislop and his subordinates accompanied the children to refreshment rooms on the Quay, and they were regaled with cakes and soft drinks to their heart’s content. Before leaving the rooms, Mr Hornblow, on behalf of the committee, teaching staff and children, expressed appreciation of Mr Hislop’s . thoughtfulness and hospitality and three rousing cheers were lustily given.. Mr Hislop briefly acknowledged the compliment and hoped the children would have a safe journey home. The train was crowded om the home journey, but . the children made no complaint. Refreshments were again handed round at Otaki. Musical items s.- and harmless fun helped to while the time away and the youngsters arrived at Foxton at 10.30, thoroughly satisfied, with the outing. There was no mishaps of any kind and the trip will long remain a pleasant memory with all who undertook it.