En Route

The trip down was not uneventful. Most of the students were "early to bed"—and many followed a course of serious reflection in the bosom of the ship. A gallant band of males sang lustily on deck for an hour or so—but it steadily diminished in size. Gaudeamus" became increasingly difficult as the "Maori" made her way through the southerly. At Christchurch luncheon was prepared at Broadway's —and the visitors did it justice. Here numbers grew. Miss Gavin and Leiutenant de la Mare joined the Wikitorians. On the train there was much merriment—Mr. Low was especially distinguished. Hakas and capping songs helped to relieve the tedium of the long journey. The Dunedin station presented a scene of wild excitement; the crowd was tremendous, the noise included the strains of a brass band and the inevitable bag-pipes. "Gee!," said the Northerners, "but these Scotch do worship brains!" But a banner "with the strange device,"—"Welcome to Dolores"—put them right. However, it all helped to make it harder to get our luggage, and by the time we got home we were able to take a little nourishment. Another illustration how people "adore and worship when they know it not."

On Good Friday the journey was extended by a two-hours trip across the Harbour to Portobello. About eighty "foolish virgins" and reckless youths took part. A number are understood to have survived. There was rain, and as far as could be observed, no temperature—"Master Wullie" remarked that the place were better called "Bello-zero."

The return journey was marked by a little excitement; but after the late night many were for sleep. On the Timaru station a rough-and-tumble occurred. There was one casualty: The porter took" Mr. Smith's" name. The run from Lyttelton was calm. On Thursday morning the warriors arrived at "Home Sweet Home."