ARTILLERY BAND EXCURSION.

Auckland Star, Volume IX, Issue 2711, 28 December 1878, Page 4

ARTILLERY BAND EXCURSION.

The band assembled near the firebell, Queenstreet, at 2 o'clock p.m. on Christmas Day, and marched thence to the wharf, -where the tone Steamer Rotomahana, which was chartered for tbe excursion trip was in waiting. On the band arriving at tie wharf, the steamer was almost filled wiih excursionists, and aoour iuu who had accompanied the band were unable to get on board. There were over 400 people on the Bteamer when ehe left the wharf at 2.SU p.m. for Tiritiri, some standing during the journey, while others occupied the handsome saloon ot this nicely fitted boat. A drizzling rain had set in, but notwithstanding this, the trip was a very pleasant one. Captain Farquhar with his usual kindness had placed tbe, awn"lS, u P1 a °r the convenience of those on deck, and did all in his power to ensure t he comfort of passengers. Refreshments of every description were to be had at reasonable charges from the kind and and well-known steward of this vessel; in fact the captain and all his staff were very attentive in their efforts to please. The excursion did not extend quite to Tin, owlnj? to the ram. Xhe steamer was turned back, and headed past Brown's Isand and Motutapu; then tun mg again, and steaming up the harbour, arriving, at 5.30 p.m., when all seemed much pleased with the trip. The band rendered in a very tasteful manner, some choice pieces of sacred music during the trip. No doubt the members of the band may well feel proud of the patronage given to their firs.t novel Christmas excursion. and financially speaking it must be a welcome addition to their band fund.