The Alameda's Last Voyage. INTERESTING NOTES FROM HONOLULU. DINNER WITH THE KING.

Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 372, 29 May 1889, Page 5

The Alameda's Last Voyage. INTERESTING NOTES FROM HONOLULU. DINNER WITH THE KING.

As Auckland passenger by the Alameda, which, as already reported, had frightfully rough weather on her last voyage to Hono t lulu, writes : — Upon arrival at Honolulu all our troubles ceased. We had a delightful day ashore, and during the afternoon, thanks to Captain Morse, 1 was invited to dine with the King and Queen at the Palace. After looking through the Palace — very grand — we &at down to a genuine native feast. I cannob say that I partook of much myself, beyond a little cooked fish and a glass of champagne, but it was interesting to watch the others eating their raw fish, sea-weed, etc., with such relish. Captain Morse was honoured with a seat next to the King. I had a pretty princess, who decorated me with a wreath of flowers, according to the custom of the country, i suppose you are aware that no knives, forks, or spoons are used in a genuine native feast, and no chairs— everyone down with legs crossed like a tailor. This was a great punishment, and I don't know how I should have managed but for having a good fat Kanaka (one of the ladies-in- waiting, I believe) to lean against occasionally. The dining - 100 m was beautifullydecorated with native weapons, etc., and altogether a very pretty sight. About twenty-tivo ladies present (only five Europeans) and some ten gentlemen. After dinner we retired to the lawn, where the Hula-hula was gone through by some natives invited for the occasion, and time being up, were driven back in grand style to the Alameda. Here we found the Palace Band entertaining the pa-sen-gers and about two or three hundred citizens assembled on the wharf. Honolulu can boast of a band — all Kanakas — which can beat anything I have heard in New Zealand, and I am told is not surpassed by any band in America. Their teacher and conductor (n, German) took them in hand about 15 years ago; the result is astounding. Mr Hill, proprietor of the " Bulletin " in Honolulu, was formerly connected with the " Thames Advertiser," and was for some timo manager of the "Thames Guardian" in the good days. The Fishmarket is a great sight on Saturday afternoon in Honolulu, and anyone passing through should not fail to see it. The variety of fish displayed is astonishing. The Chinese are increasing rapidly here. In 1874 there were over 17,000, to - day they have increased to over 30,000. The population of Hawaii is estimated at 80,000, and made up mostly of natives, Chinese, and Portugese, there are only pome 5,000 to 6,000 Europeans. The Chinese are, of course, the most industrious class, and you see them at everything, making ladies' and infants' underclothing, tailoring, bootmaking, in fact they seem to be capable of doing everything. How would it be if we allowod them to get into New Zealand ? After leaving Honolulu wo had magnificont weather, and really enjoyed the trip 1 to San Francisco. Wo mado up all our ■ lost time, and entered the Golden Gate between eight and nine o'clock)

making fche fifth voyage in which Captain Morse had reached the harbour on Saturday between 8 and 9. This is better time than the trains keep in America. On the evening prior fco our landing in California, the saloon passengers met in the saloon. Captain, Moree who made himself very popular during the voyage, was invited, and his health proposed by Mr Stainfield (Chairman of Melbourne Chamber of Commerce)^ and seconded by MrThos. Peacock (of N.Z.). In responding, Cnpt. Moiee was very amusing in some of his remarks. When his health was proposed all the passengers rose and gave him three cheers and 11 He's a Jolly Good Fellow." Upon arrival at 'Frisco, we were besieged with reporters anxiously waiting fur details of the Samoan disaster. Dr. Haines and Messr.Bloomfield started overland after spending three days in 'Frieco. Mr Ansenne was satisfied with two days Mr and Mrs Peacock left Denver on the 29th for Chicago. Mr Brett and family and Mr Gillies leave Denver on the first of May,