NATIONAL PARK

Evening Post, Volume CIV, Issue 36, 11 August 1927, Page 4

NATIONAL PARK

HOSTEL WANTED

RUAPEHU CLUB'S REPORT

Activities in the Tongariro National Park and the need of making more provision for accommodating visitors are referred to in the annual report of the Ruapehu Ski Club. It is stated in the report that improvements to Bruce road, which is now metalled right up to the Whakapapa huts, have had the effect of making the spot a favourite rendezvous for motorists, who are now commencing to appreciate the attractions of the resort. It is important, however, that sufficient accommodation should be available for those who desire to spend a week or so in the mountain air. Until a hostel is erected the majority are shut out of the park, as they cannot, like the young and energetic, make use of the present huts. Even now; all the accommodation is taken up for the various holiday periods.

The Park Board has now decided, as soon as sufficient funds are in hand, to erect a small hostel at Whakapapa, together with a number of small cottages for the accommodation of mountaineering parties. The site is being surveyed and it is hoped to start construction next summer. The Eangataua Alpine Club proposes to build a hut on the southern side of Ruapehu. COURSE FOR WINTER. SPORTS. The 192(3 winter sports party consisted of 54 members, by far the largest party yet to' visit the Whakapapa huts. Owing to adverse snow conditions it was unfortunately again found ueeessary to cancel the club's annual winter sports tournament. It is suggested, that in future the tournament should bo held on the first suitable day during the trip.

_ A cross-country course, which provides a run of about one mile or more, and which should always be available in winter, was selected. A track free from rocks would enable winter sports to be held at any time, provided there was at least six inches of snow on the ground, whereas at present, even after a heavy fall, the presence of numerous rocks makes ski-ing practice more or less difficult for the amateur. It is proposed to_ devote part of the club's funds to effecting the necessary improvements, should permission be obtainable from the board.

A party from the huts which made an ascent of Ruapehu found the crater lake frozen, except for a small vent in the middle. This was the first occasion since ISBG upon which the lake has been definitely reported to be frozen over During their stay at Whakapapa members were honoured by a visit from Lady Alice Fergusson and party. A Government cinematographer was in attendance during the camp and pictures obtained were shown throughout the Dominion. SUMMER VISITS TO PARK. Small parties of members visited National Park during the summer, and should sufficient. interest be shown by members it is possible the club may arrange Bummer parties in future. The membership of the club now stands at 167, a total of 32 new members having been elected at the last annual meeting, and 14 having joined since then. It is suggested the 'membership roll should be purged of unfinaneial members and that in future a membership fee should be charged. The financial position of the club is satisfactory, subscriptions received during the year totalling £32 Bs, but outstanding subscriptions amount to £41 10s. The balance-sheet shows the balanoe in hand as £40 9s, as compared with £20 Ss at the beginning of the year. The expenses in connection with the 1926 winter party are shown as £275. and the receipts as £28i.

Three members of the club mot with acidental deaths during the year, Mr. F. H. Latham and Mr. N. Baines being accidentally killed on the slopes of Mount Egmont on 11th May, and Mr. H. A. Holl being drowned on 27th May while attempting to cross the flooded Mangaturuturu Stream on the southwestern slopes of Mount Ruapehu. Mr. Latham was a member of the club committee during recent years, while "Mr Holl was one of the foundation membcTs and the first treasurer, an office which he held until 1922.