CANOEING.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 162, 10 June 1939, Page 8

CANOEING.

A pastime which combines pleasure with thrills is canoeing. In ihe past quite a number of New Zealanders have made this exhilarating discovery and have richly enjoyed the experience. Some days ago a young South 'Westland resident journeyed down the Jiaast Itiver in a log canoe to experience the thrills of negotiating a turbulent stream in fresh, with its difficult passages of rapids and whirlpools. Yet canoeing is a pastime which should come naturally to many New Zealanders with their long rivers and good harbours. Ihe Maoris were most adopt canoe-men, but no longer do the silent reaches of the rivers echo to their song as they paddled their way to the sea or to their settlements up-river. Few of them to-day probably know how to handle a Maori canoe, and even the best of the native regattas are losing their attraction as the older generation passes, and the younger seek other pleasures. The popularity of canoeing has been well demonstrated of late in England and oil the Continent. Many clubs have been formed and others are in process of formation, and this summer organised events ha\e been arranged in Scotland, England, Poland, France, and Germany, where the rivers are most suitable for indulging in the pastime. Sea canoeing is also being encouraged and clubs are being formed in many parts of England. Recently two people from Bournemouth abandoned their jobs in order to canoe round England and Wales during' the summer months. No doubt they were impelled to do so by the story of the Hob Roy cruises of Mr J. Macgregor, ' who in 18Go travelled about a thousand miles on the rivers and lakes of Europe and later on the Baltic. In 18(18 ho explored the Suez Canal and the rivers of Syria, and the canals and lakes of Holland three years later. The charm of these places was unfolded quietly as the traveller wended his way from one. to another, and what better or richoi* enjoyment, eonld lie lmve nnn . Rob Rnv canoes have been propelled across Cook Strait a darin<>' trip in hazardous waters, but used where opportunity serves well thev provide a cheap and wholesome way of spending hours of leisure.