MONOWAI RETURNS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 307, 28 December 1934, Page 3

MONOWAI RETURNS.

HOLIDAY CRUISING. PASSENGERS' ENJOYMENT. VISIT TO W AIT AN GI. Holiday cruising is becoming more and more popular in many countries, and the passengers on the cruise of the Union Company's Monowai, which ended to the accompaniment of music of the ship's band as the vessel steamed up to the Queen's wharf this morning, are not at a loss to understand the popularity. For three days and four nights about 300 persons who comprised the passenger list enjoyed "the time of their lives." Most of them came from the Auckland Province, but over a score were from Australia. No matter where they came from or how varied their former experiences, they found this cruise exhilarating. New Zealand does not lack routes suitable for holiday cruising, but few are superior to that selected for the Monowai, embracing as it did Whangaroa, the Bay of Islands and Port Fitzroy on Great Barrier Island. From the time passengers woke up on Tuesday morning to find their vessel gliding through the narrow gateway into the beautiful Whangaroa Harbour, it bccamo evident that most complete arrangements had been made to ensure their full enjoyment. Immediately after breakfast launch parties were arranged to suit a variety of tastes —those who wished to fish, those who desired to cruise and see all that could bo seen, and the others who wished to be taken to a bathing rendezvous. Other la.unches went direct to Whangaroa township, from which many climbed to the top of St. Paul's Rock to enjoy the magnificent panoramic view. These being half-day trips, passengers were able to make a fresh choice in the afternoon. This method was followed approximately at all the places visited. The next day, spent at Russell and environs, was especially memorable. Of many famous places visited, places that were directly associated with the birth of New Zealand, the most interesting was the Treaty House at Waitangi, where an explanatory address was delivered by Mr. Forbes Eady. The third and last day was spent at Port Fitzrov, on Great Barrier, the excursionists being taken over various trips around that spacious harbour. Social Activities. A notable feature of this modern cruising, as exemplified in this tour, is that an extra staff of selected officers combine the recognised efficiency of the mercantile marine with social qualitie.of a high order. They are good "mixers." The organisation is very complete, with nothing left to chance. The social spirit is quickly cultivated amongst all on board, and an atmosphere entirely different from that of city life is soon apparent. It, a couple of days there is a curious fueling that this time of leisurely pleasure has lasted at least a week. Last night special arrangements were made for a fitting climax to the cruise. Dining room and decks were decorated, and a fancy dress ball was held, and the laughter and shouts of a joyous assemblage broke the impressive silence of Fitzroy Harbour. The fancy dress parade produced a remarkable display of original and picturesque costumes. For these prize's were awarded as follows: —Best costume brought on board: Ladies, Devonshire couple, Miss E. Raymond and R. Goodger; gentlemen, Travel British, Mr. Stan Reid. Best costume made on board: Lady, Paper parcel, Miss Haase; gentleman, fireman, Mr. J. L. Callaghan. Most humorous: Clothes line, Mr. C. Giesen. Most original: Black and white, Mrs. D. Stewart. A treasure hunt was won by Miss N. Adrien and Mr. A. H. McConkey.