THE EXCURSION BY THE WANGANUI.

Southland Times, Issue 1815, 7 November 1873, Page 2

THE EXCURSION BY THE WANGANUI.

The promised excursion trip tc Island, given by the owners of the s.s. "Wanganui to the residents of Invercargiil, has, since it was first inti mated, been an object of almost allabsorbing interest, and when it was known that the guests were to be the subjects of special invitation, inquiries were rife between parties meeting as to whether an invite had been received. The tickets of invitation were very generally distributed amoDo the business people of the^town, and yesterday being the day appointed for the trip, shortly after nine o'clock a steady stream of citizens, with their wives and some younger branches of the family, was seen in holiday garb, on pleasure bent, wend ing towards the focus of attraction — the railway station — whence the visitors were to be conveyed by train to the Wanganui, lying at the Bluff jetty. There were over two hundred excursionists, a::d a little license was given, the ordinary time of despatching the Bluff train being exceeded by a few minutes. At length the latest of the late visitors had taken their places, and the train moved off at nearly ten o'clock for the Bluff. The day was really magnificent, being the first summer's day for this season, with, a bright unclouded sky, moderately warm, but tempered with a soft balmy breeze from the south-west, and the ride down to the Bluff by rail was thoroughly enjoyable, and as thoroughly enjoyed. On arriving at the Bluff, the Wanganui was found waiting, with her steam up, and the passengers were soon on board, and here occurred the only accident of the day, being one painful in itself, but of which it is hoped the results will be but temporary. The family of Mr J. B. Greig, the Collector of Customs at Stewart's Island, having taken advantage of the trip for their removal from luvercargill thither, a portion of their luggage in the shape of hardware or ironmongery had been packed in a bag, to be taken ou i

deserves to be severely reprehended, and if. as is to be hoped, no permanent injury should result from it, the inconsiderate act certainly endangered both life and limb. Mr Wade was in great pain, but proceeded with the steamer, although the trip must have been without pleasure to him, as it necessitated during the whole day cold water bathing, by which the swelling waa kept down, and the pain diminished. We were pleased to learn lasteveningthat no boneshnd been broken. Tbe Wan<>anui was quickly off, and steamed across the straits, which were " smooth as a miltpond." It seemed almost a pity to make very rapid headway with the weather so lovely, and the prospect ahead of a full day's pleasure, and of course the amount of the drawback in the shape of sea-sick-ness was but slight. The Wanganui ia a fine boat, and capable of great speed, but her steaming capabilities were not tested on the trip. She has splendid saloon and cabin accommodation, with a well-fitted lady's cabin, and plenty of accommodation forward, and is altogether a very suitable boat for tbe trade in which her owners have placed her, and her substitution for the Storm Bird, formerly employed on tbo line between Invercargill and Dunedin, is a very advantageous one. Captain Eraser, so well and favorably known here, had made every provision for the refreshment and comfort of his visitors, and luncheon was laid out on deck and below, with every requisite and delicacy. Of course with over two hundred visitors on board, there could not be much room to spare, but there did not appear to be any overcrowding, by reason of the very good seat accommodation furnished. It was regretted that the Invercargill Brass Band had not been pressed into the ferric^, but if the want of their spirit-stirring music was really felt, the sense of loss on this account must have quickly passed away, reference to it having been merely momentary. The trip across has been frequently described, and probably the verdure and magnificence of the scenery was never displayed to more advantage than yesterday. Tha Wanganui sti amed onward as far as Cooper's Islaud, which she rounded, returning through Patersou's Inlet, by Halfmoon Bay and Horse-shoe Bay to Port William, where she dropped anchor. Tbe spirit of the occasion appeared to be entered into by the settlers upon the coast, who were by some means or other evidently aware of the specialty of the Wanganui's visit, as evidenced by the profuse display of bunting, and other dimonstations where practicable, and remarkably so at Captain Harold's very pretty and thriving-looking establishment. The trip from the Bluff to Port William occupied about two hours, and upon dropping anchor it was intimated that those excursionists who wished could go ashore, and two or three boats w<ire at once alongside. Many availed themselves of the offer, and returned laden w'th ferua, shells, and fish, but the time allowed was too short for anything beyond a stroll of a very i'ew yards from tbe beach. At half-past five, anchor was weighed, and the return trip commenced. When nearing the Bluff, Mr J. W. Mitchell presented Captain Eraser with a sum of about £12, which had been collected on board for the purpose of giving some slight gratuity to the officers and crew, at the same time thanking Capt. Fraser and the owners of the Wanganui for the great treat they had afforded to the inhabitants, and likewise intimating that he hoped the kindr-esfl shown would not be without its return, by the liberal freight given to the vessel. The health of Capt Fraser was then drunk, with that of Mr T. Brodrick, agent of the steamer. The Wanganui arrived at the Bluff at about half-past seven, the excursionists leaving shortly after by special train, reaching Invercargill at about half-past nine.