IN THE TARARUAS

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 108, 10 May 1933, Page 14

IN THE TARARUAS

IDEAL TRAMPING GROUND

MR. F. W. VOSSELER'S ADDRESS

An nddrcss on the Tararua Range was given by Mr. F. W. Yossolcr, president of the Federated Mountain Clubs of New Zealand, at the Wellington Rotary Club luncheon, yesterday. Mr. Vosscler snid that within the last few years the Tararua Range had come in for a great deal of attention, and much knowledge had been gained of that portion between Kaitokc and Shannon, which contained some, of the roughest country in the North Island. A number of prominent peaks in tho Tsu'iiruas were 5000 feet high. In winter months the Tarnruas were covered with snow, but in summer, said Mr. Vosscler, they could bo compared to a garden. Speaking at a later stage, the speaker said that most of the flowers were either white or yellow; tho brighter colours were lacking. For every person who went to tho Tararuas ten years ago, . said Mr. Vosaeler, hundreds went today, and he predicted that in a few years' time they would be visited by thousands annually. There was still a fair amount of the range on which no white man has set foot. A good number of huts hr-1 been built in the southern portion of the Tararuas within recent years, and within tho next few years the northern portion would get its quota of huts. Referring to tramping, Mr. Yosseler said it was one of the finest occupations one could indulge in, and New Zealand contained some of the finest tramping areas in the world, because there was in this country magnificent forest, plant, and bird life, and fine rivers. Mr. Vosseler was of the opinion that in a few years the Tararuas would be popular with young people who indulged in winter sports such as skiing and ice skating, as there were excellent opportunities for such sport on the top. of tho range. DANGERS TO TBAMPEKS. Giving his views on what constituted dangers to trampers, Mr. Yosseler said that the great danger was fog, which was often likely to come down, and frequently covered the territory densely. With a compass and a, map, however, a tramper caught in fog should be able to come out safely, and reasonably promptly. Cold wind was another danger. There was no need now to carry the big packs that were once thought necessary, said Mr.' Vosseler. The only weighty thing should be food. A tent for three people should 'not weigh more than three pounds. Wind-proof clothing was light, and the eiderdown sleeping bag was able to fit into a waterproof sleeping bag, and these also were light. There was a temptation in good weather for trampers to leave something essential behind; an instance was trampers setting out in "shorts," long trousers being essential. Mr. Vosseler dealt interestingly with .the deer and opossum menace in the Tararuas, and expressed the opinion that bird life was increasing there. The speaker was accorded a hearty vote of thanks.