School Excursion to Wanganui.

Woodville Examiner, Volume XIV, Issue 2492, 13 March 1896, Page 2

School Excursion to Wanganui.

The school excursion from Woodville to Wanganui on Wednesday was largely attended, over 1000 persons being on the train. About 400 came from Mangataiuoka and Pahiatua. The Woodville School Committee are to bo congratulated on the success of the trip, for a more suitable place for an excursion of the kind could not be found within reach of Woodville. Certainly 200 miles of travelling occupies many hours of the day, but the mere journeying in a railway train and steamboat is great fun to children, and it has certain advantages from an educational point of view. The train was in charge of Mr Pilcher, the trallic manager, and Mr Stevenson and the other teachers, together with Mr Carter, the obliging guard, saw that everybody was comfortably seated. The weather durmg the whole trip was simply delightful, and the children were in high spirits. Punctually to time, the long train left the Woodville station drawn by only one engine. An hour later Palmerston was reached, ami before the journey to Wanganui was commenced, a second engine was added to the tram. Every station that was passed on the journey was cheered by the yout gsters, and Aramoho junction was reached shortly after 11 o'clock. At this place 800, including the Woodville iland, left the train and bo .rded the river steamer, the balance going on to Wanganui. Those on the steamer immensely enjoyed the trip up the river. The owners ol the Ihtle craft, provided tea for all and sundry, and alter a distance of 10 or twe Ive miles had been covered (ho steamer was headed back to Wanganui, which was reached at 2.80. Every object of interest in an about Wanganui was visited—the museum, the historical monuments, the llagstafl on the hill, the lovely racecourse and grounds, the mw hospital, Air Sobers vineyard, and several ventured out as far as the Heads, where GiMerd’s soap works and the large freezing works were seen. The train was limed to start on the homeward journey at 4.15, but long before that lime the station was crowded with excursionists anxious to get the best seats, and we certainly pitied the unfortunates that wore compelled to take to the coveieel-in trucks. Home was reached at 9.10, only ten minutes late.

Tlie only fault we have to find with the Unit way Department was their neglect in not providing drinking water for the chikhen on the journey. Every caniage should be provided with a large Inter of water on an excursion of this kind, and wg trust th ’ Department will see to it. Mr Sowry (Chairman), and Messrs Bliss, Horne, Cross, Palmer, and Smith, members of the School Committee, were on the train, and all helped to make the journey a pleasant one. The playing of the Woodville Brass Band was of great service, making things merry, especially on the river steamer.