THE SOUNDS CRUISE.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10572, 25 January 1906, Page 4

THE SOUNDS CRUISE.

■ — ♦ RETURN OF THE S.S. WAIKARE. The e.s. Wniknre, which reached Gisborno l;iet. evening, completed last week the excursion to the West Const Sounds, being favored with fine weather, and proved highly enjoyable. The steamer left Port Chalmers on the 6th. inst. for Preservation Inlet, arriving there at 10 o'clock next morning, after a beautifully smooth trip round the coast. After steaming leisurely up Long Sound the r-tcamer returned to anchorage tit Cuttle Cove at 1 p.m. the same day. At 2 o'clock all the people left m the boats to visit and explore the lovely coves and bays of this sound, tho boats being m tow of tho launches Geraldiuo and Manuka, tho Gcraldine taking her quota of boats up Revolver Bay, where, on arrival, afternoon tea was dispensed. In iho evening a very good sacred concert Avas heW. on the poop. During the morning'' of this day the General Committee was elected, amonget them, being Mr It. Barker, of Gisborne. On Monday boat practice was indulged m vigorously both morning and evening, tho greatest enthusiasm prevailing for tho principal event of the tour, the George Sound regatta. In the evening a very successful ball Avas held. Early next morning, the 9th inst., the ship hove up anchor and steamed for Supper Cove, reaching it at 8 a.m. The day was perfect. Tlie boats got away m good time, and the people, on returning, were full of (praise of the day\s outing. Some very good fishing was obtained m this cove. In tho evening a progressive bridge and euchre party was held m the lower saloon, 14 tables being engaged at euchre and six at bridge. Wednesday, the 10th, was threatening until 8 a.m., when the clouds cleared off amidst universal rejoicing. The anchor was hove up at 8.30, and the Waikare proceeded to the entrance to Dusky Sound and back U Wet Jacket Arm via Acheron. Vast's thence to Doubtful Sound, anchoring at 4 p.m. m Crooked Arm. A very successful concert was held m the evening. On Thursday the ship took her departure, at 8 a."in., proceeded up Hall's Arm, returned, and went up Bradsliaw Sound to Gear Arm, anchoring at 11 a.m. Picnicking, fishing, and sketching parties ■wore soon away m the boats' with their lunch, returning at 5 o'clock. A splendid evening avjis spent with gamej? and a. dance. On Friday, 12th, the ship got under way at 4 a.m., arriving at George Sound at 8.30 a.m. 'Parties left lor Lake Alice and Edith. A really good fancy dress ball wae held. For the prize given for the most original dress, Miss Mills, prettily representing the Wailcaro, was acclaimed the winuing lady. On Saturday the regatta, the great event of the tour, took place. The. day broke overcast, rain setting m early, greatly to everybody'is chagrin, but, nevertheless, every race afforded splendid sport, particularly tho ladies' race ■ and mixed doubles. In the evening! the prizes were given out by Mrs Chapman, and afterwards a concert was held until 10,30, when the regatta banquet Avas announced. The saloon and tables Avero gracefully decorated, reflecting great credit on the chief steward (Mr Charles Watts). The evening was brought to a elmo at midnight alter several toasts had been honored. Sunday, the 14th, was a perfect day. A start Avas made at 7.30 a.m. for Milford Sound, Avhich was reached at 11 a.m. It was a. magnificent morning for seeing the sound of all sounds,, everyone being greatly impressed Avith tho grandeur of the scenery. Boats viuted Sutherland's house, Sandy Point, and an energetic party climbed to the top of Bowen Falls. A quiet evening was passed, everybody resting after the regatta. Several hyinus were sung on the poop, accompanied by the orchestra. Monday broke beautifully fine. A party of 38 left for Sutherland Falls, and three for the overland trip to Lake Te Anau. In the evening a . display of fireworks took place under the able direction of Mi 1 Charles lleuaut, the chief officer. Tuesday, the 16th, Avas simply a perfect day. A "party of 24 left ior tho Falls. The first- party arrived back at 4 p.m., being pleated with the beautiful scenery •they had passed through and tho magnitude of the Falls. m the evening a progressive euchre party Avae held. On tho 17th the Avcather was still beautiful. Seven peisons left for the overland trip at 9.30. The second Falls party returned on board at 1 o'clock. The anchor Avas hove up, and the Waikare- left for Duuedin, via Bluif, amidst universal regret, all being loud m their praises of the good time they had had.