Picton Excursion

Boxing Day 1938

On Boxing Day morning, the Rangatira departed Wellington at 8:00am for a ‘daylight excursion’ to Picton. There were 1600 daytrippers on board. The numbers were down 400 on the previous year likely due to the rain experienced on Christmas day. To make it a festive occasion, the rigging was hung with bunting and a band played on deck as she sailed out of the harbour.

On arrival in Picton, the excursionists had the option of taking walks around Picton, launch trips to the bays of Queen Charlotte Sound or spend the time enjoying a picnic lunch on the beach. Some took the opportunity to make a return trip to Blenheim on a train put on for the occasion. The Marlborough regatta was also taking place on Picton harbour.

The Rangatira departed Picton at 2:35pm and berthed at 5:30pm. The ship required a great deal of cleaning before she then departed for Lyttelton.

References:

(1938, December 27). Excursion to Picton, Dominion, 3.
(1938, December 27). Excursion to Picton, Evening Post, 6.
(1938, December 27). Picton Excursion, Evening Post, 10.

Tourists from Wellington disembarking from the Rangitira in Picton. Auckland Weekly News. 5 January 1939. Courtesy of Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections AWNS-19380105-46-01.