Royal Humane Society & Life Saving Awards

Lot 1133    Day 1    Royal Humane Society & Life Saving Awards

Estimate $1,500
Bid at live.noble.com.au

S.S.TARAWERA, badge, handcrafted in silver (60x18mm), no maker, pin-back, front inscribed 'Sounds Regatta/S.S.Tarawera 1887'. Very fine.

The following Courtesy of National Library of New Zealand - Papers Past, from the Otago Daily Times, 24 January 1887:^^"THE TARAWERA'S TRIP TO THE SOUNDS.^^The S.S.Tarawera, Captain W.C.Sinclair, left Port Chalmers for the tenth annual excursion to the West Coast Sounds on the afternoon of Wednesday, the 12th inst., at 5 o'clock. Before reaching the heads, Aunt Sally, the weighing machine, and various other games received considerable patronage, but many soon sought the 'seclusion that the cabin grants.' The Bluff was reached at 5am on Thursday, where a few hours were spent till the arrival of the early train from Invercargill. Having embarked some more passengers, the steamer then proceeded to Preservation Inlet, which was reached at 3pm; and after steaming to the head of Long Sound she dropped anchor in Cuttle Cove at 6pm, where the boats were lowered and several passengers went rowing and fishing in the cool of the evening. During this evening a very successful entertainment was given by the crew and afterwards Dr Loch Stuart spoke in complimentary terms of the performance, which was suitably acknowledged by Captain Sinclair. Friday was spent in fishing, picnicking, shooting, sketching, and exploring the wonders of this beautiful sound; and the stewards' department was busy from an early hour in packing hampers for the various parties. By 6 o'clock all the pleasure seekers were again on board, and after dinner a very pleasant dance was held on the quarter-deck.^^Saturday was also spent in Cuttle Cove, and similar picnic and other parties were organised for the day. In the evening an excellent concert was given by the'passengers in 'Tarawera Hall.' On Sunday, at 4am, a start was made for Dusky Sound, which was reached at 11am and to the head of which the vessel slowly proceeded, returning by way of Acheron Passage to Wet Jacket Arm, where the anchor was dropped for the night. Several parties landed here to explore the beauties of the place; and a very pleasant concert of sacred music was given by the passengers in the evening. At daylight on Monday the steamer was again under weigh and after a short sea passage made Doubtful Sound, proceeding thence through Smith Sound past Rolla Island to the entrance of Hall's Arm At this point the Tarawera turned and retraced her way along Smith Sound to Thompson Sound through which she steamed to the open sea, and then proceeded to Caswell Sound, which was reached at 12.35pm. After viewing the beauties of this inlet the vessel made for George Sound, which was reached at 3pm, and the anchor was dropped opposite the cascade at the head of the sound. Here two very pleasant days were spent. By daylight on Monday posters were distributed over the ship announcing the first appearance this year of the 'Tarawera Ministrels' who gave a most successful performance. The evening's amusement was brought to a close by a few dances on the quarter-deck. On Tuesday the various boats were again out on pleasure bent, and several most enjoyable picnic parties were held. In the evening the passengers and crew gave a combined concert with great success. Wednesday was devoted to a regatta, the arrangements for which reflected the greatest credit on the committee. The following were winners of the principal events:-^^Ladies Race (three entries).- Miss Mitchell, Miss Edie, Miss O'Reilly, Mrs Purcell; cox, Mr Scott.^^Firemen v. Sailors.- First prize, Sailors cox, Mr Anthony. Second prize, Firemen cox, Mr Galbraith.^^Cooks v. Stewards.- First prize, Stewards; cox H.Grey.^Saloon v. Bedroom Stewards.- First prize, Saloon; cox H.Grey.^^Sculling race. - First prize, G.McKay. Second prize, R.Robertson. ^^Passengers v. Officers - First place, Officers; cox Mr Galbraith.^^Officers and Passengers (combined).- First place Mr M.Anderson, cox; second place, Mr Scott, cox.^^The chief interest was centred on the ladies' race, which resulted in a very close contest between the three crews. In the evening the regatta prizes were distributed in 'Tarawera Hall' by Lady Robinson, assisted by Mr Teece chairman of committee; and after a fine display of fireworks, an enjoyable ball was held, and dancing was kept up with much spirit until midnight. On Thursday morning the Tarawera proceeded to Milford Sound, which was entered at 1.20pm, and the head at 2pm, where the ship, lay for a couple of hours within a short distance of the Bowen Falls. These were seen to great perfection, as some heavy rain during the night and morning had swelled all the watercourses on the neighbouring mountains. After leaving the head of the sound, the vessel returned close under 'The Lion,' and within a stone throw of the Stirling Falls, which were also seen to great advantage. From Milford the Tarawera sailed direct to the Bluff, arriving there at 11.45am Friday. On Thursday evening, in spite of a slight motion, a pleasant smoke concert was held by the passengers and officers, when some capital songs were rendered. Just before arrival at Bluff a tug of war was pulled-officers and passengers v. crew, resulting in a win for the former. At the Bluff several of the passengers left for the Lakes. A cricket team was picked from among those remaining onboard and a friendly match was played against the officers on the Bluff Cricket ground, kindly lent for the occasion. The match resulted in a win for the passengers by four wickets. At 5 o'clock a start was made for Port Chalmers, which was reached at 5am on the 22nd. The weather during the excursion has been all that could be wished for, the only rain experienced being during the last evening and morning in George Sound, which gave those on board the opportunity of seeing the sounds under a new and charming aspect. We thank Mr C.H.Humphries (the purser) for supplying us with this report."^^With research.