WALKING THE WORLD

Evening Star, Issue 22774, 8 October 1937, Page 12

WALKING THE WORLD

TWO YOUNG AUCKLANDERS SEEKING KNOWLEDGE AND ADVENTURE Two young Aucklanders, Mr J. H. Vernon and Mr R. H. H. Ford, left Whangarei 14 weeks ago with the intention of walking or “ hitch-hiking ” round the world, and arrived in Dunedin this morning. Theirs is the first venture of its kind undertaken by New Zealanders. The primary object of the trip is the collection of data for a book whioh they intend to write on their return; also, as is only to be expected, they are moved by the spirit of adventure which comes to every boy; they, however, have sufficient confidence in themselves 'to carry their ideas to fruition. They bear a letter of recommendation from the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage), which states that they are touring the world to widen their knowledge, and would appreciate any assistance. given them. Passing through a city, they obtain the signature or the mayor, and it is their intention to collect those of the Prime Ministers or dictators of the countries visited. .They left Auckland at the beginning of July, and made their way to,-Roto-rua and Napier via the Bay of Plenty. Palmerston North, Taihape, and Taumarunui were passed, and they tramped across country to New Plymouth, by way of Wanganui; thence to Wellington, where they sought and were granted an interview with the Prime Minister. ■ Thence to’the South Island, where the pair continued their walk with Nelson as the starting point. Then they worked their way down through Blenheim, Christchurch, Ashburton, and Timaru to spend to-day in Dunedin. They left the city this afternoon for Bluff, which they intend to reach after visiting the Central Otago district. On October 28 they will embark from Bluff for Melbourne. Five to eight years will be spent in travelling, they estimate, before their proposed itinerary is completed. England, France, Canada, the United States, and Europe are included— a long walk. ‘‘However,’’ they said, “ we do not anticipate having to walk all the way. That would be too hard. We will take a ride when it offers. It is not going to be all milk and honey—it takes a fair bit of grit and determination to go through with it. As we go along we will give lectures to advertise New Zealand.” In order to assist in financing the trip, the pair are disposing of autoShe 3 souvenir cards of New Zea- . These are of a red motif, bearing the inscription ‘Around the World’ in large letters along the top; ‘ Souvenir From New Zealand ’ at the bottom, forming the base for a Maori pa entrance. A kiwi occupies the centre.