CHRISTMAS ON AN ISLAND.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2441, 14 January 1881, Page 2

CHRISTMAS ON AN ISLAND.

An Auckland exchange gives an amusing account of the adventures of five residents, including an artist who started “in the smart little yacht Sybil ” on a fishing excursion on Christmas morning, taking a few biscuits with them, and intending to return in time for their Christmas dinner. Although they left at 8 a.m., with a fair wind, when near Drunken Bay a head wind sprang up, and presently a storm overtook them and drenched them to the skin. They dropped anchor at the bay and vainly sought a temporary shelter from the angry forces of nature. After waiting and watching for the expected calm for several hours, the rains ceased and the winds subsided, but still the heavy fleeting clouds were threatening. Towards eventide they trimmed their sails, but again the wind rose and they were driven into Motupapa, where they had to anchor and wade ashore. Their only food was a few schnappers which they devoured in a half raw state. After a little smoking, and an attempt to sing the duet “ What are the Wild Waves saying ?”—the party gathered their coats around them, huddled together for sleep ; but sleep was out of the question. In the dead of the night one of the party roared out, “ Here’s an eel in my throat,” which proved to be a neighbour’s toe and a huge worsted stocking which the owner had unwittingly thrust into his friend’s mouth, which was left open during a doze. Daylight at length dawned, and the party, soaking wet' got up, shook themselves, and safely returned from their Christmas cruise. They reached the wharf at 7 a.m. on the morning of Sunday to the intense joy of their friends, who had sat up in anxious expectation,through the slow-ticking hours of that Christmas night.