SCHOOL EXCURSION TO ROTORUA.

Te Aroha News, Volume XVI, Issue 22205, 24 February 1900, Page 2

SCHOOL EXCURSION TO ROTORUA.

A GREAT SUCCESS

Tns committee of management in connection with the above excursion, which took place on Thursday last, have every reason to be well satisfied with the successful outcome of their labours. Some weeks ngo Mr W. H. Knock, of the Hot Springs Hotel, convened a meeting to consider the advisa hi By of giving the school children an excursion trip. The result being a strong committee was appointed, who have worked wish untiring zeal to make the affair a succe s. Mr T. C. Bell was chosen as lion, secretary, and the way he managed affairs proved he was the right man to occupy the position ; indeed, a great deal depends on the secretary in functions of this kind. Some 465 excursionists boarded the train —every available ticket sold—which was drawn by two engines. The train left the Te Aroha station at 6 30 a.m. and arrived at us destination punctually at 11 o’clock. On arrival at the sta - i n the visiters were welcomed by A 1 Brent, Chairman of the Domain Board, and al-o the mombei-s of that body,. The Rotorua school children, armed wi h flags and banners, were present in full force to welcome their juvende friends. We mu-'t not forge* t<*> mention t! e part taken in the fesdvi'i ’s by the R *torua B'>*a°s Band, which played sel ’otions at the railway station on arrival.. The children, headed by the Te Aroha and Rotorua bands, marched to the Domain grounds (on the way to which they passed the Governor of N.S.W. and party and gav Q him three cheers). Three large boilers of vvator had been got ready by our R itorua friends, tea was quickly made, and in a very short time children and parents were at‘ending to the wants of the inner man. Aft h* luncheon sight-seeing was the order of the day, and par ies were seen going off in all direc'ions. AYakarewarewa appealed to bo.the chief attraction, and Seer tary Bell had made special arrangements with Robertson and Co., coach proprietors, t > convey passengers to and from that township. The Chairman of the Domain Board handed some 220 bath tickets to Mr Bel! for free distribution among the children ; indeed we cannot speak too highly of the wav in which wo wore looked after by our Rotorua friends. Previous to the train heacing for home the Rev E, J. McFarland (of Sr. Alarks’s) returned thanks on behalf of the excursionists, to all those who hid assisted in m iking the trip sm-h an enjoyable one. The train left the station amid loud cheers and arrived in Te Aroha at 9 o’clock. The presence of the Te Aroha Brass Band, which rendered selections both going and coming, added greatly to the outing. The trip is one that will long be remembered by the children, and they may be heard discussing the wonderful sights they witnessed at our sister sanatorium.