AN UNPLEASANT VOYAGE.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXVI, Issue 43081, 13 April 1907, Page 4

AN UNPLEASANT VOYAGE.

In connection with the journey cf the steamer Paeroa from Auckland on Sunday it has been represented to us that the conditions under which the excursionists journeyed bade were somewhat akin to those existing on the Rotomahana on a recent memorable trip from Auckland to Thames. The Wakatere and the ordinary Paeroa boats had as usual conveyed a large number Of excursionists to Auckland and when the time (6 p.m.) of departure came it was found that the Paireoa, which is a small boat with

very 'little accommodation, was uncomfortably crowded. When the gulf was reached the weather was rough and the sea was running high. Most of the passengers were sick and the fact that there was not sufficient suitable 'accommodation for them made their plight doubly miserable. The scene, our informant states, was not a creditable one, and he avers that when Kopu was reached some of the passengers declined to remain on board under such conditions and complete the voyage to Paeroa, though in oomparatirely smooth water, but preferred to land at Kopu, seek accommodation for the nigjht or journey, to Thames, and make the journey to Paeroai the next morning. Our informant vouches for the truth ofhis statements, and strongly holds •that it is most unfair to convey large numbers of passengers to Auckland on such boats as the Wakatere from the Thames andi the Taniwha and Waimarie from Paeroa and then ship them back on such a 'boat as the Paeroa.