MARINE EXCURSION.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXIV, Issue 2785, 16 January 1869, Page 3

MARINE EXCURSION.

The usual annual steam excursion toLowry Bay, under the auspices of the Odd Fellows' Hall Committee, took place on Saturday last. Owing to the unfavorable state of the weather, the little Storm Bird, under the command of Captain Doile, was not able to leave the wharf until eleven o'clock. She then steamed away gaily decorated with flags, evergreens. &c, having on board a full military band under the directorship of Mr Bell, and a goodly number of excursionists. On passing H.M. s.s. Charybdis the Storm Bird gracefully dipped her ensign, three cheers were given for the officers and crew, and the ' band struck up " Eule Britannia." The compliment was acknowledged by the Oharybdis, the men waving hats and handkerchiefs. In due course the'vessel, after pitching more than was agreeable, reached Lowry Bay, and the landing was effected most expeditiously, for though it was comparatively rough in Port Nicholson it was comparatively calm in this bay. The excursionists at once proceeded to the grounds, and in the lawn in front of the Governor's marine villa, the young men and maidens joined in the merry dance accompanied by the band which played appropriate airs. Some persons engaged in kiss-in-the-ring, while there were others joined themselves into picnic parties or strolled over thepicturesque hills and grounds in the vicinity. All seemed determined not to be deprived of their anticipated enjoyment, and their efforts, judging from appearances, ■were crowned with success. The Storm Bird on her second trip arrived about 2 o'clock in the afternoon and remained till about 6 o'clock, when the excursionists proceeded on board, and amidst the strains of martial music made their passage homeward. Mr Coulter, the ranger, appointed to guard the estate, was very courteous, refreshments, in the shape of tea, sandwiches, &c, were provided ; temperance here was the order of the day, and true enjoyment was eonsec[uently realised. We could not help a feeling of regret that this fine property, through the parsimony of the Government, should be allowed to go to ruin. The whole of the arrangements for the excursion were satisfactory, and the latter passed off in the most agreeable and pleasing manner.