EXCURSION TO OPOTIKI AND WHITE ISLAND.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 59, 11 March 1901, Page 2

EXCURSION TO OPOTIKI AND WHITE ISLAND.

Favoured by the best of weather, there i.s nothing- so enjoyable as a sea voyage, and the ship's company who journeyed to Opotiki-on Tuesday last have now returned to.town after one ol! the, most pleasant, of these excursions inaugurated by the Northern Steamship Company. Every berth was occupied. > The show at Opotiki Mas an unqualified success, there being over 200/ exhibits more than last year. In all classes the judges, "who were mainly strangers, expressed themselves delighted with the district and the progress made, inagriculture generally. The draught stock was very fine, and well adapted to farmers generally, thoujrh there was a tendency to get the hacks somewhat light in build. We have become so accustomed to associate maize only with East Coast ports that one is apt to suppose that this is their only crop. Such is not the case. In onions, carrots and parsnips Opotiki can compete with other districts both ns to size and general excellence. The judging- gave entire satisfaction. After the show a banquet was held in the Town Hall, wlfen about one hundred s*at down to a

sumptuous repast, to which Justine was done by those present, the chair T?einj>- occupied by Mr. Westney, the president of thej Opotiki A. and P. Association.—Jlhe catering .was in the able hands of Mr. John Parkinson, junr, The races, which wore held on Thursday last, attracted a large crowd, especially of natives, who eutered into, the sport heurtily .

The feature of the excursion was a trip to White Island (in which about 300 participated), the volcano situate about thirty miles from Opotiki, in the Bay of' Plenty. Starting- at 8.:J0 from Maizopolis with a calm sea and sufficient breeze to make the trip pleasant, the steanjer arrived at (he island shortly before noon. Boats were then called into requisition, and the passengers landed in good time. The wonders of this island are- too luany to here describe, let.it suffice to mention that the volcano emits sufficient steam to drive, it is estimated, all the machinery in New Zealand. The. steamer arrived nt its destination about 0 p.m. Gii the voyage to town a concert was held yesterday afternoon, an enjoyable time being spent in song\ n:aay of the passengers participating. . The steamer arrived at the wharf at 8 this mo.rning, When cheers were given for the captain, the officers and "the ere*.Mr Ranson, the manager of the ]Vorthern Steamship Co., -accompanied the excursion, and did all in fns power to make the trip an enjoyable one.