N.D.A. DELEGATES.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 3 July 1925, Page 4

N.D.A. DELEGATES.

VISIT TO MT. EGMONT. SPLENDID DAY’S OUTING, When at Auckland the annual meeting of the N.D.A. was accepted for Hawera this year, it was said that besides the difficulty of accommodation, the question of living up to tiie standard set by the Queen City would be a problem. But with that spirit of optimism which has marked all such schemes in Hawera the challenge was accepted.

And very well it has been answered. The social on Wednesday night was the first part of the programme of reception and entertainment, and it went off with a swing and a success that augured well for”the second part, the trip to Mount Egmont. In this the weather was the deciding factor, and it swung round m favour of the host, the South Taranaki Automobile Association, which had taken in hand the whole of the arrangements for the excursion. Weather conditions for the excursion. Towards ten o’clock, in perfect weather conditions, oars from every point began to rendezvous at the Winter Show Buildings, while members of the N.D.A. foregathered there. No less than forty-five cars were filled with a cheery and interested crowd of two hundred and thirty all looking forward to a trip of which so much had been said. As soon as the party was complete the first ear, driven by Dr. Thomson, president of the Automobile Club, drew away from the building, and in a long line the rest followed. It was an interesting, as it was an unusual, spectacle to see so many cars getting away on an expedition. Keeping at a moderate pace they proceeded via Riverdale, Manaia, Kapuni, and Kaponga to the Mountain Reserve gate, where a halt was made for cold water. Radiators replenished, the procession continued its way up the track through the reserve, a wonderful drive of four miles through virgin forest, in which many a pretty vista of bush and fern lent a charm that never fails to attract even those who have been up time after time, and which to the itravpiler making his first acquaintance with the mountain wa s altogether delightful. The first view of the falls through Ain opening in the bush as the cars slowed down made the travellers realise the beauty and picturdsqueness of the scene, and ivas an indication of the many beauty spots to be witnessed in the neighbourhood.

Mr. T. C. List, chairman of the Egmont National Park Board, welcomed the delegates to the Mountain House. He claimed that the mountain was to Taranaki what the university was to Duneflin, the cathedral to Christchurch, the harbour to Auckland, and the wind to Wellington. It was Taranaki’s greatest possession; but the people of Taranaki wished to share it with the rest of the Dominion.

Word had been sent ahead, and dinner was served for the first relay, while the remainder of the party- wandered round enjoying the many splendid views that were to he obtained. The dinner arrangements made by Mr. and Mrs. Murphy were excellent, as is always the ease at Dawson Falls. As soon as all the cars were lined up three photographs of the whole party, with the mountain in the background, were taken by the Government photographer. These, he said, were the first of the kind he had taken round the house.

While waiting for luncheon, a number of delegates and friends had a community sing in the old house. Air Backhouse, the genial secretary of the N.D.A., acted as a very efficient accompanist, while several visitors gave recitations or to.ld anecdotes. The party had a jolly time until their turn came for dinner. Just before leaving on the return journey Air. Armstrong (Opotiki), one of the delegates, expressed the very hearty thanks and appreciation of the visitors for the wonderful way in which they had been entertained in Hawera. He said they felt they could not Jet the occasion pass without voicing this appreciation. He himself, he added, had come 550 miles to see Hawera and district and to attend the N.D.A. meet, ing. He said they had had a very successful conference, and now they had come to see Alt. Egmont, and they were convinced that this was the finest part of New Zealand. They were pleased to leave business and butterfat alone for a time to meet the people socially, and he would like to say how much they had enjoyed the entertainment provided for them. He paid a glowing tribute to the way the secretary of the show had looked after their accommodation. On behalf of the visitors he wished to express to the South Taranaki Automobile Association and to all the other committees who had looked after the delegates the most cordial thanks for all they had done for their comfort and enjoyment and for the jolly good time they had given them in Hawera. Dr. Thomson', in reply, said he was glad they had had and were having such an enjoyable time. He said that for that good time they had to thank the committee and the secretary (Air W. G. AValkley). who had been a tower of strength in the making of arrangements and carrying out the plans made.

Messrs O’ Calaghan, S. C. Tonks, and Cox acted as a committee to oversee' arrangements on beliaf of the Automobile Association. In view of the possibiity of breakdowns, mechanics were stationed on the track, but not a singe car had any trouble. Mr. Walkley said he had to thank the delegates for their remarks of appreciation, and added that the association had been very pleased to entertain them. He hoped al would go back and join their Autornobie Association. On the homeward journey the course was laid down via Kltham. in order that they might see that part of the district, and after passing that town a detour was made from the direct route by going home down the Fraser Road, and thus enabling the visitors to see a strip of eastern South Taranaki. The outlook from the high land there, looking over the Plains, was very beautiful and was thoroughly enjoyed by all. On the route the various features of interest were, pointed out bv the local members* and this was much appreciated. In the evening a number attended the pictures by invitation from the committee.' The whole outing made, as was expressed very heartily by visitors, “a most delightful day and a trip they would not have missed for anything.”