WONDROUS WAKATIPU

Southland Times, Issue 20082, 20 January 1927, Page 6

WONDROUS WAKATIPU

TRIP TO LAKES DISTRICT. LOCAL FIRM’S OUTING. A happy innovation in local firm outings was that arranged by Messrs H. and J. Smith Ltd., for their employees and friends yesterday, when more than 800 persons journeyed by special excursion train to Queenstown where a picnic was staged and met with a full measure of success. The spontaneous response from the employees and the strong demand for tickets from the general public not only established the wisdom of the decision, but also bore eloquent testimony to the popularity of the “City of the Lakes” as a venue for an enjoyable outing and w’hen yesterday morning the excursion train of 20 cars was drawn out by a couple of fussy engines, 805 happy Invercargillites were on the brink of a glorious day’s adventure. The fact that the journey to Lumsden was not completed as fast as it should have been did not dampen the spirits of the excursionists, and the 44 minutes lost on account of engine trouble were accepted philosophically. A change of engines at Lumsden improved matters considerably, and the remainder of the journey to Kingston was completed in excellent time, the train steaming round the foot of Lake Wakatipu only a-quarter of an hour behind schedule time. The Lake, set in its environ of towering peaks, and ruffled by a tempering breeze, presented a colourful scene as the Earnslaw set out on the 25 mile run to Queenstown, the enjoyment of the travellers being enhanced a hundred-fold by the splendid weather conditions prevailing. Although appearances were not promising at one stage of the journey up the Lake the weather was all that could be desired when, after a run of an hour and three-quarters, the excursionists disembarked at Queenstown. For four hours the “inland port” was completely

over-run by enchanted sight-seers, the picturesque waterfront especially attracting numerous picnickers, who, by the courtesy of the local authorities, were able to obtain full supplies of boiling -water from conveniently placed boilers. Few, however, failed to realise that to see Queenstown one must necessarily see the Tourist Department’s beautifully laid out domain, and this, with its many shaded walks offering escape from the bright sunshine and its splendid sporting facilities for those more energetically inclined, was the centre of attraction until the time for departure arrived.

The return journey was commenced promptly at 5.45 p.m., the train setting out from Kingston about two hours later. Engine trouble was again responsible for a prolonged journey. The home town was reached at 11 p.m., and a merry though happy crowd wended their ways to their various abodes. The day had been a long one, but it would have been hard to find anyone who did not agree that it had been well worth while, and who was not delighted with his brief sojourn amid the wonders of Wakatipu. The excursion was accompanied by members of the Invercargill Civic Band (under Mr Bud Wills) as the guests of Mr J. W. Smith, and throughout the journey and at Queenstown appropriate music assisted to impart a jolly atmosphere to the outing.