THE Y.M.C.A

Evening Post, Volume CXVII, Issue 8, 10 January 1934, Page 3

THE V.M.C.A

MOTOR-BUS TOUR

NORTH ISLAND TRAVERSED

A large party of senior members of the V.M.C.A. toured the North Island by motor bus during the holidays, permits from 25 county councils being necessary, in addition to the Main Highways Board's authority. A distance of 1046 miles was travelled, ■ Roads and weather were on the whole good. Where not otherwise mentioned the party were the guests of local Y.M.C.A.g.

The first night was spent at Palmerston North. The next night was spent : the Greenmeadows Orchard, where Mr. Flewellen King generously placed at the disposal of the party an eight-roomed house, situated in the centre of the largest orchard in the North Island. A visit ■was 'made' to Hastings and to the new Napier, now emerging from the old town which had been reduced to ashes in the Hawke's Bay earthquake. A very-interesting run was made to Gisborne, via Wairoa and Morere. Interesting side trips were made to various centreg surrounding this prosperous Poverty Bay town/ Probably the most hazardous part of the journey as far as the operation of the bus was concerned ■was that undertaken between Gisborno and Opotild. The leader of the party had to decide whether the difficult road through Motu was to be negotiated or the alternative route at the foot of the mountains. Consultation with local residents soon decided the issue in favour, of the last-named route, where a safe trip •was .made through pile of the most gorgeous scenic valleys in the North Island. | The party arrived at Opotiki just a little after scheduled time, and were the guests of the Presbyterian Church. The next step in the journey was through Whakatane and the Bay of Plenty districts to Te Puke and Tauranga. At Tauranga the "stop-over" of one day was almost'marred by rain, but; nevertheless this did not deter the party, 'some of whom ventured over to Mount Maunganui and there indulged in surf bathing, prior to which'all members o£ the party took part j in a sightseeing tour generously conducted by Mr! B. C. Bobbins, ex-Mayor of Tau- ' rauga. Some centres of historical Maori interest were visited. While in this centre the trippers were the guests of the Church of England authorities, and prior to departure were entertained at morning tea by the Rev. Mr. and Mrs. O. S. Gibson. , _ A journey was made inland in the direction :of the thermal. regions o£ Rotorua, Wairakei, and Taupo. Two nights were i spent at Kotorua, where the lakes were j visited, also the various centres of thermal activity. The stay in Rotorua was most enjoyable, although some of its pleasantness was marred by the wind and drought conditions which prevailed in that centre.' While in Rotorua the members of the party were the guests of the Presbyterian Church. ' Following Rotorua the trip'was made south, which included a visit to the Aratiatia Rapids, Huka Falls, and the Geyser Talley. at Wairakei. A one night's/stay was made in the school at Taupo. Here the party celebrated the close of the old year and the bringing in of the hew. On the way from Taupo to the Chateau, National Park, the shores of the beautiful lake were traversed. Several of the bridges were found to be too narrow for the bus; this meant delay in taking oif the rear outer wheels, but eventually this part of the journey was negotiated quite safely, and the party arrived at the Chateau at about 6 p.m. on New V "-'a Uay. It was decided to stay at National Park for the night instead of continuing the journey on to Taihape,

On the morning of January 2, the party made its "ascent of Ruapehu, where a 3\t miles walk was concluded at the Salt Memorial Hut. After, some snowballing, the descent of the mountain was made and the party started for home. On the last day of the torn-, the party journeyed from the Chateau to Wellington, arriving' in the early hours of the following morning.

The innovation of including ladies in the party was certainly a good one, and the tour, while emphasising the humorous and- lighter aspects of holidaying, 'was notable foiv its more serious aspect, in that, in keeping tfith V.M.C.A.' procedure, a' period of religious devotions marked the,, commencement of each day's activity^ ' .Members of the party included Mr. arid Mrs. Len. J. Greenberg, Misses A. Johneon, N. Vivian, K. Tustin, T, Woolhouse, M. Connor, Messrs. V. G. Klee, E. Harris, D. Hunter, E. C. Fussell, I. Gow, A. Dixon, W. H. J. Christie, J. White, S. Nice, G. Slureh, G. Larson, C. Brunt, R. F. Lankshear, G. Wiley, K. M. Heinz, D. L. Gibson, II; Ingram, A. Hedley, R.. Chish'olm, and R. Just. .

At .the conclusion of the tour, at midnight on January 2, a "break-up" ceremony was held on the hills surrounding theboys' camp at Otaki, Expressions of appreciation were accorded to Mr. Len. .J. Greenberg (leader of the party), • Mrs. Greenberg, and Hr. "Dick" Just, the driver. A presentation was made to the driver in recognition of bis excellent driving and comradeship. There seemed to be a general opinion that everyone had enjoyed an exceptionally fine holiday.