MYSTERY EXCURSION

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 31, 31 October 1932, Page 6

MYSTERY EXCURSION

Waikanae Visited

The destination of Wellington’s eleventh mystery train excursion which ran yesterday was Waikanae, the scene of a very enjoyable day’s outing several weeks ago. Leaving the station, 500 trampers walked for two miles toward Waikanae beach. Here, a detour was made, by the courtesy of Mr. A. H. Burgess, into his peaeful iris garden, a place famous among garden enthusiasts. The excursionists found that several acres are exclusively devoted to cultivation of bearded irises in really wonderful variety. This season the flowers are more forward than usual, and scores of varieties were seen in bloom. There were all kinds and colours, and the general effect was that of a rich blue sea, which impressed the visitors immensely. After viewing this scene of garden sweetness, the trampers pressed on to the Waikanae river, where an excellent picnic spot had been chosen on its banks for the lunch time halt. Thereafter, a course was steered over the beautiful property of Mr. W„ H. Field, M.P., who personally lead the way over parts of his estate known as Te Ngarara, not seen on the previous occasion. Here, the native bush, cultivated lauds, the little lakes and the reclaimed swamp and sandhills in turn interested the guests, and there was the added pleasure of traversing places'in which wild and romantic Maori history has been made.

Before the train was rejoined at Waikanae station, hearty cheers were given for Mr. Field, who had done much in making the tramp a success. The highly historical interest associaled xvifclt the locality were well brought out in a souvenir presented by the Department to those making the trip. Another train will be run next Sunday, and the route will again be through flat country.