It was a still, warm night - ‘‘a wonderful clear night of stars'' - and when the moon rose about nine o'clock it would have been difficult to imagine more perfect conditions for such an occasion.
The large crowd on board the Waireka, numbering close on 500 persons, was a gleeful and light-hearted assembly, and genuine enjoyment was the keynote of a highly successful outing.
Music, provided by Flint's orchestra, floated abroad on the air, and the popular melodies that were played received a heightened effect - as harmony always does - from the proximity of still water.
In the intervals chorus songs, noisy but tuneful, were sung by the more light-hearted spirits on board, to their own infinite delight and doubtless to the pleasure of the passengers in general.
A long trip was made down the bay, and the party, without landing accomplished the home run in the bright moonlight, the wharf being reached about 10.30 p.m.
■Official recognition has been given by the Defence Department to Walsh Bros.' School of Flying at Auckland, where persons desirous of joining the Royal Flying Corps may graduate.
The Mission Beach, at Kohimarama, adjoining the forts, has been set aside as a flying ground, and already a considerable number of pupils are undergoing instruction.
Two, in fact - Messrs Keith L. Caldwell, of Auckland, and Geoffrey G. Calendar, of Wellington - are already on their way Home to receive their commissions.
The rules laid down by the Defence Department provide that the men must go through the training which entitles them to the Royal Aero Club certificate.
Having qualified at the Auckland School, and complied with the conditions laid down by the Imperial War Office, they are eligible for commissions in the Royal Flying Corps, and, when appointments are confirmed, their passages Home are paid by the Imperial authorities.
■The devotees of the piscatorial art may take heart (says the North Otago Times).
Although there has been a marked scarcity of fish within the harbour confines during the course of the past few weeks, it is encouraging to be able to chronicle the presence of an extensive shoal of whiting.
It is very seldom that this species visits these waters.
One Oamaru fishing enthusiast has every reason for gratification over the large haul of this highly edible fish effected by him on Saturday.
The same fisherman states that some fine quinnat salmon are also obtainable.
■The thoughtful act by the members of the committee, whose arrangements throughout were admirable, was the issue of 100 tickets to the returned soldiers at the Anzac Club.
As a consequence, there was a very appreciable sprinkling of men in khaki, and to these the trip proved highly enjoyable and doubtless not a little beneficial.
Light refreshments were served on board and were found extremely acceptable. A second excursion will be run next week.
■A widow residing in a small southern town is to be congratulated on the patriotism of her family.
The Eleventh Reinforcements are at present on their final leave, and seven brothers of the name of Jones, all wearing khaki, are in Dunedin, en route for Mataura. - ODT, 25.2.1916.
