EXCURSIONS.

Thames Star, Volume XV, Issue 4676, 2 January 1884, Page 2

EXCURSIONS.

The beautiful weather yesterday, although it was somewhat threatening in the early morning, favored the several excursions arranged, and all the trips were very enjoyable. The Rotomahana was liberally patronised on her trip to Auckland, and got away from Goods Wharf shortly after 7 o'clock in the morning.. The Shortland Fire Brigade's annual picnic to Mr Austin's farm at the Puke left Shortland Wharf at a quarter to seven in the s.s. Waitoa, which landed her passengers after a pleasant trip of three hours. The attendance was not so good as last year, but the boat was comfortably filled, about 190 being on board. Arrived at the paddocks, preparations, for dinner were at once made by the Brigade,, who supplied all provisions, the young folks meanwhile amusing themselves with games. Dinner over, the parly dispersed, some amusing themselves at cricket and rounders, olhers at " Jolly Miller," &c., while several members of the Naval Artillery Band and two violinists (who also enlivened the passage up and down) supplied music for the dancers. Several foot rapes for boys were arranged, the events being hotly contested, and a swing was also put up for tho use of the younger ones, though their elder ones did not deign to use it. During the afternoon a number of visitors came in from Paeroa, Owharoa, <&c, and added ho tho amusement. Tea was served at 4,30, and two hoars later, after three hearty cheers bad been given for Mr and Mrs Austin, the return trip was commenced, Shortland being reached at half past ten, A most enjoyable day was spent, everything passing off without the slightest mishap. The Congregational excursion left in the Patiki at 6 o'clock, and reached the cherry grove, a short distance past' the junction of the Waibou and Ohinemuri rivers, about 11 o'clock. A halt was made till after dinner, when the party returned to the Puke, remaining there till they left at 6 o'clock. The p.s. Te Aroha, which had been chartered to convey the Baptist excursion (p the Miranda, was unable to cross the

firtb on account of the rough weather, and the put? therefore proceeded up the Tliams riviT, tind landed voder a clump of willows on the bank of the Hikutaia Bi'rcr, the pacJdock.being kindly lent' by Mrj McCaskill. There were about 200 -

present altogether, aud a very pleasant day was spent, the boat reaching Shortland on the return trip at half past nine.