WAIMEA NOTES.

Colonist, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 8222, 15 April 1895, Page 2 (Supplement)

WAIMEA NOTES.

Tbe annual meeting of the Waimea Bifles was held on Monday night at Spring Grove, when there were 48 members present, Capt Wratt in the ohair. The balance sheet showed a bandsome surplus after paying all charges, and £30 was to be plaoed at fixed deposit. The Ball Committee were able to report a nioe sum in hand. The first prize won at volley firing was divided among those who fired, eaoh man receiving 4s 6d. About forty members intend to go to oamp. Three new members were sworn in. The general opinion of members is that it is a privilege and a pleasure to belong to a oorps where suoh excellent goodwill and hearty co-opera* tion exist. Votes of thanks to Surgeon Pearless, who so liberally keeps up a supply of trophies, to the Ball, Shooting, and Finance Committees, oonoluded the meeting.

The members of the Waimea Teachers' Asdooiation and their friends had a most enjoyable time on the Rabbit Island last Saturday. By the kindness of Messrs Paape, Sheat, Smith, and Best, boats were ready at Richmond on arrival of the 8.30 a,m train. A call was made at the Quarantine gronnd for Stoke passengers, and the Island was rtaobei at 9.30. After an early dinner, a long tour of tbe Island was made, and the usual frolioa indulged io. It Is not perhaps known generally that tbe dangerous Katipo, or poisonous spider, is extremely oommon there. It oan be found in any number, jast above high water mark, under ibe drift wcod, thus it is exceedingly dangerous to sit down there, or to leave garments, eto. On the wet sand or a couple of chains above high water mark no danger exists. Tbe creature can be readily known by the bright orange band down its baok. About 4 p.m a start was made for home in the teeth of a fierce gale. Two boats with light loads and strong crews got over witb a good wetting, but a heavy boat, containing eleven ladies, and a smaller boat, were unable to make headway, and after shipping come seas, retarned to shore to await oalmer weather. A oosy spot was found in dense manuka, roaring fires were kept up, and with plenty of wraps, a very jolly night was spent. At daylight the tide was high enough to float the boats, and in pei fectly calm water the rare treat was enjoyed of seeing the son rise on our beautifal bay. Tbe nineteen maroonera rather pitied their comrades who crossed the previous evening, especially when it beoame known that the boats oould only reaoh the Quarantine ground, and from there the already tired picnioera had to walk to Eiehmond. Riohmond was reaohed at top of bigh water, 7a.m on Sanday, the greater number confidently asserting tbat the " ill wind " had certainly brought good in the shape of a pleasantly prolonged outing.