MOONLIGHT EXCURSION ON THE RIVER.

Waikato Times, Volume XVI, Issue 1335, 20 January 1881, Page 2

MOONLIGHT EXCURSION ON THE RIVER.

A moonlight excursion, concert and dance, in aid of the funds of the Light , Infantry (Volunteer Band, took place the evening of Tuesday, and while weather indications proved unpropitious, the affair was nevertheless a success, both as regards numbers, arrangements and, in a general way, the evening's enjoyments. The band, which has been in existence for sometime, has now become a recognised institution of the place, and although, a high state of proficiency has not yet been attained, under the able tuition -of Mr Calon, as bandmaster, creditable progress is being made and good promise for the future, afforded. A debt of £36 is still owing on the instruments, and the entertainment or .excursion, was one of a series, the proceeds of which are to be devoted to, liquidating this debt. In this laudable endeavour the promoters ' of these entertainments have been so far successful ; a sum of £8 odd, having been netted ( from the excursion on Tuesday, In token of the good feeling manifested towards the, band, and the general desire that exists to see its affairs | placed on a satisfactory footing, commendable liberality was displayed in connection with the getting up of the excursion. The directors of the Waikato Steam Navigation Company placed their fine commodious steamer at the disposal of the baud committee, free of charge, and | otherwise public sympathy and support was enlisted on the occasion. The weather, which has for some time past been variable, has, during the last two or three days, proved to be most inclement. To such an extentjwas this the case that, up to the very last moment the, possibility ol having to postpone the trip was seriously contemplated. Under these circumstances, we may reasonably conclude that, had matters in that respect been more propitous, the excursion would have been largely patronised. As things turned out, however, its promoters are well satisfied with the results, and any drawback such as that indicated, simply encourages them to believe that under more favourable auspices a proceeding of the kind may be rendered a great success. Having said thus much, which we gladly do in explanation of the position and prospects of the local band, we shall now proceed to give a brief sketch of the trip itself. Before doing so, we may be permitied to add, by way of bespeaking, still more substantial support, that ife is Hie intention of the committee to repeat these excursions, and that, improving upon the experience they have gained, no effort will be spared to rank them amongst the more pleasing aud popular events in the social enjoyments of the place. The steamer left the landing place a 1 out 7 p.m., and, after making a round turn of the upper reach of the river, proceeded downwards, making a pleasant sail of six or eight miles with the current. The Delta was then mooied to the bank, at a place Icnown as the Peach Groves. The original intention of landing, and doing some ''light fantastic toe" work on the green sward was abandoned, in consequence ot the dripping state of the weather. In lieu thereof, the decks ot the steamer were brilliantly lit up, aud a good hearty all-round dance engaged in. What between the lively strains of the music, and the hilarity of the company, proceedings at this point were most joyeous. That part of the programme having concluded, to the regret we fear of the more enthusiastic votaries ot the terpsichorean art, the vessel started homewards, reaching Hamilton about 10.30, wheie the "living freight" was safely discharged, all well satisfied with the evening's entertainment. During the trip both up and down, the Band discoursed lively and appiopriate aiis, and the " yoyageurs" csconsert under the vessels awnings, made themselves just about as comfortable and jocoso as if the weather had been all that could have been desiied It is only fair to .add that Captain Collem was indefatigable in his exertion*, to promote the comfort and pleasantry of his passengers — an endeavour m which, we are pleased to say, ho succeeded admirably. Befoic separating, thanks, in the shape of cheers, were accorded to him, the steamboat directors, the promoters of the excursion, and the ladies. We should not forget to mention that the less agile membeis of tlio party, who prefered a quiet retreat iv the paloon, to the giddier excici&es cariied on upon deck, weie made comfortable by the steward, Mr iSutcliftV ; cards, drafts, and other games of chance and skill, as well as refreshments, having been provided for.

A correspondent writes : " I cravo leave to make a few remarks, and po^bioly offer a. .suggestion in view of tho very pleasant trip which took plsice on Tuesday evening. I repeat the words ' very pleasant,' for, despite the state of the weather, it was so. At the outset, permit me to say that, in these exouibions, garden paitic«, open-air concerts and piomenades which have of late charactei lbod festive occasions, I recognised a decided improvement in the social feeling and disposition. Hitherto, the banquetting hall and bar parlour have been chipf resorts on such occasions, and, without attempting to fathom the grosser excesses practised there, you, youiself, must be awaro that they are always attended with more or less hurtful consequence, either to health, or propriety. Tho open air concert, or the river excursion, however is, entirely fieo from fcuch consequences, and assurh, I can only say you would be discharging an important part of your public duty, by giving your influence and aid, in piomotmg their establishment. For aquatic sports I know of few places that -will compare, certainly none to surpass Hamilton in the facilities afforded for such purposes. We have a noble stretch of river, with, an admirable appointed steamboat service. Indeed, speaking of the latter, I can only express surprise, that the provision made for passenoreis should be so ample, considering the meagre patronace given by the travelling public. For public excursions I do not think we are fully alive to the advantages to be secured by this particular mode of locomotion. Both up and down the river the scenery is grand, and although the prospect is confined, there is, nevertheless, at the most confined places, sufficient brought, within eye-shot to interest the traveller. Then again, for light boat practice, we have got the lake, as romantic a sheet of water as one could wish for. For regatta purposes, no place could be better adapted. It affords a good mile and a-half course, and from the sheltered character of the water, it "would be safe in all weathers for the lightest possible skiff. Again, its proximity to the town, coupled with the fact that it is for the most part surrounded by elevated but not steep ground, would' be a great inducement to spectators. With these few remarks I will now leave you to digest the subject at your leisure."

Piffcy thousand delegates of all trades meet in Glamorganshire Tto take aotion with reference, to the foreign tariff. It is rumoured that the t Porte intends to cede' the island of Crete to Germany on thesame terms that Cyprus was ceded to England. , < , An American paper saya : — The eastern colleges have large classes. Harvard and Yale have both had over 200 applications for admission to. the freshman class ; Dartnioj^h. h.as 72 freshmen j ilj^miltoiij 62 ,; Williams, 75 ; Amhe'rsk '88 • tyniqD, %% a.^4 OQKiell, l^Q,