EXCURSION TO ARTHUR'S PASS.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 19985, 21 July 1930, Page 9

EXCURSION TO ARTHUR'S PASS.

FINE WEATHER EXPERIENCED. The Railway Department's excursion to Arthur's Pass yesterday was patronised by 650 passengers, 350 travelling in the first train and 300 in the second. Probably more would have travelled but for the threatening weather conditions. Those who profess to know shook tjjeir heads when the morning broke fine in the City and showed across the plains the mountains standing sharp in the sunlight, but with heavy clouds looming ominously beyond. Fur once, however, the weather-wise were wrong. The trains climbed from the plains into brilliant sunshine, the snow-covered peaks cutting sharpH against a blue sky. At Arthur's Pass itself, however, a very light, misty rain, not sufficient to warrant the wearing of raincoats, fell for about an hour, and was followed by bright sunshine. Ski-ers had reason to be disappointed with the dearth of snow. The only place where there was sufficient snow for ski-ing and tobogganing was the stretch of road just past Jack's Hut. At this place a large number of enthusiasts spent an enjoyable time. About 80 or 90 of the more energetic ones walked to the foot of the Bealey Glacier, but ski-ing conditions there were said to be not much better than on the road. The usual ski-ing ground on the far side of the divide was not used, owing to the lack of snow. Those who did not go in for ski-ing enjoyed snow-balling, while .walking expeditions attracted eeveraL