NELSON HOLIDAY

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 69, Issue 74, 7 January 1949, Page 2

NELSON HOLIDAY

Ashburton Tramping Club DELIGHTFUL TOUR Wonderful bush scenery, novel sights and the happiest of holidays were enjoyed by 1!) members of the Ashburton Tramping Club who made a tour of the Nelson district during the last fortnight. Their trip occupied 10 days and included visits .t° all notable places in the northern area.

Travelling by bus, they left Ashburton on the morning of Boxing Day, and their tramping activity began when they set out on a trip through Cobb Valley and Mount Arthur. They found the track in excellent order and passed several other parties on their way. Entering the bush on the Monday evening, they spent that night at Flora Hut, but subsequent .nights were passed in the open. The Tnagnificence of the bush scenery surpassed the most optimistic expectations and was something of a revelation to those who had not been in the district before.

An interesting encounter, shortly before they left the bush, and near the asbestos works (now closed down) was a meeting with an old couple who have lived in isolation for many years and who would not, under any circumstances, change their place of abode. The couple are fully versed in the 'lore of the bush and fascinated the trampers by their interesting tales of Nature’s realm.

The party left the bush near the Cobb power station and went by bus to Takaka, where they had two full days of sightseeing. One of the members is an expert on the bagpipes and, with him leading on New Year’s Eve, they marched along the street of the town, being given a great welcome by the residents. They slept in the Oddfellows’ Hall and had meals at restaurants during this portion of the trip.

Tame Eels Viewed

A visit was made to ‘ the Pupu Springs, claimed to be the largest known fresh water spring, with a flow of 457,000,000 gallons in 24 hours. Members were very interested in pet eels kept by a lady resident of the area; the creatures come at her call and feed from her hand.

Pohara Beach camping grounds, the Abel Tasman Memorial, and the cement works were other, places visited during the afternoon. Next day (Saturday) the beautiful Rockville limestone caves were inspected. These are famous for stalagmite and stalactite formations.

That night was spent at Collingwood, and next day they proceeded to Tahuna camping ground, where tents were pitched and the surrounding attractions visited. Monday was a “free day’’ and members of the party spent it in various private pursuits. The trip back to Ashburton was made on Tuesday by way of Lewis Pass, and the party arrived safely that evening. Prior to their dispersing, the president, Mr D. J. Sparrow, thanked members for their co-opera-tion and referred briefly to the happy time spent by all. Apart from some rain on two days, the weather was excellent. The crops of tobacco, hops and fruit in (the Nelson area, particularly impressed the Ashburton party, many of whom rvere seeing the first-named growing for the first time.