A DAY IN PEEL FOREST

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21377, 21 January 1935, Page 11

A DAY IN PEEL FOREST

SECOND FORTNIGHTLY EXCURSION The scenic beauty of Peel Forest is apparently little known, even in such a comparatively nearby place as Christchurch, for out of about 620 persons who left by the first excursion train for Timaru yesterday morning only 30 detrained at Orari for the trip by motor to Peel Forest. No doubt many people felt that the weather was too unpromising, and as a report from Peel Forest early yesterday morning stated that heavy rain was falling, there was probably some justification for uncertainty, but fortunately the day was gloriously fins, and trampers were given every opportunity to enjoy themselves. Orari was reached at 11 o'clock, and on detraining the excursionists were met by a motor-bus to transport them the 20 remaining miles of their journey. The, destination was reached in 45 minutes, and while a billy was boiled for lunch the party set c*f for a short ramble under the direction of a guide. At 1 o'clock the party started on an eight mile tramp through the forest. For a number of years there have been a few tracks in the bush, but one cut recently through some of the most beautiful virgin native bush in the forest was taken by the trampers. For most of the party this walk was a new one, as only one previous party, members of an excursion held two weeks ago, had used the track. Once in this place where seme of the most beautiful of New Zealand's ferns and native bush had stood for centuries undisturbed, the visitors were treated to a sight which only a few remote places in the Dominion can offer. On both sides of the track intertangled in bounteous profusion, were ferns of every variety and size, but probably the most magnificent of all were the giant and majestic totara trees through which the strong sun shone in narrow pencils of light. The tramp, on .accpunt of the steep climbing in parts, was a long one. In order to leave time to inspect an enormous totara, reputed to be the largest but one in New Zealand, on the estate of Commander Dennison, the party left Peel Forest at 4 o'clock, taking a longer route. When.they had boarded the train for home, there was not one excursionist who could deny that he had spent an excellent day.