The Cardinal's Excursion to the South Sea Islands

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXI, Issue 25, 18 June 1903, Page 20

The Cardinal's Excursion to the South Sea Islands

The South Sea Islands Excursion is probably the biggest undertaking of its kind e\er can led out in tins country. It is quite characteristic ol the piople who have the management of it, that it has been made no half-heartod aflair. They charteiod the best ship which was obtainable — an ideal "vessel for the purpose — and their arrangements are completed in a way that lea\es nothing to be desired His Eminence the Cardinal has has made it clear that the undertaking is not to be used as a profit-making concern, and has given instmctions that nothing is to be lelt undone to make it, from the excursionists' point of Mew, a six weeks' pleasuie trip. Passengei s will not be subjected to the wellknown incom eniences of island touting in trading steamers, and the missioners in the islands ate exerting themseHes organising nathe feasts and displays lor the reception and entertainment of the \isitors. No pievious excursion steamer has been billed to call at most of the places in the ' Victoria's ' time table, which allows for no less than 18 days ashore in \anous places where most is to be seen and where the sportsmen may lmd recreation with the wheel, the gun, and the line Pleasure skiffs and a steam launch are to be carried on the steamer; photographers' daik room is pro\ ided, and a medical man will accompany the party. A hairdresser's saloon and store are to be lilted 'up on the vessel, and the thousand and one other details are bein.g kept m mind which must not be o\erlooked in providing for the comfort of the paity. Ihe ' Victoria ' is a new vessel, built on mail steamer lines for express passenger traiiic. Her dining saloon, smoking, music, and lounge rooms are on the promenade deck ; her statelooms are exceptionally well fitted and \entilated, and her sanitary arrangements, baths, etc., right up-to-date The ' Victoria ' is 3000 tons bin then, and her speed is 15$ knots. Tt need hardly be pointed out that the charter of so fine a \essel and the incidental expenses of the tour generally invohe a \«ry large expenditure. The passenger rates ha.\o been calculated at a figure which just meets these expenses when the vessel is comfortably full All passengers rank as of one class, and as no one is to be booked who is not personally known to the committee of control there is a guarantee as to the select character of the party. There is, however, no exclusiveness in the arrangements, non-Catholics being freely accepted. We are pleased to hear that the booking 'is quite satisfactory, most of the 'midship berths being already taken. The party includes a number of well-known ' people, including several ladies. An illustrated prospectus containing plan of the vessel and every information has been issued and may be obtained from the secretaries or from any of Cook and Sons' offices.