RUAPEHU SKI CLUB

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVII, Issue 221, 16 August 1927, Page 3

RUAPEHU SKI CLUB

ANNUAL REPORT.

The report to be submitted to the annual meeting of the Ruapehu Ski Club is as follows: The club membership now stands at 167. New members totalling 32 were elected at the last annual meeting and 14 during the year. It is suggested that the membership roll bo purged of unfinancial members and also that in future an entrance fee be charged. The financial position of the club is satisfactory as shown by the balance-sheet. Subscriptions received for the year amount to £32 Bs, but there are still too many outstanding, these amounting to £4l 10s. As previously intimated to members, 'it was not considered -advisable to commence publication of a booklet until sufficient funds to cover the total cost were either in Hand or guaranteed. As there was insufficient response to the circular sent out regarding the guarantee, the committee have reluctantly decided not to proceed further. .The maps which had been printed for inclusion in the booklet are now being offered for sale at a price to cover the cost of printing. For the 1926 winter sports party there was a maximum attendance at Wliakapapa Huts of 54 members, by far the largest party yet to visit the park. The party arrived on the morning of Saturday, 21st August, and the succeeding ten days were spent in ski-ing practice on Scoria Flat, the usual short trips around Whakapapa, jmd in an ascent of "Mt.Ruapehu. A small party attempted the ascent of Ngauruhoe volcano from Whakapapa on the arrival of the party, and snowballing on the part of the newcomers was freely indulged in. The snow gradually melted, but during the following week-end there were several heavy falls. Prior to this the snow was not lying as deeply as usual on Scoria Flats, and it was difficult to find a good course for the various races. It was regrettable that owing to adverse conditions it was again found necessary to cancel the club’s annual tournament. Trophies were held over for competition in 1927. It is suggested that in the future the tournament be held on the most suitable day during the trip. . A cross-country course which provides a run of about one mile or more was selected, and should always be available in winter. A track free from rocks would enable winter sports to bo held at any time, provided there were at least six inches of snow on the ground; whereas at present, even after a heavy fall, the presence of numerous rocks made skiing practice more or less difficult for the amateur. It is proposed to devote part of file available funds of the club in the direction of effecting the necessary improvementsc, should permission be obtainable from the board. On the Thursday a mixed party of thirtytwo made an ascent of Ruapehu under somewhat adverse conditions. On arrival at the top the party were astonished ±o find the crater lake frozen, except for a small vent in the middle. Tills is the first occasion since 1886 upon which the lake has been definitely reported to be frozen over. The club were honoured during their stay by a visit from Lady Alice Fergusson and party, including Mr J. B. Thompson, chairman National Park Board. Her Excellency was welcomed on arrival by all the members present. During the three days of her visit Her Excellency made, several trips from Whakapapa, and was much impressed with the beauties of our national playground. The Government cinematographer was in attendance, and secured some excellent studies of the park and of the members at ski-ing practice. These pictures were shown throughout New Zealand, and should do much to create interest in the park and its winter sports. No organised parties' visited the park during Christmas or Easter, although a number of members made up small parties for ski-ing and climbing. Should sufficient interest be shown by the members, it Is possible that the club may arrange parties on these occasions. It is with deep regret that we have to record the deaths of three of our members—Messrs Horace Arthur Holl, 8.A., Fenton H. Latham, M.A., and Noel Baines, B.A. On Wednesday, May lltli, Mr Latham and Mr Baines, both of Wanganui, were accidentally killed on the. southern slopes,of Mt. Egmont. The late Mr Latham, who was 50 years of age, became a member of the club in October, 1921, and during recent years served on the committee. He was one of the masters of the Wanganui Collegiate School. The late Mr Baines was 35 years of age, and also a member of the college staff. He became a member of the club in September,. 1925. We wish to place on record the club’s appreciation of the untiring efforts of Mr and Mrs J. P. Murphy, of Dawson Falls, and others who rendered assistance at the time of this fatality. On May 27th, a fortnight later, Mr Holl, of Auckland, aged 47, was drowned while attempting to cross the flooded Mangaturuturu stream on the south-western slopes of Mt. Ruapehu. Mr Holl was well known in Auckland as the principal of the University Coaching College. Probably no amateur alpinist in New Zealand was more experienced in climbing, and he had performed several notable feats in the Lakes .District of England and in the Alps of Switzerland. He also climbed extensively in the Southern Alps of New Zealand, and was a member of the English Alpine Club, the most exclusive mountaineering club "in the world. During the past ten years he had turned his attention almost entirely to the Tongariro National upon which he was one of the soundest authorities. He was one of the foundation members of the club, and the first treasurer, which office lie held until 1922. These gentlemen were much esteemed and members will deeply regret their passing under such tragic circumstances. . To their bereaved relatives we extend our sincerest sympathy. The Tongariro Na-

tional Park Board recently rescinded their resolution to eradicate heather

on the grounds that they have insufficient funds available. However, the hoard have resolved that no further seed be sown and that steps be taken to prevent the further spreading of the heather now growing in the park. The board confirms its policy of opposition to the planting of anything, except under proper domestication, not indigenous thereto. A committee has been sot up and certain areas are under observation in order to ascertain the rate of the spreading of the plant. Bruce Road is- now formed and metalled right up to Whakapapa Huts. This has had the effect of making the spot a favourite rendezvous for motorists, who are now learning to appreciate the attractions of this resort. It is important, however, that sufficient accommodation should be available for people who desire to spend a week or so in the mountain air. Until a hostel is erected, the majority are shut out of the park, as they cannot, like the young and energetic, make use of the

present huts. Even now, all the accommodation is taken up for the various holiday periods. The' board received no tenders for the hostel concession submitted last year. This would apparently indicate that the scheme was far too ambitious for the park at present. A more modest scheme is now proposed. The board have decided, as soon as sufficient funds are in hand to erect a small hostel at Whakapapa, together with a number of small cottages for the accommodation of mountaineering parties. The hostel is to lie in charge of a caretaker, and will include sitting and dining rooms, and the occupiers of the adjoining cottages' will lie able to have their meals at the hostel. The site is now being surveyed, and it is hoped to start construction next summer. It is pleasing to note that the Rangataua Alpine Club propose building a hut on the southern side of Ruapehu. The club has permission to erect a storehouse at Whakapapa. The design incorporates a photographic dark-room and bins for skis, and will be mouse-proof. Construction will be carried out during the club’s visit in August.