EXCURSION TRIP UP THE WANGANUI RIVER.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XXIX, Issue 11132, 19 February 1886, Page 2

EXCURSION TRIP UP THE WANGANUI RIVER.

The steamer Tuhua made her first ex-, cursion trip as far as Ranana (Londou) on Wednesday, returning the next evening (Thursday). Th& number of passengers who availed themselves of the opportunity was uot very large, but we may hope for better results in future now that the possibility of getting the full distance has baen practically de^ monstrated. The whole of the trip was most enjoyable, and as will be Been from the testimonial given by the pas> sengers there is no doubt that all thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The weather at fche start was noli very promising, but excepting for occasional showers, was very enjoyable. The steamer was successful iv taking all the rapids as far as the Tupapa, but owing to the exceptionally low state of the river, some little trouble was experienced before passing it. Mr Anderson, in. charge of the river improvement party, joined the boat at this place. He said the river had fallen as low as it was ever known during the summer, and considerable anxiety was manifested by all as to the steamer reaching her destination, In the afternoon an attempt was made to ascend the Paraliino rapid, but without avail, as though the boat had power enough, the water was so low that tha wheel could not aofc ad vantageously. Eopes were got out, and every effort made again and again to ascead if, but ia vain. The captain then decided to return to Parakino, and try it again next morn ng. Daring the night a heavy fall of rain took place, and tha river rose two feet. A start was made on Thursday morning at 6.20, and Takarangi, chief of Atene (A-thena), and Kormiti (Corinth), came on board, b-nug desirous of proceeding with the vessel as far a3 she could go. Although the Parakino rapid was running as fast as before, the increased body of watsr was such an advantage thafc the steamer ascended it with the greatest ease. The old ohief expressed himself as thoroughly delighted with the boat, and worked himself up to a state of great excitement as aho successfully took the rnpuls. .Itene was roacbed at 8 5 ami Koriniti at 9.45. As to:>n a3 the steamer was observed from the village of Korinifci the natives assembled in large numbers, aud waving hats and shawls cvi icad the greatest delight at the advent of the boat. A short visit was paid to the pa, and the ' utmost kindness and cordiality was j shown to the p.ussengers by^the natives, who brought presents of fruit, and in every way showed their hospitality The scenery fiwrc here w»3 very fine, and called forth the admiration of ali on boird, and regret was freely expressed that more were not present to participate in tha enjoynwufc. Two or three waterfalls presented a very pretty appearauce, falling from the banks into the river, aad the majestin ferns and beautiful foliage on the hills excitod the liveliest enthusiasm. GKlatea rapids WGve reached a; 10-40, and the liulle boat tiQkled fcuoai in a very .creditable manner, her steering qualities showing to great advantage It was than determined to etid-?avour to reach further up, and after a hmvl fusslo with the oelebratetl Kaiwhaike rapi-i, lUuuia w.te xeached at 12.15. Aftar a sUy of halfan-hour an effort, was mnde to ascend the Moutoa rapid.-, but after- a most i.tubbom afcfetnpt it had to be abandoned, as it would have been necessary to hava resorted to warping, and the tims wovil 1 nob permit. All on board had an opportunity of seeing tha celebrated island of Moutoa, which pos esses an historical in* fcerest to all Wana.au ;u people, as it was here that, the celebrated battle was fought in which the Hauhans made their desperate attempt to reaoh Wanganui, | and were so gallantly met by our , 1 friendly allies, with ihe result that scarcely one man among the Hauhaus sui-vived the conflict, over a hundred men being killed on the occasion. A return waa made from Banana at 1.10 p.m., and universal regret was expressed that a visit to the rivor higher up would have to be left for another occasion. The clever way in which Captain Marshall managed the boat iv all the difficulties of the rapids was unanimously acknowledged, and proved how fortunate the company were in securing his services for thß steamer. H. Puke • hika alao aofcod as pilot in a most effi* cieufc manner. Owing to one of the crank shaft bearings becoming looee at Parakino, one of. the engiues had to be disconnected, and the vessel driven at half speed ; but this waa not displeasing to the passengers, who thus enjoyed a moat delightful moonlight trip. In consequence of thiß,gi'eat dolay was caused, and, although the vessel left Parakino a.:oufc 4 o'clock, she did not arrive in tVanganui till 8.39. The neceS3ary repairs will be executed so as to allow of the trip being run for the High boys. The following testimonial was spontaneously drawn up and signed by all the passengers : — On board the Tuhua, 18th February, 1836. To Mr Willis, Managing Director of the Wttnganui Steam Navigation (Jompany. Doar Sir, — Wo, the undersigned (including Mr Anderson, ihe Government Engineer), being passengers on the first advertised two days' trip up the Wanganui Biver, beg to testify to the vary pleasant aiu<ftnost enjoyable outing that we have had, the scenery v? to Banana — 60 miles — (tha extent of our joarney), fat 1 surpassing anything wo hava ever imagined, and the steamer — whioh wo certainly looked upon at starfciog with distrnst— -bah iving splendidly, getting over the rapids with ease and comfo.vt to all on board. As regards lha officers and crew, they were most obliging, aud nothing waa left undone for our coui" fort, so that we certainly hope to have many more such trips ia the Tuhua, aud intend to do all i : our power to persuade our frienus to do likewise. | When it becomes known what enjoyable i an outing can be had at so small a cost, it will surprise us very rnich if hun^ dreds of parsons do not avail themselves of it,— We are, dear sir, yours truly, Q. I?. GftEMfiß, aud 15 others. .