CRUISE OF MARAMA.

Waikato Times, Volume 113, Issue 18878, 23 February 1933, Page 10

CRUISE OF MARAMA.

HAURAKI GULF PORTS. A FINE EXCURSION. THOROUGHLY ENJOYED. The cruise of the T.S.S. Marama in the Hauraki Gulf was a pronounced suocess, and was thoroughly enjoyed by the 317 passengers who made tho trip. The excursion was the first of its kind undertaken from Auckland, and the Union Steamship Company of New Zealand, Ltd.; which organised it, is to be congratulated on its enterprise. Among the passengers were 19 Hamilton residents, including Mesdames W. J. Sweeney, W. M. Pitcher, 11. Robinson, J. Coburn, Misses V. Whitlock, M. King, J. Sweeney, Messrs F. C. House, E. J. Mears, F. D. House, I. Mears, W. M. Pitcher, E. A. Butt,' J F. Louden, 11. Robinson, J. Coburn, W. O. Carbon, J. G. Pike, and L. D. Ilowden

The ship left Prince’s Wharf, Auckland, at 7.45 on the Monday evening. A large crowd assembled on the wharf to see the vessel off, and the scenes prior to departure were gay and bright. A fine orchestra on hoard enlivened the proceedings with cheerful tunes. Coloured streamers were thrown from the steamer to the wharf and a happy spirit prevailed. As the Marama steamed out of port the evening shadows lengthened. Three large foreign sailing vessels, one at the wharf; one in the harbour, and one in dock,'attracted much attention. There was a pleasant breeze at sea, and the slightest of swells disturbed the surface of the water. The passengers occupied themselves in becoming familiar with Ihc points of the ship and in gelling to know earli other. Here the orchestra played its part, for no sooner had darkness fallen than dancing became the order of the evening.

Much to Interest, Those who did not dance found much to interest them. The warships of the New Zealand Squadron wore lying off Hawaii praelising night firing and signalling. The bright display they made was an inspiring and intriguing spectacle. It was late before the majority of the passengers retired. r rhc next morning broke clear and fine, and tho excursionists were up early. They found Ihc Marama skirling I he northern roast making her way towards Whangaroa. Boon that beautiful harbour was reached. The Marama dropped anchor within a short distance of Ihc entrance, and Ihc passengers were given an opportunity of viewing Ihc fealures of this picturesque spot. Bold headlands. rocky islands, with curiously shaped pinnacles silhouetted against the sky-line, and wood-fringed bays provided the excursionists with many objects for admiration. ■Whangaroa. nnre a flourishing seaport. is 150 miles north of Auckland. and lias few equals as a safe and picturesque harbour. It could accommodate the whole of the British Fleet. It was here that the crew of

the 111-fated ship Boyd was massacred in 1809. The Rev. Samuel Marsden established his first mission at Whangaroa in 1814. Among tho picturesque objects connected with the harbour Is a rocky prominence called “The Duke of Wellington’s Profile,” the majestic solid granite dome known as St. Paul’s and another less conspicious prominence named St. Peter’s of Whangaroa. All round the harbour there are many rocks, remarkable he'adlands, and sequestered nooks,' where serene and pleasant prospects present themselves. Deep sea fishing launches, bearing familiar names such as the Alma G, and Zane Grey, buzzed round, while a heavily laden launch packed with school children excited Interest. Only a few passengers had an opportunity of a tour round the harbour. Many of those on board made their introduction to deck tennis and quoits, and in this way they made new acquaintances and contrived to enjoy themselves.

Headed for Bay of Islands. The Marama stayed at Whangaroa from 7 a.m. until 10 a.m., and then weighed anchor and steamed south for the Bjy of Islands. Cape Brett was passed at noon and the Bay was reached at 1 p.m. Russell is noted for its historic associations, while the bay in which it stands is studded with many beautiful islands. Russell .was New Zealand’s first seat of Government and was formerly the resort of whalers. Tt is full of interesting reminders of (he past. It was in the bay that the Rev. Samuel Marsden established a mission in 1814, and the Treaty of Waitnngi was signed. Russell is the starting point for the deep sea fishing grounds off Rape Brett and is a veritable yachtsman’s paradise. The cruise was now well launched. People were gelling lo know each oilier, and Ihey threw themselves into tli o spirit of I lie outing with happy abandon. There were on hoard several extra officers whose pleasant task it was lo see that the passengers were entertained. They - applied themselves to their work with enthusiasm. The officers, stewards, and crew vied wilh each other in their desire to do their work well. That they succeeded is certain, for the passengers were loud in their praise of the excellent service and attention Ihcy received. 'Launches had been engaged by the Company lo talce the passengers ashore. Excursions were organised and soon Ihc visitors distributed liicmselvcs among the various parties arranged. A delegation of Russell residents came aboard and extended the hospitality of the township to the visitors. Some of tiie excursionists went swimming at Longbeach, others climbed to the historic Itagstaff overlooking Bussell, otliers went for a trip lo a forestry reserve, while others again made private arrangements for deep-sea fishing. The day passed very pleasantly. Fine weather lasted throughout the cruise. It was not hot, and a pleasant breeze tempered what heat, there was. Tho evening passed en.joyably wilh dancing, moving pictures, lectures, card games, and an exciting horse race. The excitement attending Ihc novelty of the excursion had worn off to some extent, and those who had not slept, well during the first night on board made up for the loss of resl on Ihr Tuesday night. The Marama remained at Russell until midnight ou Wednesday.

An Interesting Day. On the morning of that day the Company engaged several launches and oonveyed the passengers to the Waltangi Falls. The passengers were landed at Waitangl, where they had a chance of Inspecting the old New Zealand Presidency occupied in the days of the country’s infancy by Mr James Bushy and recently given to the Dominion by Lord Bledisloe. From Waitangi the launches went to Paihi, a delightful spot marked by a magnificent stone church built in 1925 by the Williams family in memory of the pioneer missionaries of that name. Paihi has a magnificent beach and as a holiday resort has much to commend it. The wind had risen during the morning and the sea was choppy while the return journey was being made. Further parties were arranged in the afternoon. Some played bowls, tennis, or croquet, some visited the historic church and graveyard at Russell, others took part in bathing, while others again went fishing and to Zane Grey’s camp. The evening was another happy occasion and there were dancing, horse races on deck, card games, competitions, and other means of enjoyment everywhere. The journey from Russell to the Great Barrier occurred between midnight and dawn. The morning was somewhat misty and there was a threat of rain. Fortunately conditions improved, and the day was as bright as its predecessors. A spectacle those who came from inland towns will long remember was the school of 20 porpoises which escorted the steamer for miles as it approached the Great Barrier. Port Fitzroy, the main inlet was named after Admiral Fitzroy. It is a fascinating and charming place with many beautiful bays and inlets and heavily-wooded hills. Deep water is found close to the land. The island contains a great deal of kauri, much of which is still standing. It is 97 miles from Auckland, and launches and yachts make their annual pilgrimage there by hundreds in the summer months.

The anchor was at -first dropped in Patterson’s Inlet and the passengers were landed. Pome clambered the pills, olhers remained near the water’s edge.' and indulged in swimming, while others again spent a profitable morning fishing. Another inlet at Port Fitzroy was the scene or the afternoon’s activities. Bathing and fishing parties were arranged. All Hie arrangements made lor the passengers’ entertainment were eclipsed by the special effort on Thursday evening. A special dinner was served and cacti passenger was given a souvenir menu autographed by Captain '.Morgan, a cracker, a balloon, and a streamer. The dinner was a sreat success, and was followed by a fancy dress ball. The ingenuity displayed by-.the officers and the passengers in contriving costumes from material secured on the stdp was wonderful. The ball was a complete success. The costumes were original and novel, and the antics of some of the wearers, quite in keeping with the costumes they wore, caused much amusement.

Back to Auckland. All good things come to an end, and Hie Manama lifted anchor at 5 a.m. on Friday for Auckland, where she arrived a.i, 9 a.m. The excursion was a wonderful success and every minute was enjoy ecb