EXCURSION OF CHARITABLE SCHOOLS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 7862, 3 February 1887, Page 5

EXCURSION OF CHARITABLE SCHOOLS.

The annual excursion given by the Union Steamship Co. to the children of the various charitable institutions, took place yesterday, and for the occasion tho steamship Arawata was placed at the disposal of the institutions. Ten o'clock was the hour fixed for the steamer to leave, and at that hour she was perfectly crowded with passengers, it being estimated that fully 700 people were on board. The institutions were represented as follows : — Parnell Orphanage (St. Stephen's), GO children, under the care of Mrs. .Neary (matrou)and Mrs. Scarlet, and Messrs. G. P. fierce, S. Rawlings, and Walker; St. Mary's Orphanage, 80 children, under t:ie charge of Mesdames Gregory, Grey, and Miss Darby, and Messrs. Darby and Burns. In the absence, through indisposition, of Monsignor Fynes, Kev. Father Mciianus also accompanied the school ; at. Stephen's Native School, 34 children, under the care of Messrs. Davits and Smith. The Kev. C. Cockayne Firth was also in attendance. The lads of the Kohimarama Training School were brought up from their place by Mr. H. Parker in the Customs steam-launch, and placed on board the Arawata at the Queenstreet Wharf. They numbered 52 children, and were under the cam of Mr., Mrs., and Miss Hogan and Miss Bailey. The Howestreet School was also represented by a few children under the care of Miss Jackson. A pleasant run down the harbour brought the Arawata to her place of rendezvous—Motutapu, and there the boats that had been kindly lent by the captains of the barques Cassandra, Laira, and Merope, and the schooner, Yolande, were brought into requisition, and all on board were safely and speedily landed ; and no sooner were the little folk ashore than games were started, and kept up with vigour throughout the day ; and to add to their pleasure, Captain Cromarty and Captain Mcintosh, of the steamship Te Anau, were most untiring ; in fact, the latter gentleman proved a perlect host in himself, and the surprising manner in which he produced prizes (money and others) gave great satisfaction to the children. Messrs. O. Humphries, C. Bailey, C. C. Dacre, H. Parker, and Captuns Cromarty, of the Cassandra, Cooper, Watts, Thomas J. McKenzie, and Crawford also greatly added to the day's pleasure by their attention to the comfort of all present. Sergeant Clark, of the Water Police, also went with the trip, and gave great help in assisting with the lauding and taking on board of the children. Buns, lollies, Ac., were during the day served out to the little ones, and Messrs. Reid Brothers kindly provided tea ad lib. for all and sundry. At about five p.m. the steamer's whistle sounded, and at about half past six p.m. the Arawata was once again on her homeward journey. Prior to starting a number of gentlemen assembled in the steamer's saloon, and in bumpers the Health of Messrs. Reid was drank amidst hearty cheering. At about half-past eight p.m. Auckland was reached, and all on board were again safely landed. As the children lelt trie vessel, cheers aft?r cheers were given for Captains Cromarty and Mcintosh, and for the Union Company. Shebhau's Baud was in attendance, and throughout the day discoursed a number of selections of music in excellent style. The catering on board tho Arawata, under the management of the chief steward, Mr. Waddel, was all that could be desired. On the way up the harbour the children were again regaled with tea and cake. The management of St. Mary's Orphanage are greatly indebted to the Tram Company for providing free carriage for the litt'e children to and from their school. Altogether the trip proved a most enjoyable one, and all landed thoroughly satisfied with their outing.