MYSTERY TRAIN

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 142, 19 June 1933, Page 5

MYSTERY TRAIN

A POPULAR TRIP

A glorious day's sunshine was missed by the doubting pnes yesterday on Pukehou hill, 53 miles from Wellington, the destination of the railway party by the mystery train. The sky was heavily clouded in the city when the train left, and this probably accounts for the fact that fewer than 100 people boarded the mystery train, but the sun broke out when the party was near Porirua. The pretty coastline sparkled in sunshine that was warm through the windows, 'and when Manakau -Station was reached at about midday it was found that .the wind had died down. A stop for lunch was made about a mile and a half along the road, on a friendly sheepowner's property, where ample boiling water, and even milk, was available. The party lunched in chatty groups, basking in the sun and commenting on the beauties of the spot. Starting away again at 1.30 p.m., the hikers straggled up Pukehou hill, and followed its horseshoe ridge until near Otaki, descending the spurs to another warm halting place. Though there was too much hitse to enable one to see far, there was an ample range of interest iv the coastline north and south, and the farm lands spread out map wise below, with lagoons here and there, with the surf edging the long panorama. The walking was surprisingly dry, and the turf springy and short. There were three or four almost level miles of pleasant 'strolling at the top. The enthusiasts .of the party, not. knowing that the train would not leave Otaki until nearly, 4 p.m., had rather a long wait, but everybody was in good humour, the fresh winter air having proved ideal for walking, while the sunlit views of sea and plain, and snow-capped ranges mistily visible through the Otaki Forks, were exhilarating after days of dark drizzle in Wellington. This Pukehou trip, put on last year, was by request on this occasion, and those who made it for the first time were pleasantly surprised.