A FESTIVE GATHERING.

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

A FESTIVE GATHERING.

SECOND EDITION

The s.s. Taiaroa steamed alongside the Timaru breakwater to-day for the purpose of landing the long expected scoop dredge which was ordered through the National Mortgage and Agency Company for the Harbor Board. The weather was fine, scarcely a ripple disturbed the surface, and the steamer was safely made fast to one of the mooring piles and shackle-bolts on the north side near the outer end of the concrete. Some of the sections of the dredge were tolerably weighty, the largest fragment representing about seven tons, but they were raised from the bold and landed on the blocks by the steam crane without the slightest difficulty. The auspicious occasion was duly taken advantage of by some of the sea lions of the port, and a felicitous company speedily assembled in the cabin to ballast the compliments of the season with sparkling champagne. Among the notabilities who laid seige to Capt, McGee’s snuggery were Capt. Cain, Mr T. W, Hall, Mr Stericker, Harbor* master Mijls, Engineer Goodall, Mr McKenzie, manager of the N. M. and A. ‘ L Company, Mr Philp, contractor for the new wharf, and Mr Jones, railway stationmaster. The health of Capt. McGee, followed by success to the Breakwater, were drank in bumpers, and a very social half hour was spent, ac the end of which, the Taiaroa having discharged cargo, was discreetly anchored outside.