Between io and n o'clock those w h o had not been drawn away by other recreations were steering for Emerald Hill, and shortly after u o'clock preparations were m a d e by the Stewards to carry out the Programme of the Separation Sports. It was notified to the Stewards, Messrs. M . King, Dal. Campbell, D. S. Campbell, J. Stewart, W . J. Disher, and Francis Stephen, that the amount collected would not allow of the games being carried out to the extent stated in the programme, and these gentlemen in the most liberal manner undertook at their o w n expense to provide the prizes, and would not curtail the programme of a single event, trusting to the honour of the public to eventually reimburse them the outlay to be so incurred. They were greeted with loud huzzas when their liberality became known.
PRINTERS' EXCURSION TO GEELONG.
At six o'clock on Saturday morning the Melbourne Printers, fully determined to make the most of their holidays, started from the wharf on an aquatic trip for Geelong, in the " T h a m e s " steamer, chartered for the purpose. They were accompanied by their " sweethearts and wives," and all shared the enjoyment of the hour. There was an excellent band on board, and with Mr. J. P. Fawkner as generalissimo, it was resolved " to have a day of it and no mistake." T h e morning was fine, and a smart sea-breeze wafted health and happiness to all. This state of things did not long continue, for Neptune, the Ocean god, in whose time no such bipeds as printers existed, appeared bent upon being unpropitious. The vessel no sooner cleared the Williamstown Lighthouse than the waves got up steam as well as the "Thames," and the latter heaved tremendously. Then commenced in reality a species of "separation rejoicings" not included in the programme, and so continued until in the beautiful Bay of Corio. Fawkner, who was most indefatigable in providing for the general comfort and enjoyment, improvised a dance on the quarter-deck, and there they " tripped it gaily" until they approached the Geelong jetty, when the Gottenberg banner was unfurled, and the band struck up a stirring tune. The Geelong printers gave their confreres from Melbourne a cordial reception, and invited them to a "feed" at the Union Hotel. At four p.m. a return on board was effected, and they started for Melbourne amidst peals of loud and long cheers from an immense crowd assembled to witness the departure. Within an hour of midnight the Melbourne Wharf was reached ; and, notwithstanding the unfavourable nature of the weather, all were gratified with their day's outing. The Theatre, which had been closed for several evenings, was re-opened, profusely illuminated, and the bill of fare presented induced many of the holiday folk to wind up the week before the curtain. The illuminations were reproduced on a curtailed scale, and the last of the revellers marched h o m e accompanied by the band from the steamer as the mystic hour of " High Twelve" appeared in the heavens. N o accident or disturbance of any kind occurred during the day. The period of the public amusements terminated on Saturday, but the enjoyments might be considered as kept up until Sunday evening. That day, after church, was in a great measure devoted to small parties of pleasure to Brighton, St. Kilda, the Beach, Saltwater River, etc. ; and next morning reason and business resumed their sway in Melbourne. It was highly gratifying to observe the peaceable and good-tempered manner in which everything passed away. Monday was a kind of " suffering a recovery" period, and it was the last of the Printers' holidays. There was no newspaper issued, which did not by any means tend to mitigate the universal ennui. O n Tuesday Melbourne was again to rights, and the ordinary business of life was thoroughly resumed. It should be mentioned that Geelong, Portland, and other townships had their o w n special rejoicings and festivities. T h e project of a public dinner in Melbourne was abandoned, because there was a Fancy Ball yet to be disposed of. Great preparations were n o w m a d e to wind up creditably with this entertainment, quite a novelty in its line ; and as it was the first of its kind in the colony, I hope to be excused for giving a detailed notice of
