A TRIP TO CLIFTON.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VIII, Issue 7, 8 January 1873, Page 2

A TRIP TO CLIFTON.

A correspondent sends us the follow-

ing :—

"Leaving Nelson on Wednesday last at 9 p.m., ,'wp, after calling at Motueka, arrived afc Waitapu at 10 a.m. on the following day, and soon after Btarted inland for the coal we bad in view — the Clifton Flower Show. There being but one trap in the Waitapu Valley, many of us had to put up with a lift in a two-horse dray, and a rough drive we had of it over eight miles of an excruciatiug road. The scenery, however, was magnificent and we almost forgot the physical inconveniences we experienced in our admiration of the surrounding country. On arriving at Clifton we found a goodly number of people collected from the adjacent districts, all of -whom seemed to take considerable interest in the various games tbat were goiDg on, the chief of which was tilting at the ring for which no less than 40 horses and their riders had entered. Adjourning to a neighboring booth, we partook of a bountiful tea that had been prepared, after which we visited the great centre of attraction, the Flower Show,' and here a pleasing sight met our ejes. The temporary building was decorated with ferns and evergreens, while all round it weie most

tastefully arranged tho various exhibits. At one end was to be seen a beautiful collection of native shrubs arranged in the form of a monster bouquet, opposite to it being a handsome fountain composed of sea shells and arched over with native shrubs. Tho fruits did not form a very remarkable show, but the flowers were really beautiful. On the centre of one of the tables was a staud in which were set no less than forty different varieties of carnations, supported ou the left and right by two magnificent magnolias, and backed by an elegaat bouquet. Of vegetables there was a fine show, Mr. G-. C. Gilbert coming conspicuously to the front in everything in the shape of peas, beans, radishes, turnips, &c, while nine different kinds of potatoes were exhibited by Mr. Packard. Leaving the flower show we visited the gardens of Mr. Gibson which, though apparently neglected of late, still ""presented a most beautiful appearance, the massive piilars of limestone at the base of which were growing shrubs and fruit trees of every description, having a most pleasing effect. The grounds are laid out with an amount of taste and skill that are not often met witb, and I could not but regret that we were unable to devote more time to examining their contents. On that and the following evening Mr. Maclarep, who had accompanied us from Nelson, gave two entertainments, both of which were crowded, and seemed to give the greatest satisfaction to his audiences. The dance which followed was entered upon and kept up with great spirit, and daylight dawned upon us before the party broke up. The only drawback to our otherwise enjoyable trip was the want of accommodation,and this should be remedied if the Clifton people desire to receive periodical visits from their Nelson friends. Be-erobarking on board the little Barkly we proceeded to> Collingwood, a pleasant and most picturesque passage, and sailing thence at midnight we called at Motupipi and Motueka, picking up passengers at both places, and arrived at Nelson at 9.15 a.m. on Saturday after a most delightful outing, for the pleasure and comfort of which we were largely indebted to Captain Walker and the crew of our gallant little steamer. G. C.