BOLIDAY TRIP AT MAHURANGI

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVI, Issue 9285, 12 February 1889, Page 6

BOLIDAY TRIP AT MAHURANGI

Fbiday, the Ist February, was the day fixed by Mr. Such for giving the school children of this and surrounding districts a free trip to the Kawau in the b.b. Rose Casey, and for some weeks it had been looked forward, to as the treat of the season, and, through the good offices of some kind friends, Mr. Thomson had kindly allowed the steamer to land her living freight at the wharf near his residence. The morning broke gloomy, with an east wind, and for some time ft was doubtful if the weather would permit of the steamer starting on her journey; but as the appointed hour drew near large crowds of settlers, come from considerable distances, began to arrive in traps and other conveyances, and as the weather appeared to give signs of a fine day, it was decided to run the trip, and by 8 a.m. the vessel's deck was crowded with old and young, ell in holiday garb, intent on a day's enjoyment. The sail down our beaqtiiul river was enjoyed by all, for by this time the promise of fine weather seemed about to be fulfilled ; and on arriving at the Mahurangi Heads wharf another contingent was got on board, and another hour's pleasant sail brought the steamer alongside the wharf at her destination, when the excursionists detached themselves into groups for fche purpose of boiling billys, and in other ways of arranging for refreshments. In this case, however, the weather proved too much for mortal enjoyment, and a steady downpour of rain began to fall ; but, in spite of this, Mr. Such had organised races amongst the youngsters, for whom he had provided a considerable quantity of toys as prizes for the best runners, and this was kept going till the prizes were all absorbed. Shelter from the menacing rain was now the order of the day, and Dr. Syntax, when in search of the picturesque, need not to have journeyed far, had he been on the ground, to have found sufficient for a chapter of his book. The wash-house and boat-house were both utilised, and some young ladies I noticed under pine trees with umbrellas seemed to make the most of their time, intently reading, I presume, interesting novels. At last the steamer's whistle sounded a glad sound, and a rush was made on board. The cabin was at once filled with ladies and little ones, and every vantage space on deck was at once utilised, and, on the vessel starting for' home, three ringing cheers were given for the owners of the island for the hospitality shown to the visitors. The voyage home, although the rain came down with special persistence, was safely accomplished, the crowd keeping up a good amount of chaffduring the whole voyage. On landing afc Warkworth the rain ceased. Most, if not all, enjoyed the day to the best of their ability under such depressing circumstances.—[Own Correspondent.]