THE WAIKARE EXCURSION.

Evening Star, Issue 11455, 24 January 1901, Page 2

THE W AIKARE EXCURSION.

Ihc Union Company s Waikare arrived alongside the George street pier at 6 a.in. to-day, Jfter completing the most successful West Coast .Sounds excursion yet undertaken by the company. The weather throughout was exceptionally fine, only one wet day being experienced, in Preservation Inlet. This, however, did not detract from the pleasure of the voyage, but only showed the Sounds in one more of the various phases of beauty. Ail the sea travelling was done in comparatively smooth water and at nighttime. The Waikare left Port Chalmers at 5 p.m. on the 12th inst., and called at the Blulf on the following morning to embark the remainder of her passengers, and at 8.15 a.m. proceeded on to Stewart Island, anchoring in Paterson Inlet at 10.50 a.m. All the boats and launches were got out, and the regular routine of the excursion commenced. After a very pleasant day on shore the passengers returned to the ship at 5 p.m. In the evening a sacred concert was held on the poop deck. At 6.50 next morning (Monday) the Waikare entered Preservation Inlet, and steamed up to the head of Long Sound and back, anchoring in Cuttle Cove at 8.15 a.m. A good deal of rain was experienced during the day, notwithstanding which a number of the passengers wentawav in the boats, fishing and exploring. In the evening the first dance was held on the poop deck, which was decorated by the sailors with flags and evergreens. Tire dance was a great success. At 8.30 a.m. next day entered Dusky Hound, and steamed to Long Arm and Wet Jacket Arm, and returned to Cascade Cove via Cooper Island, anchoring at noon. After lunch the boats and launches left for the Cascade Fall and Piekersgill Harbor, and returned in the evening before dark. Crows chosen from the various passengers were out practising for the regatta. In the evening a concert was held on the poop deck. At 4.45 next morning the anchor was again raised, and at 9 a.m. | Doubtful Hound was entered. After steaming up to tiio head of Hall Arm and back another stoppage was made at the head of Crooked Arm at 0.50 p.m. Good fishing and exploring was obtained, and at night a euchre party was held. At 6 a.m. nextday another start was made, and after steamyU’g' up Bradshaw Ann the anchor was dropped in Gear Arm at 8.45 a.m. All launches and boats were away for the day fishing and picnicking. In the evening an impromptu dunce was held, and next morning a start was made for George Hound, the anchorage being reached at 9.40 a.m. Excursions wore made during the day to Lakes Alice and Katrine, the scenery on the road and to the lakes being highly appreciated. Parties were also engaged in fishing and picnickigg. During the evening a fireworks display was held. The following morning (19th) broke beautifully fine, and a regatta was held, starting at ’ten o'clock. Great excitement prevailed in the different competitions, particularly the ladies’ race. All the events were very closely contested, and the last race was got off at 5.30 p.m. In tne evening the regatta ball was held, which was attended in fancy costume. Many of the costumes were very prettv and novel. During the evening the regatta ball supper was given in the saloon, which was very tastefully decorated. The menu and the decorations reflected great credit on the chief steward and his staff. At 5.45 a.m. next- day the anchor was hove up, and the vessel proceeded to Milford, the last and grandest of the sounds, arriving there at 8.00 a.m., and at 10 a.m. the first party left for the Huthcrland Falls. Other parties went fishing and exploring. In the eveninodivine service was held on board, and at 6 a.m. next day a party of gentlemen left for the Falls, to return the same dav. At 10 a.m. the third party left for ‘the same place. Excursions were made during the day to Harrison Cove, Arthur River” and Hutherland’s house. In the evening an impromptu concert was held on deck, and on the following day excursions were made' all round the sound. At 6.20 p.m. a very reluctant departure was made from the Hounds. The Waikare reached the Bluff at 2 p.m. oji the' 25rd, left again at 4 p.m., and arrived as above.

The following copy of a telegram from Mr John Cooke (of Melbourne), chairman of the Waikare Hounds Excursion Entertainment Committee, has been handed to us for publication :

“ The Sounds excursion trip of the Union Steam Ship Company's Waikare has been so entirely successful that the passengers have by resolution conveyed, through Mr John Cooke (of Melbourne), chairman of the Entertainment Committee, to the company’s Board of Directors, their high appreciation of the arrangements, and more particularly of the unvarying courtesy of Captain Richardson and his officers in carrying out every detail of the prospectus. It is also satisfactory to state not only that the weather conditions werp phenomenally favorable, but that the largo'list of passengers was drawn from all the colonies and from many parts of the United Kingdom.”