MONOWAI'S CRUISE

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 58, 10 March 1933, Page 9

MONOWAI'S CRUISE

A PLEASANT TRIP

BEAUTIFUL SOUNDS

Promptly to her scheduled time; the Union Company's intercolonial steamer Monowai arrived in Wellington this morning from her cruise to the Marlborough Sounds. The trip, of more than three days, had been a highly successful one, and the passengers who crowded the steamer's side' as sho came into the wharf seemed loath to part company with her. Tho Monowai left AVellington on Monday night after a dance had been held on board while sho was anchored in the harbour. The trip south was made in fine weather, and at 7.20 a.m. on Tuesday the vessel anchored among tho bush-clad hitfs near the head of Port Hardy Harbour. Here she was met with a flotilla of launches, and trips were mado to picnic places along the beautiful beaches and bushed bays. Fishing, swimming, climbing, and sunbaskiftg were indulged in, and though the weather ' was not particularly bright in the morning it became hotter as the day advanced. In the evening dancing was held and motion picturos were shown, and in addition there was a troupe of Maori entertainers from Port Hardy, who particularly interested the Australian passengers. The Port Hardy anchorage was left on Wednesday morning, and Ship Cove, in Queen Charlotte Sound, was reached by 8 o'clock. The bulk of the passengers were landed, and a lecturette on Captain Cook aud places of interest was given by Mr. H. F. Norman. Ship Cove was left just before noon, and the" Monowai cruised up Queen Charlotte Sound and into beautiful bays, finally anchoring dv the Roach near the head of tho Sound. Here there was a fino beach; bush-clad hills rose around them. Launch cruising, bathing, and picnicking once more took the travellers into tho charming spots that so appealed to the Australian visitors. A launch carried passengers to Picton and back in the afternoon, and a party of sixty children and teachers visited the vessel, where they were entertained.' Competitions, dancing, motion pictures, singing, bridge, and a display, of rockets and searchlights completed the day. ' MIRROR-LIKE WATERS. On.Thursday morning the Monowai was once more on 'her cruiss, passing through Queen Charlotte Sound and into the upper reaches of Pelorus Sound, to the cool mirror-like waters.of the Konepuru arm. Lithe morning showers swept down the valleys, softening the hills and the distance, and bringing with them freshness and the sweet scent of bush. Then tho sun cauio out and turned the day into one of brilliancw and warm pleasure. Once more launch trips, this time to Te Mahia and the Portage, and the ever-changing beauties of bay and hill. While "the vessel was iv Kenopuru Sound another party of school children from St. Omer wjis entertained on board. Again the vessel moved on northward, and then west to Tennyson Inlet after a detour to Beatrix Bay to pick up a boat which had been left on the way down Pelorus Sound in tho morning. The people in this boat had been fishing, and had had some excellont sport. THE LAST NIGHT.' That night was spent in Tennyson Inlet, and was occupied with a fancy dress dinner and ball. In the great dinipg-rooms people chatted and laughed while all around them were the gay decorations of a last night at sea. Streamers and lanterns, balloons, and comic garments blended into a happy festivity which will be long remembered. During dinner Mr. C. L. Clarke, of Western Australia, who acted as spokesman for the travellers, complimented the captain, officers, and crew of the Monowai on their conduct of the cruise. "It is impossible," he said, "to allow this cruise to terminate without expressing to you and "your officers and the crew without exception our wholehearted thanks and appreciation. ..." Tho organisation of the cruise, the happy hours, and the delightful company, he added, would remain a rich memory. Dinner was followed with a parade of fancy dresses, which were judged by Mrs. Howard Booth, Mrs. C. L. Clarke, and Mrs. T. W. Barry. Prizes for the most original costume were won by Miss R. Gillie, Miss A. M. Levin, and Mr. A. R. Wood, and were -presented by Captain Davey. Dancing then took place. In' the calm waters of tho Inlet the cold moon shone down, throwing silver beams across the bays, the -bush-clad hills being outlined in dim reflections. So ended the last night. The Monowai left the Inlet this morning at 4.30, and arrived in port, gay with bunting and to the music of the ship's orchestra, at 9.20 a.m. after an oxcollcnt trip. She was expected to leave again this afternoon for Sydney,