ANOTHER MYSTERY TRAIN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21263, 17 August 1932, Page 13

ANOTHER MYSTERY TRAIN

OUT INC FROM WELLINGTON

LAKE PAPAITONGA VISITED

The perfect weather and {lie lure of the unknown induced more than 600 Wellington trampers of all ages to use Sunday's "mystery train" for what proved to be a memorable experience amid scenes not. easily available to the average city dweller. Through the courtesy of Mrs. Hammand Murray, the property surrounding. Lake Papaitonga was made available to the travellers, and the arresting charm of the surroundings in this secluded stretch of country delighted all who niado the journey. • ...

Again trampers were baffled in their efforts to guess the destination. One man who went armed with a large scale map of Wellington Province up to Waikanae found that the "mystery train" ran right beyond this map to Ohau, the second station past Otaki —more than 50 miles from Wellington. Here the trampers left the train, after being provided with a most informative souvenir of the trip, containing a complete description of Papaitonga, ; "the beauty of the south," by "Mr. James Cowan. The solemn beauty of the lake and surroundings, and the amount of bird life seen, impressed everyone.

From Ohau" station there was a walk of about/tbrea miles to the margin of the lake, where ample hot water supplies had been prepared. After exploring the environs, most, of the trampers were guided round the lake to an elevation from which were obtained perfect views of the snow-clad Tararuas and intervening hills. Those who dosired a shorter tramp remained near the lake until the time came to return to Ohau station, whero the train was reJoined at four o'clock. After a stop at, Paekakariki for refreshments, Wellington was reached'shortly after six o'clock. Community singing was a feature of the outing.