TALK GIVEN ON MOUNTAIN TOP

Press, Volume XCI, Issue 27636, 18 April 1955, Page 12

TALK GIVEN ON MOUNTAIN TOP

HISTORIANS HOLD FIELD DAY The schoolboy, poring over the exploits of William the Conqueror and unwillingly examining the effects of the various Reform Bills, might be induced to take a keener interest in the subject were he able to make the firsthand examination of places and things enjoyed yesterday by members of the Canterbury branch of the New Zealand Historical Association. About 30 members of the branch toured North Canterbury in a bus, listened to a series of talks on places of historical interest by a panel of rexperts, and visited several spots associated prominently with’ the early Jib" tory of the province. The programs* included a talk delivered at the top of Mount Grey, 3180 feet above sea levelAt ,the Waimakariri, Mr N. D. jjMoi* ris gave a talk on the history of the river, and at Kaiapoi he spoke on history of the port. From there the bus went on to the Kaiapoi Pa it Woodend, where Dr. R. S. Duff apoko on the siege of 1831. At SaltWtttT Creek Mr D. N. Hawkins talked abort the history of the port, and at Leithfield he recalled the history of tite township. Mr G. R. Macdonald todp on the early runs in that area, and of the personalities of the times. . . After lunch at Lake Janet, on .<*• slopes of Mount Grey, most member* of the party cHmbed the mountain. At the summit Mr W. J. Gardner spfiM on the purchase of North Canterbury from the Maoris, and Mr Hawkinsw Mr Macdonald spoke on the history bf North Canterbury runs. The members of the party were issued with a comprehensive set of notes and maps. . . The organisation of the tour wm largely in the hands of Mr Gardner, a lecturer at Canterbury Univenffl' College. The president of the branes thanked the speakers. This field trip was the first of • series the branch hopes to organiM,