ROUND THE DOMINION

Evening Star, Issue 21717, 11 May 1934, Page 12

ROUND THE DOMINION

DUHEDINITE’S PROPOSED WALK EXPECTS IT TO TAKE FOUR MONTHS 1 Yet another “ hiker ’’has set out to see and learn his country for himself, although, unlike the others who have walked through New Zealand, from one end to the other, he intends to walk round the two islands—up the east coast to the North Cape and down the west coast to the farthest, point south at Bluff, where he started a week ago yesterday. What is more, the latest hiker is a Dunedin man, Mr'A. E. A. Hamilton, who, after covering 116 miles, arrived in this, his home town, at 11.45 this morning, four days ahead of his schedule. He hopes to accomplish his long tour in four months (121' days, or 104 walking days, Sundays being reserved). Explaining the object of his walk to a 1 Star ’ reporter soon after his arrival in town to-day, Mr Hamilton said that he would glean what knowledge ho could regarding the country’s industries, which knowledge would later impart to the youth of New Zealand.' He would also procure photographs to make slides for use in Ins proposed lectures. During his stay in; Dunedin ho would visit as many factories and other works as time permitted. Twenty-seven years of age, of short stature and solid build, Mr Hamilton is clad in a navy blue suit, shunning the recently-introauced hiking outfit. His small pack contains a small quantity, of food, a change of clothing, and a leather-bound volume in which he is, keeping a diary of his trek, at the 1 same time obtaining from every city/ town, and county its official seal and, when possible, the signature of the mayor. With Is 3d in his pocket he; left Bluff optimistic enough to believe', that he would complete his self-imposed’ task without having to beg or accept, charity. . . Mr Hamilton has twice previously tramped through the country on vacation, whilst he has also visited Australia, which he will again visit at the i termination of his present New Zealand tour. .Over there he also intends to do distance walking, collecting data _ and I also species of native animals, such as kangaroos, bears, wallabies, snakes*, and, if possible, an alligator. They wills be stuffed and sent to the dominion for educative purposes in the primary schools. What material he is now obtaining he will use in Australian lectures,- and upon his return he will lecture to New Zealanders on his impressions of the Commonwealth. . Next Tuesday morning, commencing at 8 o’clock, Mr Hamilton will advanca another stage oh his walk.