EXCURSION TO LAKE ROTOITI.

Colonist, Volume XLI, Issue 9097, 15 February 1898, Page 2 (Supplement)

EXCURSION TO LAKE ROTOITI.

(FROM A CORRESPON'DENT.) Mr Kingsley and a party of ladies, consisting of teachers from the Port Sunday School and friends, returned to town on February Sth from a week's outing to Lake Rotoiti. the party left by the morning train on Monday, January 31st, for Belgrove Station, where, by arrangement, Mr S. Franklyn, of Tophouse, was in waiting with drags, A-c. The journey to Tophouse was made in 7i hours, including a stoppage for lunch ana rest. At Tophouse every preparation had been made for the comfort of the party, a sumptuous repast awaiting them on" arrival. . ..Th.e journey was resumed next morning, and the Lake was reached at 9 o'clock aim. Mr Jphn Kerr had kindly placed his hut at the disposal of the party, and in this the ladies were placed ih residence, as the weather was slightly cold and changeable, tents being erected at & short distance from the hut for the remainder of the party. On the third day, the Rev and Mrs Baker, of Brightwater, joined the camp, and, by their genial presence, increased the pleasurable associations of the trip. All members of the party were unanimous in condemning the idiotic stupidity of the individual who caused the fire which devastated the riortherri slopes of Moiirit Robert a year or two ago. It seems very evident that in a few years there will be no bush scenery left, unless the Government do what they ought to have done years ago — i.e., hold an inquest iu every ease of destruction of bush by fire, publishing the names, and, if possible, punishing the individuals causing them. The boating on the lake and rambles on shore were both enjoyed, although both were much curtailed by the showery^ changeable weather. !the latter also prevented Mr Brusewitz, who accompanied the party, from doing as much as he would have liked to have done with the camera. The arrangements made by Mr Kingsley, and the courtesy and attention of both Mr and Mrs Franklyn, at Tophouse, were most satisfactory, and very much appreciated. There is no doubt that, were the beauties of this trip more widely known, it would soon become one of the most popular holiday resorts for parties from Nelson.