GALA DAY AT HAYWARDS

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 58, 3 December 1923, Page 8

GALA DAY AT HAYWARDS

DELIGHTFUL HOURS IN ’A’ BEAUTY SPOT.

Favoured by brilliant sunshine ' on Saturday afternoon, several hundreds of picnicers and trampers took the opportunity of inspecting the natural beauties of the scenic reserve, at Haywards. The 1.20 p.m. up-train carried a large contingent of sightseers, and a special stop was made near the railway bridge, thus saving, the visitors a mile walk. The opinion was expressed by many that the Railway Department should be approached to arrange for a regular stopping place at this point, to suit the convenience of the increasing number of holidaymakers to this beauty spot. The tramp to Mount Pleasant, the highest point in the reserve, attracted a large crowd. From the grassy slope almost opposite the bridge, a wellformed track with an easy grade leads through Mr. George’s bush to the top of the cleared spurs. The rise is between 800 and 1000 feet, and the walk in a really fascinating one, as the forest contains many different specimens of trees and shrubs—tawa, tawhiri, and beech predominate. There is also a good variety of kewa kewa, totara, hinau, and rjjnu. The silver leaf fern grows to perfection here, while there are many specimens of other native plants. Mount LookOut was ascended, and climbers were rewarded with magnificent panoramic views. From Look-Out the party went in the direction of the Haywards-Pahau-tanui road, following a clear spur of very easy gtade. Alongside the road is a deep bush-clad valley., and it is the intention of Mr. George to present this area to ths city. It is a picturesque little tipllcy, luxuriant with lovely terns and nikau palms, and lends. itse.f ideay to picnicing. ' Good running water is pentiful, and may, in future prove invaluable as a source of supply to the township, which must one day thrive at Haywards. Access is/easy to this beautiful valley, and with the erection of a few small rustic bridges, it could be made most attractive. The party was unanimously of the opinion that the bush and. valley visited are well worth conserving, and should prove a valuable acquisition to the city.