A MOONLIGHT EXCURSION.

Waikato Times, Volume 2507, Issue XXXI, 4 August 1888, Page 2 (Supplement)

A MOONLIGHT EXCURSION.

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It was a high time with lho Salvationists. Such a contradictory, serio-comic, people ini' pecuihr to the times in which wo live. Contradictory, because the methods they employ may bad many to imagine them an emotional people merely, fond of outward display, of mountebank antics, and yet there is the broad fact, which requires something more than tho word of denial, that real, defiuit', and permanent good is done. Lack-a-d'iy ! If sound business needs push, and wise politics require persistent effort in order to prosper; if our nineteencentury life travels fast, as wo commonly say it does, mothiuks that that Bplie.re of life, religious or otherwise, which does not rise "to assort itself, and by inward energetic power tnako equal progress in the race, will be overlooked and neglected. Aggros-iou is common to tho people who fisht under the flag of yellow, red, and blue. The Hamilton Corps appears to be no exception. A Salvationist " attack" on Ngaruawahia ! Yes,_ I will go, with your permission. While musing, the bright-faced poopla begin toassemble. Aye, there has certainly been a change in individual cases. " Mount !" The cavalry are well-moun-ted men, who provide their own horses ; the vehicles are loaded with passengers,

from a " chariot," with its fifteen occupants, to the pony-gig with three, some forty, all told. Those chariot-horsc-s, when first feeling the collar, ran off with the driver and waggon, but the load now brings them to sober work. The good people of Hamilton smile pleasantly as the lively party proceed up Victoria-street and the crack of the whip, the snatch of Army songs, and the rattle of wheels convince us we are on the way. Coachiug is certainly pleasant, under favourable conditions, and the feeling of exhileration heightens enjoyment, as we rapidly speed along. The keen air of the Waikato makes one's cheeks blush, whilo the departing sun is bidding us adieu in the low West. A glance round brings within range the Pirongia hiils, the extending line of which appears to wall us in within measureable distance. A golden sheet is spread over the surface, the last act and parting bclssing of our friend, a the son of the Emerald Isle, notwithstanding, who considered it would be a better friend if it would shine at night ! There, too, is the broad, flat tract of country, yellow with its bloom of gorse, its uncultivated wastes giving an eloquent appeal to all and sundry to do all that can be done to hasten the time when the desolate wilds shall become fruitful oi chard*, w, 11-ordered farms, and

thriving settlements. Here and there, a horse or a cow will Btop grazing for a moment, to look askance at the mounted procession, and otheis group themselves, apparently to discuss the intention of the people of unusual sounds. Underneath, the frequent splash of water tells the tale of a wet road, and a heavy pull brings refractory horse-power to a reasonable pace. As we journey along, we desire to grow "chummy" with the Waikato river, which, however, calmly and without noise, flows ou indifferently at our side—" Men may come, and men may go, Tint I go on for ever.". Hallelujah ! Another " slough of despond" passed and right merrily do wc take advantage of the level run before "lie! there!" : and the horsc3 smartly kick up their heels, now .swinging round the curve, now dodging that culvert, dashing along until once moro tho soft road lesseUß speed. Those Hamilton lads and lasses have light, good-natured dispositions, not generally so manifest, and time does not hang heavy nor does the way seem long. " We're a happy lot of people, yes we are," conveys intelligence far and near that n " noisy crew" is passing along. Onlookers smile cheerily upon us, and the half-way house is reached. Tho once-favoured land of peaches! "Oh, where, and oh, where, &c." But 'tis a goodly spot. The farmstead is nicely situated, and tho surroundings are brought out by tho bright moonlight in pleasurable view—tho poplars, the pines, tho well defined lands, with their trim hedgerows. Still on and on. Now the flat country is flatter still. If New Zealand hills filled all the valleys and gorges, it might be level, but Pukete must spread a smooth suiface to atone for the heights of Ngaruawahia ! Now, Pukete, hurry up. I expected more of you, but patience, they say, is a virtue. Our animals have evolved streaks of lathery white, and with the frowning hills just ahead of us we draw rein. Nestling under those proud and lofty hills is Ngaruawahia. Like secure subjects of a mighty mouarch, the township lies in quietness and peace. History repeats itself. " Thess that have turned the world npsidedown have come hither also," Ah! The "lads" are there! The Ngaruawahia lads greet the cavalcaae with a lively sally. Steady there ! Joke for joke! "Fall in! Torches flare, cornets sound, and, in usual salvation style, tho tramp of many feet keep pace with the stirring strains of music which echo and re-echo to and from the ranges above us and travel swiftly down the stream. The lads run, the people stare, the Salvationists shout, and, sweeping along, the crowd thickens, until the "ring" is formed, testimoniss are given and exhortations delivered. There were occasional eruptions of jeers and ridicule frem " the great unwashed." "Forward!" The Church, lent for the occasion by the Wesleyaus, is quickly filled. An air of perplexity shades the countenances of local members as the people swarm in. "And the door was shut," yet outside was still an assemblage, the presence of whom was much to be desired in the meeting. After spirited singing and addresses given, earnest invitations were olt'orccl to penitent prodigals to return and accept pardon from a compassionate Saviour, as others had done before them, tho meeting closed. Haud-shakingand goodnight wishes over, the Hamilton " Hard-hitters" are soon homewardbound, tired, perhaps, but a people adventurous and aggressive in a cause calculated to bless mankind, in which "May God speed them."