SUNDAY EXCURSIONS

Evening Star, Issue 21543, 16 October 1933, Page 1

SUNDAY EXCURSIONS

STILL AS POPULAR AS EVER ABOUT 800 PEOPLE &0 TO LAWRENCE The allure exorcised by railway excursions to the country was lurther manifested yesterday when two trains were necessary to convey city folk to the sweet and bracing climate of the Tuapeka County, despite the fact that the early morning air here was cold and rain threatened. Altogether about 800 people took ad-' vantage of the Railway Department’s excursion to Lawrence, where the majority of tlie passengers left the' train to view the fields of daffodils on Mr Hart’s property. Unfortunately, the blooms wore past their best, though sufficient remained to provide the visitors with a very beautiful picture and to give some idea of what the fields looked like in their lull colour. For the most part the weather during the day was fine, only two light showers and a rather keen wind, which was obviously passing over snow-covered mountains in the background, marring an’ otherwise pleasant day. Considerable interest was also shown by the visitors in the various mining developments which are a feature in the Wethcrstones district, while others took advantage of visiting friends. Once again the department’s arrangements were carried through without a hitch. The trains ran exactly to schedule. The carriages, which had all chair seats, were comfortably heated; an abundant supply of hot water was available near .the daffodil holds; and everything else necessary for a successful outing had been satisfactorily arranged. 'The Waverlcy Hoys’ Brass Baud accompanied the excursion, and their selections throughout the day were greatly' appreciated, everybody being unanimous about the exceptionally high standard of playing achieved by the boys, under the expert direction of Mr D. Whelan. During the afternoon the band visited the residence of Mr J. J. Woods, the composer of ‘ God Defend New Zealand,’ and the boys enjoyed the novel experience of having Mr Woods himself conduct their presentation of tlie anthem. ’■ The playing of the band was warmly commented upon by Mr Woods, who, in the course of a brief speech, impressed on the boys the necessity of aiming for purity and sweetness of tone. The Mayor of Lawrence (Mr J. K. Lawrence) also addressed the boys. ■