ARTHUR'S PASS.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 19972, 5 July 1930, Page 9

ARTHUR'S PASS.

MEETING OF NATIONAL PARK BOARD. The Arthur's Pass Kutioual Park Board met yesterday, Present —Mr W. Btewart (chairman), Dr. E. Teichelmann, Dr. \V. McKay, and Messrs S. C. Derby, E. Twynehani, A. D. Dobson, and J. K. Archer. The Tourist Department wrote stating that owing to the financial stringency they could give the Board no assistance this year. Tho letter was received. A report to the Board stated that special legislation was being submitted to Parliament which would give the Board control over the township at Arthur's Pass. The Railway Department wrote stating that they could not agree to give an area of vacant land owned by the Department to the Board, which required it for the erection of shelters and conveniences for the public. The Board also wished to make a camping site for motorists. It was decided that tho chairman should approach the Department again with a view to obtaining the ground. The Railway Department also wrote agreeing to hand over to the Board the land at Punchbowl creek, with the footbridge, provided that the Board undertook to repair and maintain the bridge. The Board accepted the transfer, and repair work is to be commenced immediately. ■ It was decided to appoint tho constable at Otira as a ranger in the Board's employ. Requests were received from the Christchurch Ski Club for improvements in facilities at Arthur's Pass. A deputation from the club, consisting of Messrs G. G. Loakwood and H. McD. Vincent, waited on the Board. They asked that repairs be carried out on the track to the Bealey Glacier and on tho track up Avalanche creek, and applied for a first aid outfit and a light stretcher, to bo kept at Jack's Hut. The Board agreed to conform to the requests made, but deferred the question of assisting in prcpairng a skiground, 300 yards by 100 yards, which was also asked for.

TO-MORROW'S EXCURSION. A report received from Arthur's Pass by the secretary of the Christchurch Ski Club, Mr G. G. Lockwood, indicates that there will be plenty of snow at the Pass for to-morrow's excursionists. The weather was good, and there was plenty of snow in the vicinity of Jack's Hut, said Mr Lockwood, and it seemed that plenty of ski-ing would bo obtained on the road above White bridge.

SKI CLUB GIVES ADVICE TO EXCURSIONISTS. For the benefit of those likely to visit Arthur's Pass the following advice is issued by the Christchurch Ski Club: Before setting out on trips to points of interest, excursionists are recommended to enquire at tho hostel store or tho ranger's cottago as to tho condition of the tracks. Good boots, preferably with hob-nails, should bo worn, not shoes with high heels. Hiandv to the railway station is tho Devil's Punch Bowl, a fine waterfall; but tho most •vniul.ir trip is probably that to tho Bealey Glacier, under Mount Rolleston, to which a track runs off from the road by tho green hut. This track is clcarjy marked, but is apt to bo difficult in a heavy fall of snow. Those making this trip are warned against carelessly sliding on tho ..ponds or tho glacier without trying them out beforehand A fine trip for the more energetic is the climb up the Avalanche Peak Track, which follows tin through the bush at tho back of tho hostel. There are fine waterfall and bush views to be had, and good climbers can reach tho top, from which a magnificent view can be obtained, and where; there are some good slopes for glissading. Thoso who wish to ski aro requested when using the road, to take care not to cause accidents by running recklessly without warning through pedestrians or cound corners. Some parts of the road are unsafe for beginners, who are to observe warnings which may bo given them for their own protection. Anyone in difficulties or requiring advice should apply to any members of the Ski Club present, who will be very glad to help. Pedestrians are requested to help those ski-ing l?y keeping to the sides of the road, preferably the left, leaving the crown smooth for ski-running, and by moving aside from the path or anyone running down on skis. Tn general, those ski-ing will be using only certain definite parts of the road, and will be grateful to walkers who tane the trouble to keep off the running track in use.