PASSENGERS BY THE LUNA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XII, Issue 4270, 21 July 1875, Page 1 (Supplement)

PASSENGERS BY THE LUNA.

To the Editor of the Herald. Sir,—ln vour paper of this day, I observed that, amongst the names of passengers who took their departure yesterday by tho Government steamer Luna, for Wellington, you include Colonel Harington. As I was on the Onehunga wharf when the vessel steamed away, and witnessed the disappointment of that gentleman at being left behind, I think, perhaps, you might like to receive some account of rather an amusing scene which occurred on Sunday forenoon. A special train, bearing our new Superintendent, and several members of the Legislative Council and General Assembly, arrived from Auckland at 11 o'clock, and, amongst the crowd strolling down to the wharf, 1 observed the burly figure of the late Inspector of our Volunteers, accompanied by one of his sons. Ho appeared to be on familiar terms with most of our representatives and their families, and seemed rather pleased at the anticipation of a happy voyage to the Empire City. As Colonel Harington heartily shook hands with his old friend, Captain Fairchild, the latter officer smiled, and said, "It won't do, Colonel, this time. I cannot possibly take you, as I have received most positive orders, in writing, from the Government that no person whatever is to go in the Luna except members of Parliament and their families." Tho Colonel said that he would promise not to inconvenience the saloon passengers in any way, and that he was so used to travelling, that he did not mind sleeping on deck or anywhero tho captain might suggest. All his efforts to get round Captain Fairchild were useless, that officer firmly replying that his orders could not be disobeyed. Colonel Harington at onco left the ship, car.ying ashore his portmanteaux. Ab the Luna steamed away from the wharf, our friend hailed Captain Fairchild, and cheerfully remarked that he bore no ill-will towards for refusing to take him ; but he could not at the s3ine time, recognise the consistency of being denied a passage when he could see standing on the deck of the Luna, no less than three gentlemen who certainly were not members of either House of Parliament. We were all much amused at the quick sight of the old Colonel, but he evidently knew what he was saying, for he coolly remarked to Sir G. Grey that he had hitherto been ignorant of the fact that Mr. Murdoch, Inspector of the Bank of New Zealand, Mr. Reed, of the Evening Star, or Mr. O'Neill, brother of our Thames representative, were members of Parliament. Many spectators evidently sympathised with Colonel Harington, and were much struck with the truth and justice of his remarks, which he made in the most good-huinoured manner to his Honor the Superintendent. Amongst many of the members who regretted that they would not have the pleasure of the society of their big friend during the voyage to Wellington, Mr. Kelly, our East Coast representative, was most earnest in his expressions of sympathy, to which the Colonel cheerfully replied, " All right, Kelly, I thank you far your good wishes, and, perhaps, when tho Luna takes down the next batch of members, after the general election, I may be entitled to go in your place." I must add that Colonel Harington was heard to tell Captain Fairchild that he was quite prepared to pay the ordinary fare of the coasting steamers, and that it was not to escape paying for his passage that he wished to go in the Luna. I enclose my card as a guarantee of the truth of this account of the scene, and have no doubt that many gentlemen who witnessed it could say that they were as much amused as I was.— I am, &c, A Lover of Fair Play. July 19, 1575.