DRENCHING RAIN

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21827, 6 July 1936, Page 4

DRENCHING RAIN

EXCURSIONISTS MEET BAD WEATHER

DISAPPOINTING TRIP TO

ARTHUR’S PASS

Although reports of heavy snow at Arthur’s Pass towards the end of the week aroused the interest and anticipation of winter sports enthusiasts, the comparatively small number who made the journey to Arthur’s Pass ht the excursion train yesterday were disappointed. Although there was snow in plenty, a soaking rain made outdoor activities extremely unpleasant The snow, melted by the continuous rain, was far too soft for serious ski-ing and tobogganing. Many of the excursionists did not leave the train at all at Arthur’s Pass. The train left Christchurch at 8 a.m.. but a grey, overcast sky had Changed the minds of many of those intending to make the trip. A drizzle had set in by the time Springfield was reached, and from there the rain became much heavier, and with it fell the hopes of the excursionists. At 11,30, when Arthur’s Pass was reached, there was no break in the weather, but the more adventurous immediately left the train laden with raincoats and heavy boots, and made their way uphill. Most of them used the Pa SB road. There was three inches of snow at the railway station, but the steady downpour made the snow wet and slushy underfoot. Very few ventured more than a mile from the township, and after some snowballing, returned wet through to the station. Several ski-runners used the snow on the downgrades of the roads, but none of them ventured far. One or two walkers, although wet to the skin, continned up towards the summit of the Pass. 0 1 all the excursionists, only two reached the boundary of Canterbury and Westland before being forced to turn back by blinding rain and frail, and a strong, keen wind. The saturated clothes of the excursionist* were dried as well as possible by a large fire in the waiting room of the railway station, and although many of them were drenched to the akin, there was a general feeling of cheerfulness. The train left on the return journey lor Christchurch at 4.30, arriving at Christchurch shortly after 8 o’clock. This was the first excursion tram to be run to Arthur's Pass this winter, as the snow has been much later in fallirig than usual.