A Visit to the Turakina.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume II, Issue 260, 14 February 1889, Page 2

A Visit to the Turakina.

Mr Milleb, the present agent of the U.S.S. Co., deserves kudos for having conceived the happy idea that the more mentally developed of our Government School children would be benefited if granted an afternoon’s holiday and permitted to visit the first vessel that had arrived in our port filled up with freezing apparatus. Thia kindly thoughtfulness was met as it deserved to be by Mr Morgan, who was evidently quite in accord with Mr Miller. Last, but not loast, Capt. Power, in a most generous spirit, offered to throw open his vessel for both the enjoyment and education of,the youngsters. Of course it was necessary ’to confine the number of juvenile visitors ; otherwise had the invitation extended to all who attend the Gisborne District School, no Snark could have taken them out, and even ths displacement of the big ship itself might have been dis turbed, The boys and girls of the High School and of the Sixth Standard became consequently the privileged ones. Arriving on board great curiosity was displayed as to where the snow and ice were to be found. There was but little delay, for in a very few moments Mr Hampton, Chief Engineer, quickly discerning their great anxisty, in a most kind, and, we hope he will not feel offended if we write paternal, manner, virtually took the some seventy odd under his care, and if not altogether intiating them into all ths mysteries of the refrigerating business trotted them carefully down below and with the greatest good humor answered the thousand and one questions asked. It may be inserted here that the Turakina is fitted with one of Haslam's largest sized (2,009 square feet) refrigerators, has on board 12,000 frozen oarcasas of sheep, and 136 sides of beef. This is exclusive of f.ozen ducks, fish, sheep’j heads and plucks etc., for use on the voyage home. That the youngesters were-delighted need hardly be said, but Mr Hampton and his Second Engineer Mr Benford were equally so—well they apparently enjoyed themselves too. The boys and girls, some of them at any rate, handled snow for the first time, and ice became to them like mother’s milk—that is of course if one can judge by the manner in which they sucked it. Captain Power received his adult guests in a most cordial manner, and in fact everyone on board seemed to be desirous of making the visit one to last in memory. That it will there can be no doubt. Messrs Morgan, Mann, and Faram were in charge of ths children—not, however, that they needed much caretaking, for bstter behaved youngsters it would be difficult to find—and two of the School Committee, Messrs Morgan and File, also enjoyed the trip. On leaving the vessel cheers were given for Captain Power, Mr Hampton, officers and crew. A similar compliment on return to the wharf was accorded Mr Miller, who undoubtedly deserved it, he having promoted an afternoon’s genuine pleasure. We have to thank all on board for the courtesy displayed towards our representative.