THE SOUTHERN ALPS.

Evening Post, Volume LXXIX, Issue 71, 26 March 1910, Page 14

THE SOUTHERN ALPS.

SUGGESTED ALPINE CLUB. It seems hardly credible, observes the Christchurch Press, that a country like J ours, with its magnificent Alpine scenery, should have no association whose special business it is to foster the spirit of daring and adventure necessary for the sport of climbing. Such a body could do much to coach aspiring young climbers in the art and science of mountaineering. Access to the heart of our mountains is r becoming more easy, highly-trained and i experienced guides are provided at several places, and the Government is doing mush to bring the wonders of our Alpine scenery before the world. It must bo | regretted, however, that so high a proportion of thtose who experience these benefits are visitors to New Zealand; there are too few of our own people who take advantage of the opportunities offered, and perhaps an Alpine Club would help to remedy the evil. Such a cluo should not be organised merely for the sport of climbing peaks, but it should embrace all tho&e whose interests lie in mountainous country. Alpinists are given to underrating the work done in the ordinary round of duty by surveyors, shepherds, musterers and others whose paths lie in high places, and any scheme which could in some way take advantage of the experience of these men would secure a wide basis of support. Again, it should be the function of such a club to stimulate scientific observation by its members in regions not readily accessible. Many scientific workers are prevented by old age and bodily infirmities from pursuing investigations in such places, but a co-operation between mountaineers and men of ecience would lead to mutual advantages. It would bring fresh material to the worker and enlarge the sphere of interest for the climber. If parts of our mountain region are gcoegraphically unknown, much more are they scientifically unknown, and a co-operation such as we have suggested would help much in dispelling ignorance about them. It is quite correct to say that up to the present our mountains have added more to the romance of science in New Zealand than any other feature of the Dominion. The story of our shingle slip plants, the life history and habit 6of the kea, arc two examples from their natural history which have attracted world-wide interest, and there arc many similar problems connected with them which await solution. A scheme on the lines we have indicated would do much to accomplish this end, and if it were taker! in hand by some energetic body of men, there can bo no doubt that it would result in much profit and contribute much pleasure to many members of the community.

The Engineer for the Manawatu County Council considers that the best route for the much talked of Foxton Beach-road would be along the road reserve, which he reports would be out of reach of spring tides and drift wool. Ho says, reports the Daily Times, that "although the route is* fairly level with the exception of one or two sand hills, the work of construction will be more costly than anticipated by most people. In the first place we have drift sand to deal with, which will require a .good deal of fascine work and blinding. Metal will have to be delivered by tram or railway to the end of the road, which would cost about 5s per yard. My estimate to complete a metalled road to the sanatorium is £2000."