ON BOARD OF THE WANAKA.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 4662, 26 January 1877, Page 2

ON BOARD OF THE WANAKA.

[By Telegraph.] (from our special reporter.) Nelson", January 25th. We are havh'.g a very pleasant time here ; the weather is lovely. The excursionists have visited the reservoir, and the different pretty nooks of the outskirts of ths town. A number last evening visited Foxhill, up the Wairoa Valley, 20 milea from Nelson by rail, staying for the night, and returning this morning. Others drove out to Richmond and Spring Grove; All appear to be delighted with the picturesque scenery. The gardens are looking beautiful, and nearly all the passengers have enjoyed themselves with peachea, apricots, and ] plums ; in fact, fruit is unlimited in quantity, and the excursionists have been enjoykg themeelves in the orchards. Scarlet fever has thi3 forenoon appeared on board in a mild form in a child for Westport. The steamer has been ordered to haul off into the stream, and hoist the yellow flag. 7.35 p.m. The Wanaka was hauled into the stream today, and tho yellow flag was not flyirg for many minutes before it was hauled down. A. telegram was forwarded to Wellington, and the Health Officer was appointed, who, being ill, could not act. Subsequently Mr Hewson, acting Collector of Customs, was appointed, and got a medical man to act with him. The Board at Wellington telegraphed that the Wanaka, if she took the sick child round to Westport, would be allowed to leave Kelson. Captain Malcolm, who was supported in the course he took by the passengers, refused to leave unless the child was taken on shore at Nelson. Even tually this course was agreed to, and the sick child, its mother, and three other of her children, two of whom also me expected to get ill, were taken to Nelson Hospital. The cabin was thoroughly fumigated during the afternoon, and a clean bill of health was given to the vessel. As a gale blew outside, she could not have got to sea under any circumstances; but the excursionists, who are enjoying themselves immensely, do not regret'the delay. The Wanaka will sail at two o'clock to morrow afternoon. The amount of telegraphing to Wellington over this matte!.1 could hardly be believed.