Y.M.C.A. ACTIVITIES

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVI, Issue 35, 11 January 1926, Page 8

Y.M.C.A. ACTIVITIES

HOLIDAY PARTIES AFIELD. MOST ENJOYABLE TIMES SPENT. Tho Christmas holiday season invariably finds members of tho local Y.M.C.A. journeying afield in parties to enjoy the vacation. This year there was a strong party ill camp at Poliaijgina, another at Queon Charlotte Sound, and still another at Milford Sound. Tho first two parties have now returned to Palmerston North, loud in their praises of the holiday trips arranged for their benefit, their bronzed appearance reflecting tho benefit of outdoor life. Tho l’oliangina reserve has of recent years become a favourite resort for campers and, with a view to establishing a permanent camp site on tho banks of the river, the Y.M.C.A members, for some time prior to tho holiday season, were engaged in erecting hutments which, while somewhat crude), did excellent duty as sleeping quarters. Constructed of manuka, which was transported from a point some miles above the reserve, with walls and roof of iron, which was donated by firms in town, the huts were so built as to allow as much air into the interior as possible, being enclosed on two sides only. Tho natural protection of tho reserve enabled the huts to bo built so as to allow the open fronts to face the bush, while on the other side which was left open a scrim covering was available in the event of bad weather being encountered from that quarter. Fitted in the interior of eacli hut are ten bunks, which were likewise manufactured from manuka poles aud scrim, while at a point near the sleeping quarters is a permanent cook-house which was under the direction of a professional cook while the camp was in progress. The party who elected to spend their vacation in that neighbourhood, numbering 31 strong, left town on the morning of Boxing Day by train for Ashhurst, where they transhipped to a lorry going as far as tho Rauma) bridge, tho last nine miles of the journey being accomplished on foot. On arrival at their destination tho boys quickly settled down in their new quarters, and then commenced a most enjoyable time. Under the direction of Mr A. G. Gardiner, the local secretary, and his assistant, Mr G. Harkness, a programme was observed during their stay, but for tho greater portion of tho time tho boys were allowed to roam in the open, the river naturally proving an attraction. In this department they had as instructors Mr \Y. Eyre for the first week and Mr F. Bennett during the second. A carnival was held on two occasions, the points being compiled over all sections, and on an aggregate basis Winston Young proved to be tho winner, with Keith Saunders and David Smillio filling second and third places. Athletic sports were likewise conducted, Ernest Chin proving to be the winner in this branch of sport, with Winston Young and W. Norris filling tho other places. Adjudged on the points gained in both branches, Winston Young was declared to be tho camp champion, with Ernest Chin runner-up. Daily tests dealing with all sides of camp life were also conducted, Ernest Chin again emerging with tho honours, being awarded an aggregate of 192.5 points out of a total of 200, several others receiving from ISO to 190 points. Day excursions were made to yariout points of interest in the neighbourhood, while on New Year’s Eve all the members set out on a trip to the Firi Riri caves, intending to camp out in the open overnight. Eli route a halt was made at a farmhouse, where the party was invited to visit a crescent-shaped tunnel some 300 feet by 50 feet, the peculiar formation of the strata proving a delight, and ■which, in Die opinion of some, overshadowed the beauties of the caves —a spot which only its inaccessibility prevents from being better known to Palnierstoniaiis. The intervention of rain upset tlve arrangements and compelled the members to seek refuge in a woolshed for the night, while the return journey was accomplished in heavy rain which, while it might have lessened, failed to quench tho enthusiasm of the ttampers. A highly beneficial fortnight in the open was brought to a close on Saturday, the party, which had been reduced to 24 during the second week, making tho return trip by motor cars. IN THE SOUNDS. A trip which unfolded new country to tho majority of the party was made by eight members to Queen Charlotte Sound, where ton days were spent visiting various points of interest and living tho free, open life of the beach dweller. Departing from Palmerston North under iho charge of Mr C. Woods, physical instructor, on December 28, the first portion of the trip to Picton was made by tho Tamahine, the new passenger boat on that run, and on arrival at their transhipping point launch was taken to Tory Channel, some 16 miles down tho sound where a permanent camp was established. Every day found tho party afield in tho launch visiting such points as Double Bay, Hie Groves and the whaling station near the heads. On New Year’s Eve Picton was visited in order that the party might he present at the regatta the following day, but fortune did not smile kindly on that fixture for rain intervened—the one wet day encountered on tho trip—-and the regatta was postponed. However, in order to carry through their programme, the launch party set out on the return trip down tho sound that evening, calling at Pelorus Sound, Tennyson’s Inlet—wliero some of tho finest scenery was mot— Ship’s Cove, the landing place of Captain Cook, where a monument now stands to mark the spot, and Endeavour Inlet. Fishing and swimming wore indulged in and it was not without regret that the party finally packed their camp gear to return to civilisation and less enjoyable pursuits.