DAFFODIL DAY

Evening Star, Issue 21845, 8 October 1934, Page 12

DAFFODIL DAY

ANNUAL PILGRiMAGc TO WETHERSTONES RAILWAY DEPARTMENT'S EXCURSION '" A golden vista of daffodils, gently wafted by the refreshing breeze , of a perfect spring day, delighted the eyes of 1,000, visitors to Wethefstones, near Lawrence, yesterday. Not for many years has this annual pilgrimage to one of Nature’s treasure troves of beauty been held under happier conditions, and the 900 excursionists who journeyed from Dunedin were loath to leave such glorious surroundings. When the train of twelve cars left Dunedin at 8.30 a.m. with a full complement of passengers, promise of an atmosphere in keeping with the destination’s rural splendour was given by a clear and bright sky and a resultant increase of passengers. Such was the numerical response that the Railways Department, with its usual foresight, provided a relief express which left half an hour later. Intermediate stops were made by both trains, and on arrival at Lawrence there were 900 people on board—a gratifying total, and one which must be an excursion record. The city visitors revelled in sylvan settings, and enjoyed their- al fresco lunches on the yellow speckled hillsides, the while gazing with undivided admiration at the luxuriant sight around them. During the' afternoon the influx to Mr G. Hart’s property, which was, as usual, thrown open to the public through the courtesy of its owner, was augmented by the arrival of approximately fifty private cars. Many people were well contented to confine their activities to Wetherstones, but the majority went' further afield, opportunity being taken by some to “ hike ” to places of new interest,! the glamour of the celebrated Gabriel’s Gully attracting a throng with memories of tales of Gabriel Reed’s historical record, his lucky find, and the resultant gold rush that followed. Interest was also taken in the mining ventures in the immediate neighbourhood of Wetherstones, those witH knowledge of mining methods finding the modern technical devices for winning the treasured metal of great interest.

The excursion was exceedingly well conducted by the Railways Department. Both trains left their terminii on time, Dunedin being reached again at 7.25 and 7.56 respectively. The Dunedin Tramways Band accompanied the excursiorf, and played a programme of-much-appreciated music at the daffodil fields during the afternoon.