THE TARAWERA'S TRIP TO THE WEST COAST SOUNDS

Otago Witness, Issue 2085, 8 February 1894, Page 37

THE TARAWERA'S TRIP TO THE WEST COAST SOUNDS

Ihe Union Steam Ship Company's steamer Tarawera, Captain E. Sinclsir, arrived at the Bowen pier, Port Chalmers| at daylight on Friday from the first of this season's trips to the West C jast Sounds. The weather throughout the trip has been the finest experienced for years, and with the exception ot some slight showers in Dusky Sound, brilliant sunshine has prevailed. The usual picnics, boating, aud fishing excursions were duly carried through as in former years ; while dauciug and musical and other entertainments pleasantly filled in the evenings. Every attention was paid to the passengers by Captain Sinclair and his officers, while their comfort was carefully attended to by Mr Hartley, the chief steward, and his staff. The Tarawera had the company of H.M.S. Lizard, and frequent visits were exchanged between the ships. The musical arrangements were carried out under the direction of Mr Jesse Timson, -i-. k I'-ia concerts were most

successful. The Tarawera left Port Chalmers at 5 p.m. on the 24th ult., and proceeded to the Bluflf; left again at 8 a.m. of the 25th, and entered Preservation Inlet at 3 p.m. of that day, and after Bteaming through to . the head of the sound anchored in Cuttle Cove. A start was nlade at daylight on the 27th for Dusky Sound, and Wet Jacket Arm was entered and the vessel anchored at noon. The boats were Out duting the .afternoon, and in the evening a very enjoyable dance Was held. On the morning of the 28th an early start was made for Doubtful and Smith Sounds, and thence she proceeded through Thompson's to George Sound, anchoring at the latter at 2 p.m. The boats were fully occupied in the afternoon, while in the evening a sacred concert was given. The great event of the trip, the regatta, commenced at 9 a.m. of the 29th ult., and the arrangements, which were of the most perfect order, were admirably carried out by the Committee of Management, which consisted of Viscount Folkestone (chairman), Viscountess Folkestone, Mrs Hancock, Miss Walker, Captain White, R.N., Messrs Massie,Teschemaker, Mylins, Elworthy, Carlile, Lungley, and Dr Green. The judge was Captain Sinclair, Mr A. F. Anthony (the chief officer) was starter, and Mr C. H. Hum phrieß (purser) secretary. From first to last the regatta was a decided success, and great praise is due the committee for the manner in which the arrangements were carried out.

The regatta was over by 1 p.m., and during the afternoon the usual excursions were made. In the evening the regatta ball was held, and dancing kept up with great spirit until midnight. At daylight on the 30 vh a start was again made, and she entered the beautiful Milford Sound at 8 a.m., and the Sutherland Falls party left at 10 a.m. Excursions were also made to Lake Ada and the Bowen Falls by the other passengers, the track up to the latter being very easy of access. There was an entertainment in the evening, and the prizes won at the regatta were presented by Viscountess Folkestone. A homeward start was made at 5 p.m. of the 31st tilt., and the Bluff was reached at 11 a.m. of the Ist inst., after a very smooth passage. She left again at 6 p.m. and arrived at Port Chalmers on Friday morning, after one of the most enjoyable trips ever made to the Sounds.