A CAMPING PARTY.

Colonist, Volume XXXV, Issue 7227, 25 January 1892, Page 1 (Supplement)

A CAMPING PARTY.

A LAi'.GE party of residents, including the Rev J. P. Kempthorne, Mr E. Bamford, Mr Washbourn, Mr Wright, with the members of their families and several lady friends, made arrangements for spending a tew days under canvas in one ol 1 the most attractive nooks in Tasnian Bay, and having chartered the ss Lily for the purpose, the party, numbering forty in all, with teuts, baggage, and provisions, left for Torrent Bay last Friday night. Having reached their destination, the steamer proceeded on her way, with the understanding that she was to call in again on the Monday (yesterday), and forthwith some members of the party proceeded to erect their tents and make all snug, while others lighted a fire. After a time the whole of the party agreed to walk along the sands and proceed to Bark Bay on an exploring expedition, and several of them left their coats and other articles in the tents. During their absence, however, a strong wind sprang up, and an ember from the camp tire was blown into one of the tents, which was thus set on fire. In a very short time five tents, with the blankets, clothing, food, and comforts which they contained were destroyed. On the return of the campers on Saturday afternoon they found themselves in a very sorry plight, and naturally their anxiety was considerable, as they had many young children as well as ladies with them, and neither food nor shelter. By the kindness of Ml 1 Tredegear and his son, who live at Torrent Bay, everything that was possible to supply the wants of the party was done, but in so isolated a place only comparatively little was possible. It was with no little satisfaction that the little steamer was welcomed when she put in for the party yesterday, but though the weather was fine when they embarked, the state of affairs when they got out into the Bay changed greatly for the worse, and heavy rain fell. It was not till about half-past seven that the steamer arrived in port, and : her unfortunate passengers were in a pitiable plight, some being partly protected from the weather by blankets, and some being shoeless. ! Unfortunate as the accident proved, there is room for thankfulness that the sufferers reached home last evening. — ' The Colonist, 1 Jan. sth.