MASONIC PICNIC.

Waikato Times, Volume VIII, Issue 431, 20 February 1875, Page 5 (Supplement)

MASONIC PICNIC.

The annual picnic of the members rfjM Prince of Wales Lodge of Freemasons, i|| was held Feb. 17, might have been a faJEt in consequence of. the unexpected chilli which occurred in the weather had it not \*m' for the extraoidinary energy of the stewffrffc These gentlemen, with Mr. Gormarvsj|| providore), by dint of the most streKfe exertions succeeded in turning into a vast success what would under less energetic hante have been a grand failure. The difficulty « making the new arrangements, consequent op the compulsory adjournment of the festivities from the Lake to the North Shore may tfe imagined when it is understood that the wholit of the provisions, liquids, and other rnatteji necessary for the enjoyment of a holiday had W be carted back to Devonport for a distance fl£ at least four miles, over a very indifferent roa || When the party left the Queen-street wb*tfJn r» morning everything looked propitious, and ST thin veil of clouds which shrouded the sun only made the excursionists more certain of enjoying a happy day's relaxation on the banks of that picturesque lake. But alas for the vanity of all human wishes, the steamer, after touching at the Victoria Wharf, and discharging a few who preferred the land journey— among them Drs Wright and Ellis— met with foul weather' Not only did ./Eolus vent his blasts on the devoted vessel, but the clouds opened and the rain descended in torrents. An attempt was made to land on the beach which lies between the ocean and the lake, but there was a rather heavy surf running, and it was not considered advisable to risk life in the pursuit of pleasure. A consultation was held, and it was resolved to sound a retreat, leaving the gaily decorated barn and all the other carefully made arrangements to take care of themselves. The steamer's head was therefore put about, and she struggled back towards Devonport. Her struggles, however, were nothing to those of some who appeared to be seized with convulsions while gazing over the side of the vessel watching her rate of progress or something else. However, all these little troubles were speedily ga^ovet« and the party landed at the Victoria more determined than ever not to be beaten but to have a day's pleasure, and if they could not have it at one place to enjoy it at another. An attempt was then made to engage the Naval Shed, but in the absence of any official parties the negotiations failed. The party, however, ultimately succeeded in getting possession of the Flagstaff Hotel, a.id having conveyed into it all the good things which had been brought back from the Lake, proceeded to enjoy themselves. The first grand operation was, of course, that of dinner, without which nothing can be done. In spite of all difficulties this was turned out in splendid condition and done justice to by the wet and hungry travellers. After the substantial part of the dinner had been disposed of the Worshipful Master, G. N. Brassey, Esq., took the chair, and the vsual loyal toasts and the "Press" having been drunk, Mr. Dargaville proposed "The Ladies," to which Mr. E. Bennett responded ; and after the party had d--ank the health of Captain le Visconte, there was a geneial dispersion to the places of interest in tke vicinity, where all enjoyed themselves in their several fashions. In the evening tea was served to the gay party, and after a little calisthenic exercise in the shape of dancing, the party reembaiked on board the Takapuna, and landed on the Queen-street wharf about 10 o'clock, a good deal better for the day's enjoyment.