MARINE EXCURSION.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 4893, 27 November 1876, Page 2

MARINE EXCURSION.

The 8.3. Napier made one of those pleasure excursion trips on Saturday, which have now become so popular, thanks to the kindness and liberality of Messrs. Turnbull and Co. The day was beautifully fine, the water calm, and a more enjoyable trip could scarcely be imagined. A goodly company were on board, and there were those present who possessed the happy knack, not common to everyone, of being 1 able to create fun, and genial, honest merriment was the order of the day. At the I Pinnacle the anchor was dropped, and then those who had lines commenced to fish, and those who were possessed of none employed themselves otherwise. Two gentlemen, distinguished for their love of angling no less than for their amiability of disposition and appreciation of the world’s good things, had a kind of race as to who should be the first to catch a fish, one stationing himself aft and the other forward. They both caught two fish (it would be better not to name the kind; they might-be disposed to be silent on that subject), but it is not decided yet who was first. One gentleman said of the other (with just a shade of the truth) that the fish caught on his line was hauled up by a youthful friend while he was engaged in the pleasing task of testing some trifling medical comforts.. It may be remarked as a singular coincidence that the last-mentioned gentleman occupied a position exactly opposite the door of the cabin in which the comforts aforesaid were dispensed by a young lady who displayed a remarkable talent for moving around in small compass and avoiding complications that might have occurred in handling the bottles. This cabin, or the young lady, or the medical comforts, or all three together perhaps, received a good deal of attention from all on board, ladies of course being excepted. The fishing was trying work, and no doubt that rendered refreshment necessary. There were not many fish caught, however: one schnapper, one gurnet, and a few rock cod, comprised the result of the day’s sport. At the pinnacle a boat was lowered, and a number of excursionists went off to fish near some rocks, the steamer in the meantime proceeding, to the' Heads. It would be unnecessary to mention this incident, particularly, were it not for the fact that a little event occurred on the return, and when the boat was picked up. When the boat came alongside there was a little way on the steamer, and on a line being thrown over the side, a gentleman in a beautiful black suit of clothes grasped it. His intention, no doubt, was to stop the boat by holding on to the rope. \ He certainly did hold on bravely, but he did not stop the boat, or rather keep it from going astern. His body began to go over the side, and presently it want. He' managed to catch hold of the gunwale, how : ever, and after a little floundering, which was, no doubt, a serious matter to him, but very entertaining to tbs spectators, he got inside the boat one leg at a time. While the floundering process was going on the captain, who regarded the situation apparently from a prac-: tical point of view, remarked to tha fioundcr, if the gentleman will pardon the appellation; that it was unnecessary to make a fender of himself. The boat’s crew eventually got on board; and the beautiful suit of clothes of the gentleman in black looked more beautiful and glossy than ever. It was really rather an awkward situation, and the result of it might have been! serious. The gentleman succeeded in getting: a change, much to the surprise of many, and: appeared again on deck, decked in a suit of grey. The Napier then proceeded on her way homeward, and arrived at her berth at the Queen’s wharf at 6 o’clock, everyone on board; it may be safely saidj the hero of the incident' “included, having enjoyed themselves as much; as heart could wish.