BUSH AND MOUNTAIN PLAYGROUNDS.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 21 November 1931, Page 7

BUSH AND MOUNTAIN PLAYGROUNDS.

IMEETING OF LEVIN-WAIOPEHU CLUB. PROGRAMME FOB SUMMER SEASON DRAWN UP. A very successful, general meeting •of the Levin-Waiopehu Tramping Club was held in the Oxford Tea-rooms on Thursday evening. There was an attendance of 19, including three ladies, and the President (Mr N. M. Thomson) was in the chair. . DONATION FOR TRACK WORK. A letter was received from the Tav--arua Tramping, Club, stating that, as it was believed that the Levin-Waiope-1m club, working in conjunction with the Manawatu club, intended, carrying out track-cutting operations in the Levin district. this summer, the Tararua ■club was willing to co-operate to the •extent of £lO for the extension of the •existing Ohau track from its terminnus at the Confluence, up the south branch -and thence on to the Dora Ridge. It was thought that this would provide the most direct route on to the Dundas Range and would have the further ad- - vantage that no elevation would be lost the whole way on to Dora —a dis.advantage with the present Deception Ridge and .Gable End routes. As this ■district was too far for week-end workdug parties fro,m the Tararua Club, any assistance must take the form of a ■ cash allowance; and the club would be pleased to hear whether the above proposition fell in line with the local club’s ideas or whether it had any alternatives in mind. A communication was being sent to the Manawatu club to the same effect. After discussion, it was resolved to accept with thanks, the ‘ offer of £lO, and to spend it on the track extension suggested. It was also decided to communicate with the Manawatu club, asking for its co-operation in the surveying of the route during the first available week-end that would , suit that club. Messrs G. France, G. / Gapper and W. Ransom were appointed to represent the local club in the ‘surveying operations. Members spoke in recognition of the distinct advantages that the opening'll!) of such a track would offer. FIREWOOD FEE REDUCED. As a result of the efforts of the Federation of Tramping Clubs, advice was received from the Conservator of State Forests (Mr D. Macpherson) that the firewood fee for tramping clubs us-, ing huts in' State forests, would be reduced as from January Ist next, from -3d to Id per club member per annum. MANAWATU CLUB SYLLABUS. A copy was received from the Manawatu Tramping Club, of its syllabus, which' includes a trip to the Blackwater Porks and Ohau Hut on January 24th, RESIGNATION. Miss A, G. Richards wrote resigning from the club, as she had taken up a position in the South Island, The resignation was received with regret. The Chairman spoke in appreciation of the good services rendered •by Miss Richards and her staunch support- of the club; and the secretary (Mr E. S. W. •Parsons) was asked to write conveying- these sentiments • to her. EXCURSIONS HELD THIS SEASON. A report was presented by the secretary showing that nine outings, had been planned during the present season, seven of which . were held and. two postponed. The programme and and the attendances were: Arapaepae foothills (15), Horowhenua Lake (postponed), Pukehou and Fprest Lakes (12), Mt. Hector (10), Te Paki (12), Tokomaru (18), Ohau track working bee (15), Spion Kop (postponed), Mt. Wainui (10). Members considered that the average attendance of 11 at the outings was very good, and the hope was expressed that it would become even larger. \ . PROJECTED TRIPS. A syllabus of outings for the next six months was arranged, as follows: November 25th.—Moonlight trip to the Glow-worms, Ohau Track. Leave Mortensen’s Corner at 6.45 p.m. Trampers to take torches. Leader, Mr G. Gapper. December 13th.—Ohau Hut. Work-

ing bee to paint the building. Leader,' Mr W. Ransom. January 16th and 17th.—Week-end trip to Waiopehu Hut. Working bee to do painting, attend to windows, and effect general improvements. Leader, Mr W. H, Walker. February 14th.—Kapiti Island. Leader, Mr J. Logan. February 28th.—Plipimerton via Pukerua to Paekakariki, with rock climbing round the beach. Leader, Mr G. France. March 12th and 13th.—Week-end trip to Mt. Dora. Leader, Mr N, M. Thomson. ■ April 3rd.—Square Knob. Leader j Mr G. Gapper, May Ist.—Horowhenua Lake. Leader, Mr G. L. Adkin. GENERAL. A general discussion ensued, on various aspects of tramping. j The Chairman reported that the Federation was doing very useful work j and would be of much help to the [ clubs. It was compiling information i relating to every mountaineering hut j and altitude in New Zealand, and the ! particulars would be made available | to trampers upon application. i The secretary spoke of the ready assistance provided by way of transport by rhembers of the club who had cars. I Their seryice in this direction was very welcome and was heartily appreciated by the club. A tasty supper, with the occasion for social intercourse, made a fitting wind-up to a very enthusiastic meeting.