TONGARIRO.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 104, 4 May 1936, Page 12

TONGARIRO.

GUIDE TO TRAMPERS.

ERECTION OF SIGNPOSTS. ALL TRACKS TO' BE MARKED. Signposts on the main tracks leading to Mount Ruapeliu from tho Chateau at Tongariro National Park are being erected by the Automobile Association (Auckland) in order to ensure greater safety for trampers who may lose their way in blizzards. Mr. R. E. Cliamptaloup, touring manager of the association, visited tho park last week to confer with the Chateau manager, Mr. L. J. Bayfield, regarding the best method of carrying out the work.

Mr. Champtaloup said this morning that good work had already been done by tlio Chateau staff. The track from tho ski-running grounds at the end of the motor road, two miles above the Chateau, was well defined by 10ft black-and-white poles. These were placed at intervals of from 50vds to 75yds, each being erected on a high point to prevent it being covered by the deep drifts of snow in the winter.

Attention had also been given to other tracks, such as Ngaurulioe, Tama Lakes and I'etetalii, and to nearby places of interest. To supplement the guide poles the association had arranged to supply direction signs similar to thoso previously erected by the association, and which had proved of such value to a climber who lost his way last year. Tho new signs would be located at all points wliero tracks branched off, and at other places where they would greatly assist trampers.

Mr. Champtaloup said the inspection had been made during a snow storm, and tho efficiency of the guide posts from tho Salt Memorial Hut on Scoria Plat was tested by an overseas visitor who was a stranger to tho park and the mountain. Although visibility was limited to 100 yds, with semi-blizzard conditions, no difficulty was experienced by tho visitor in leading tho official party along the correct route to the Chateau.

A donation toward the work had been made by Mr. E. W. Yates, of Auckland, who, in a letter of appreciation to the association, stated that the association's signs on tho mountain had enabled him to reach safety when in difficulties last winter. Mr. Champtaloup added that during the visit data had been compiled for uso in the amended edition of the map-leaflet of the park, which tho , association will publish in June.

Tlio early fall of snow last week had been welcomed by ski-ing enthusiasts, who were awaiting suitable conditions at the lower altitudes for practie-j purposes in preparation for the New Zealand championships. These would be held at Kuapeliu this year, and, in view of the large number of visitors and strangers expected for the events, the work of signposting was of considerable importance.