UNITED STATES TOUR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19144, 9 October 1925, Page 14

UNITED STATES TOUR.

THE YOSEMITE VALLEY. ADDRESS BY MRS. W. R. WILSON. The novelty and charm of a journey that extended down the Pacific Coast from San Francisco to the borders of Mexico were graphically described by Mrs. W. R. Wilson in a most interesting address at the Lyceum C-lub luncheon yesteidav at which the president, Mrs. W. H. Parkes, presided. Of outstanding interest and enjoyment was Mrs. Wilson's stay in the Yosemite Valley. At the entrance to this delectable spot stands El Capitan, a huge rock of granite, 3400 ft. high, rising up as a chiselled protector to the beautiful valley that stretches out in a visia of delight. The scene presented at sunset was unforgettable. In the distance lay the dim peaks touched by the last rays of a red and glowing sun, while down below dashed waterfalls 300 to 2600 feet, reflecting the colours of the rainbow in spray that rose from the majestic fall of water. On the slopes tall American pines seemed t.o race the growth that surrounded them and at the foot of the valley a river flowed evenly between its green banks or danced madly past a group of happy islands On a promontory stood tho lodge which in itself was simply comprised of a dining room which seated 500 persons and numerous offices with a verandah 20 to 30 feet wide. Around it were the log-cabins used as bedrooms for the guests who might number 2000. Various out-door entertainments were provided. Round a huge camp-fire each evening after dinner the guides told legends of the valley, and after that there were concerts with an excellent orchestra, while a spacious floor was provided for jazzing. During the day excursions were arranged to points of interest, when guides were in attendance. Magnificent Pine Trees,, The redwood pines weFjß majestic in their grandeur. Tney grow ill clamps with one large tree in the centre. A particular grisly giant was 200 ft. high without a branch for 100 ft. At an enormous height a huge dam had been: constructed and a noteworthy illustration of the American characteristic of fcrcefulness was that in building the dam it was found an existing railway interfered with its construction. Twenty miles of railway was removed and relaid. This took three months and cost £120,000. In a parlour touring car Mrs. Wilson and party travelled to Del Monte, going 120 miles in a day. Santa Barbara was visited and then Los Angeles. _ The border-line was reached and a glimpse into Mexico taken. The return journey was through a dry and arid desert until Riverside was reached. Here the Mission Inn provided a long looked-for cool retreat. Built like a monastery it was finished with the simplest design of decoration and furnished with heavy oak. In a wonderful hall there was a very fine organ and nothing oould be more restful than the beautiful music in the evening after the journey through desert country under the scorching rays of a blazing sun. Orchards Unlencei. Round Riverside there were same wonderful orange and walnut groves. It is a remarkable fact that all through the Etates the orchards were without fence;! and the respect for private property was an admirable trait of the American citzens. Back in San Francifeco Mrs. W 7 ilson took the opportunity of studying the woman's outlook on civic life. The amount of public work done by women in America was increasing each year and its success was largely due to their united efforts and co-operation. Women's conventions were frequently called and their leaders were chosen from the ablest brains. The support given was always of unswerving loyalty. The educational system among women provided for a very high standard of training. Their university course was looked upon as a necessary extension of their school training. Berkley and Stamford Universities were two of the colleges free to all students. Stamford University, built by Mr. and Mrs. Stamford, as a memorial to their son who died at the aee of 16, was an immense college occupying- 8000 acres. In the centre stood a church, undenominational, and around it were the colleges, so bnilt as to visualise the fact that the ultimate aim of all learning andscience was the attainment of hiffh spiritual oualities. The church stood for righteousness, strong-mindedness and unselfishness, which were the consecrated essence of life in the colleges. The artistic side of this fine buildincr was eauallv arresting. The mosaic work in the church was ertremelv beautiful and incidents in tho life of Our Lord were presented in mosaic of eTcmisite colour and design. Popularity of Motor-Oars. In concluding Mrs. Wilson spoke of the courtesy of the American, both in business and in everyday life. They were most anxious to please and their tradespeople considered no effort too great to meet the wants of their customers. Another point emphasised by the speaker was the universal adoption of the motor-car. It was quite a common occurrence to see a small householder with a car and it was quite usual for a charwoman to possess a car. Of course they were exceedingly cheap. A car might be bought for £8 and gasolene was only sixpence a gallon.