EASTER MONDAY SPORTS.

Waikato Times, Volume XIV, Issue 1210, 1 April 1880, Page 2

EASTER MONDAY SPORTS.

EXCURSION TRIP TO THE ACACIA GROVES. Ihe steamer "Delta" was crowded with excursionists on Easter Monday, bent upon enjoying themselves at the public Sicnic arranged to be held at the Acacia rroves. About 400 people with Band of the Hamilton Light Infantry went on board at Hamilton shortly after 10 a.m. and Ngaruawahia was soon reached. The sound of the music seemed to rouse the good people of Ngaruawahia into activity and the whole township appeared as if crowding into the streets and on the banks of the river. Here fully another two hundred persons on pleasure bent were taken on board and the steamer sped away down stream to a spot selected by the Company. Some disappointment was experienced at the spot chosen for the picnic not being as suitable as it might have been for the purpose, but after a little struggling through fern, the band got into a practicable position, and struck up a series of lively tunes. The company broke up into groups and wandered away into the bush until about noon, when there was a general gathering for the mid-day meal by those who were fortunate enough to come provided with the necessaries. Here again there was considerable disappointment, and of no light character. Very many people had come unprovided with eatables, trusting to the well-known capabilities of the Waikato steamers for providing for such wants, but the captain of the steamer informed the pleasure-seekers that those who wished could dine on board, but would have to be taken back to Ngaruawahia as he could not wait, and would leave directly after landing. No one of course cared about this arrangement, and preferred staying where they were and running the chance of waiting till the evening. In the afternoon the band commenced playing dance music and a large number amused themselves with various dances until tea-time. On this occasion there was no disappointment. The providore of the steamer was fully prepared and a capital tea was partaken of and enjoyed. About 5 p.m. the boat took its departure homeward, the band playing dance music a great part of the way for a number who found a very good floor upon the steamer's deck. The " Delta " reached Hamilton about 8 p.m. In a pecuniary view the trip was a very successful one for the Band fund, though it is to be regretted that the trip which took place on the same day could not have been amalgamated as the ' ' Waikato took away many adult passengers who would have gone by the "Delta", and thus helped to have swollen the receipts of the Band fund. We must not omit to mention that Capt tin Cellum did all he could in making those comfortable on deck, by placing temporary seats around the side of the steamer, and brought his charge safe back without an accident of any kind.