TRIP OF THE S.S. 'WELLINGTON' TO BAT OF ISLANDS.

Southland Times, Issue 1021, 14 September 1868, Page 3

TRIP OF THE S.S. 'WELLINGTON ' TO BAT OF ISLANDS.

(From the 'Southern Cross,' 26fch August.) The steamer 'Wellington,' which left on Saturday night for a pleasure trip to the Bay of Islands and back, returned last night shortly before twelve o'clock, when we were enabled to gather a few particulars of the pleasure trip. The 'Wellington left Auckland at eight o'clock on Saturday night, and experienced light head winds and fine weather until arriving off the township of Eussell at nine o'clock on the following morning. H.M.S. c Eosario ' was found to be anchored in the bay, and communication was immediately opened between the vessels. The captain of the ' Eosario ' was supplied with files of English and Auckland papers, which were duly acknowledged. The ' Wellington ' then proceeded on her journey, and dropped anchor at KawakaAva about 10 a.m. One or two boats, containing natives, came off while the vessel was at anchor, and were admitted on board the steamer, and were apparently much interested in what they saw. A boat also came ofl from the Eev. Mr Burrows'. The views of and around the Bay from the steamer are described by those on board as being remarkably pretty and picturesque — the water surrounded by hills on many sides, while, peeping out from the verdure ashore, could be seen in the distance several houses and Maori whares. Lunch having been partaken of, • many of the passengers were conveyed ashore in the ship's boats, and spent a very pleasant afternoon rambling along the beach, over the hills, and inspecting many points worthy of interest. Several trips were made in the boats from point to point in the bay, and the whole party returned on board with keen appetites in time to partake of a most excellent dinner. At 1.30 Divine service was held on board in the fore-cabin, the Eev. j Warlow Davies officiating. Early the next morning the directors of the Goal Company and the passengers embarked on board the steamer ' Waiomeo,' which at once steamed on for the landing-place, towing a punt, a cutter, and the captain's gig, containing the lady passengers. Landed, the party proceeded by rail to the mines which far exceeded their expectations — from the immense body of coal near the surface and the ease with which it is obtained. After thoroughly inspecting the mines and partaking of lunch in one of the ' drives ' the passengers again took the rail, leaving the directors at the mines to

| confer together and devise means to meet the yevy great demand for coal which there is in Auckland at the present time. The whole party arrived on. board again about six o'clock, highly delighted with their excursion. At 10 p.m. the steamer completed coaling, having taken in about 150 tons during the day. The Directors returned on board about one o'clock a.m., having made a most minute and thorough examination of the mines. During their sfcay ashore they made arrangements in the most handsome manner to give a sum of money for the erection of a schoolhouse near the names. At 7 a.m. the ship's boat proceeded to Russell with clearance, &c. ; at 8 a.m. the pilot (Captain Bolger) came on board, and immediately the ship weighed anchor and proceeded to Russell and brought up, and at 11.30 received on board several cabin passengers and a number of natives from Hokianga, who loudly expressed their pleasure at being enabled to travel in so fine a vessel. A strong head wind prevailed all the way down. Arrived at Auckland at 12 o'clock, having made the passage in 12£ hours. „_____»_««___«„