NAVAL PICNIC.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 2138, 10 November 1875, Page 2

NAVAL PICNIC.

The Kaval Brigade, not to be daunted by the threatening state of the weather yesterday morning, had their boats manned, ready to start on their trip of pleasure seeking, at 8 o'clock, and a little after started under canvass in the following order:—Gig, under command of Captain Brassey ; Gunboat Victoria, Lieut. Gavin, and America under Lieut. Bennett. The Gig carried most of the hon. members, and about ten ladies. The Gunboat had, at least, sixty ladies on board, and a crowd of men, also the Band—the-men in their white suits—, and the boats, generally, formed quite a lively picture. On crossing the bants near the Thames Channel the America, which drew more water, having most of the provisions on board, grounded for about five minutes, owing to her officer following in the wake of the gun boat, but was got off without any trouble. All ,the boats arrived quite ?afe at the general rendezvous, where the ladies were all landed, the provisions brought ashore, and the boats securely moored off the shore, and everybody commenced to enjoy themselves, and passed a very enjoyable day. There were all kinds of refreshments provided, swings rigged up; and other sources of amusement, and no doubt Kopu never looked so lively before, the company's, band supplied themusic, and there to be no end of fun. About 3 o'clock the order was given to prepare lo get under weigh, when most of the chattels were sent on board the boats, and afterwards the ladies were embarked. The three boats started within a few minutes of one another with their living freight and a jolly stiff breeze, the company's gig first, which reached home about 4, having made a very rapid run, and the Gunboat second. The speed of the Gig was afterwards tested by their crew against the America, which is a very fine

boat. It was blowing stiff, and as both crews got warm, their commanders had every stitch of canvas shaken out the boats would; stand. They stood off Tararu together, pretty ■ evenly matched, but, upon coming home, the gig ran clean ahead of the America, she having the wind pretty well astern; but; on a wind, the America- sailed very well indeed. At; 5.30 the boats were laying at Mr Savage's yard—the gear all put away, and the- crews dismissed. We understand the gun boat's sailing qualities were well tested yesterday, and gave great satisfaction—she appeared very taut, and sailed exceedingly well. There was a dance in the hall in the evening which seemed to be very gay and a.great success.. All the arrangement botti. for pic-nic and dance were very good, every provision having been made to insure a success, and only *rer quired fine weather, and as usual with the N.a>als they also got the latfer., t I