BAY OF ISLANDS CRUISE

Evening Star, Issue 22274, 27 February 1936, Page 16

BAY OF ISLANDS CRUISE

. A PLEASANT EXCURSION [Contributed.] More than 200 passengers took part in the Monowai’s Bay ol Islands cruise from Auckland at Christmas. Leaving Auckland at 7.30 p.m. on Christmas Eve amidst multi-coloured streamers, music, cheering, and happiness the excursionists were caught hi the festive atmosphere aboard, and soon joined in the dancing to the strains ot a merry band of musicians. The officers of the ship seemed to have the happy knack of making everyone feci at home and of the party. After a very pleasant night at sea we anchored next morning at 7 O’clock in Whangaroa Harbour —- a truly delightful spot with nothing short of tropical weather. Before rising we were provided with an itinerary of the cruise, a list of passengers aboard, a wireless news, including programme for the day, etc., and then after a cup of tea and fruit wo breakfasted and were ready for the entertainments. About 9.15 a.m. launch parties left the ship, all happy and with the holiday spirit, rcadv for cruising in the harbour, hiking or fishing as their choice might he; and wherever they went each party came back full of praise lor the scenery en route and the fun of picnicking out-of-doors. A delightful lunch would then be partaken of alid again everyone was ready to do I the afternoon trips, on which a most j appetising picnic luncn was always | taken. . Back to the ship for dinner, which was always a gay affair and \ery en--1 joyablo ; then coffee in the_ lounge, and one was ready for the night’s fun pictures at one end of the ship, dancing at the other, games of all sorts. Never a dull moment, and always new acquaintances at hand—sometimes a little crowd gathered round a piano inforjnally and singing happily; hero a little group of elderly people quietly looking on and enjoying the atmosphere ; there some children playing; everywhere signs of complete enjoyment and contentment. Usually 11 p.m. would be the signal for happy but tired tourists to retire, leaving quietness supreme. . . . The .second night on hoard, being Christmas night, was very bright and

gay, everyone receiving a pretty paper hat, bon-bon, souvenir menu, as well as well as a little Christmas present, at dinner, and each child on board a huge Christmas stocking. A huge Christmas cake was then cut by the captain of the ship amidst cheers, and the singing of “ For he’s a jolly good fellow.” ’ At night we sailed again to find ourselves next morning in the picturesque setting of Russell, and it would be difficult to picture a more beautiful spot. Again we had a busy day—a trip by launch ' and small boats to where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed, and a lecture from an old resident on points of note; then morning tea al fresco, a visit to the memorial church at Pahia, and back to the ship to partake of another delightful lunch. The afternoon was spent in and around Russell, bathing, resting, walking, or whatever one wished—then dinner on board again and more gaiety—dancing, pictures etc. On the third day we found ourselves in Port Fitzroy, once again anchored midst charming surroundings and in brilliant sunshine. Most of the passengers were content to take cruising trips morning and afternoon, as they required least energy and could be enjoyed whilst just lazing on the little boats. Always there would be a wit in the party, and fun and merriment reigned supreme. On this, the last night on board, a fancy dress carnival had been arranged, and it certainly was a very successful affair. The prizes awarded were much coveted, being little silver cups with “ Monowai ” pictured on them, silver vases, etc. Standing at the side of the ship in between the dances and when there was a lull in the dance ■ baud, one could hear the soft musical voices of Maoris as they drifted : around the big ship in little rowing ! boats, creating a very beautiful effect. -The next morning—still delightfully sunny and hot—we arrived back in i Auckland Harbour, a tired but very < happy and contented lot of passengers, 1 and all hoping to bo on the next Christman cruise of the Monowai, 1 whose personnel had a great deal to ■ do with the very successful 1935-36 1 trip- .