TRAMPING.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 13 July 1933, Page 3

TRAMPING.

ALPINISTS ASSEMBLE. MT. EGMONT CLUB’S “AT HOME.” The fellowship which exists among members of alpine and tramping clubs was very evident at the fourth annual “At Home” of the Mount Egmont Alpine Club at Dawson Falls during the week-end. Ten clubs were represented among an attendance of about 120, the hosts having over two-thirds of their membership present. Other clubs who answered to the roll call were the Ski Club’ of Great Britain, the New Zealand Alpine Club, the Federated Mountain 'Clubs of N.Z., the Ruapehu and Tasman Ski Clubs, the Taranaki Alpine Club, the Stratford Mountain Club, the Levin-Waiopchu, Tararua and University Tramping Clubs.

Some of the visitors travelled long distances, parties motoring 'from as far as Wellington, Levin, Napier and Wanganui, in order to attend the gathering which is always a popular one. Fine weather on Saturday aroused the keenest anticipation on the part of. the whole assembly in regard to the series of tramps and climbs arranged for the following day. Unfortunately for their hopes, rain commenced on Sunday morning and fell so heavily that activities were reluctantly confined to the eamphouse during the day. Nevertheless a very enjoyable time was spent.

At 7.30 p.m. on Saturday all those present gathered in the camp-houae, which had, been tastefully decorated by the Murphy family in the Egmont Club’s colours. Around the walls were hung the banners of the different clubs present. These were much admired by all present, having been painted on card in water colours by Miss P. McGlashan, of the Egmont Club. The evening commenced with the honouring of the following toasts: —”The King,” proposed by Mr L, O. Hooker; “Our Guests,” proposed by Mr Hooker, responded to by Mr H, Marchant (Ruapehu Ski Club), Mr N. M, Thomson (Levin-Waiopehu Tramping Club), Mr K. Tompkins (Taranaki Alpine Club), and Mr Brian McMillan (Stratford Mountain Club). All spoke in highest appreciation of the welcome extended them, and congratulated the Mt. Egmont Club upon the excellent organisation and co-operation that had made the gathering possible, lire N.Z. Alpine and Federated Mountain Clubs was proposed by Mr R. Murie and responded to by Mr 8. Rennie. In proposing the toast of ‘ ‘-Mountaineering, Our Pastime,” Mr R. Syme deprecated that form of exaggeration which created the impression of undue danger on the mountain. The exercise of care greatly reduced the risk and relieved the anxiety of those not so closely associated with the mountain. They were grateful for that definite fascination that caused them, again and again to seek the heights and to conquer where they at first failed, Mr J. Tattersall (Napier) replied. Other toasts were ‘ ‘ the Ladies, ’ ’ proposed by Mr Palmer and responded to by Mr Murie, senr. The Egmont National Park Board (Mr D. Ryan Mr L. O. Hooker); Mr and Mrs Murphy (Messrs H, Snowdon —B. Murphy).

After Mrs Murphy had sung a number of songs dancing was commenced and continued until a very dainty supper was- provided by a willing band of ■the Mount Egmont Alpine Club lady members. After the tables had been removed dancing followed until midnight when proceedings were brought to a close. Music for the evening was provided by Misses K. Long, M. Griffin, P. McGlashan, K. Syms and Messrs S. Parsons (Levin) and N. Meuli. During the evening Mr Hooker presented ' Mr- Rod. Syme (Egmont Club captain) with a fountain pen as a token of appreciation for the wonderful way in which he had given up his time to the further development of the club.

The visitors left in groups on Bunday, all voting it one of the most pleasant week-ends yet spent, despite the disappointment of being unable to get into action on the mountain. The Mount Egmont Alpine Club are indeed to be congratulated on the success of their effort. It can indeed be said that when the Club sets, out to give a good time they make an excellent and thorough job of it.