AT THE SEASIDE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8043, 2 February 1906, Page 2

AT THE SEASIDE.

school Excuiisroxs. On Thursday I lie children attending the Stratford, Native Pembroke lload, Bird Bond, mid Tulm schools, with their parents and Mends, lot illiiif? close on Will persons, held their annual excursion to the New Plymouth breakwater. The lirst train rrom Stratford, eonl.lining over 1211(1, was one of the largest that ever steamed into Now I'ly.noiith. To sueh good purpose liad the Stratford High School Committee, which had charge of the principal arrangements, advei 1 . tised the outing, that the whole of the 10)10 ticket* issued to the Stratford Committee were disposed of on Wednesday nighl. Very large numbers of Stratford people were unable to pro. cure tickets and accordingly had I) forego the trip. About SO who could not procure excursion tickets, however, boarded the train, and were called upon by the .Railway oflicials to pay full fare, Boprcscntalions have been made to the Department concerning the matter and a refund may be forthcoming. The Breakwater was reached at 10 o'clock, and immediately the excursionists, and notably the children, made their way to the beach, which during the whole of the day was the principal attraction. The Union Company generously placed the Takapuna gratuitously at the committee's disposal, and shortly after oue o'clock the commodious vessel was crammed from stem to stern with merry excursionists, and the vessel headed seaward on a pleasant [wo hours' cruise. The sea was beautifully calm with just sulljcient swell to allow many of the maiden trippers to realise the exhilaration of a mild attack of mnl de hut. Mr Newton King also placed his motor launch, in charge of a competent marine chaffeur, at the call of the visitors, and during the whole day the vessel hail not an idle moment, being lilled time after time as soon as it returned to the wharf. Mr King also provided a number of cases of fruit, which were distributed to the children in the trains and keenly appreciated. During the day Mr J. P. Couuett, Chairman of the Harbor Board, eonducted a number of leading Stratford and eouutry ratepayers over the Freezing Works, and also to the breakwater, where he explained the object of the work and demonstrated what had been accomplished, Keen interest was manifested in this part of the proceedings, and on the motion of Mr King (Mayor of Stratford) seconded by Mr Sexlon, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr Connett. As there were a number of seini-pessiiuists from the (fountry in the party, all of whom appeared agreeably surprised at the extent of the operations, much good should accrue from Mr Council's practical demonstration. The Stratford Band was in attendance, and enlivened proeecditigs throughout the day, especially during the cruise of the Takapuna. On the inward journey the band de-trained at Klliot-road Station, and played through the town, announcing the arrival of our country visitors. The Municipal Baths, which were placed at the disposal of the children, were well patronised. The Chairman of the ■ Stratford School Committee (Mr C. D. Sole) desires us to express, on behalf of the visitors, their thanks to Mr Colbs (Chairman of the Central School • Committee) who made arrangements • locally, to the Union S.S Company anil the ollieers and stewards of (he i Takapuna, and to Mr New ton King for ■ the use of his launch, Thanks are also : accorded to the Borough Council for , the use of the baths. About half-past s four the excursionists began to muster ; in the vicinity of the wharf, preparatory I to re-embarking for home. The day ; had been an ideal one, unmarred by . any accident, and all appeared ■ delighted with their experience. The i children, although weary and scorched ! with the sun, seemed loth to dress and leave the sea, where they had gamboled the live-long day. "Ail-aboard," how ever, wan called, and the last (ram ] got away a little before a o'clock, closing one of the happiest and most successful outings ever held at this popular \ holiday resort