TRAINS FOR TRAMPERS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21279, 5 September 1932, Page 10

TRAINS FOR TRAMPERS

FIRST "MYSTERY" JOURNEY , 1000 PEOPLE PARTICIPATE WALK ON WAITAKERE RANGE In glorious weather and under ideal conditions 1000 trampers took part yesterday in the first "mystery excursion" to leave from Auckland. That the outing was an unqualified success is shown by the fact that the Railway Department expected only about 600 travellers, but the extra number was well catered for by two trains, which left within ten minutes of each other. The youngest "hiker" was a boy seven years of age and the oldest a man of 67. The destination, which was disclosed by a pamphlet issued after the departure of the trains, was Waitakere station. From there a walk on the ranges had been mapped out, including a visit to the Cascades and the Kauri Tree Reserve, a distance of about 10 miles. The return trains were waiting at Swanson. Costumes of varying description and colour were to be seen as crowds boarded the first train, which left promptly at nine o'clock. Some of the outfits were suitable for "hiking," having had rougher usage in the past, but others, such as silk stockings, high-heeled shoes and bowler hats and double-breasted blue suits, did not fit in with the atmosphere of a tramping excursion. Short-trouscred "hikers" wero in the minority, most of the trampers favouring their old and comfortable clothes. Two parties of girls, clad in shorts, jumpers and blazers of bright colours, created quile a smart effect in contrast to tho more conventional type of apparel. Cheers from Settlers Amply-filled rucsacs were everywhere in evidence, and by their size enough provisions were being carried to last for at least a few days' tour. Thoso who were equipped with tennis shoes for the walk found them a disadvantage later when inuddy tracks wero encountered. Passengers along the lino were picked up by the second train, which left ten minutes later from Auckland with only a few on board. The unusual sight of a Sunday train on the northern line, together with the,fact that it was widely known as Auckland's first mystery train, attracted many residents to their windows and doors to wave and cheer as it went bv. Largo question marks in white on the windows of the train plainly indicated the nature of the excursion. At Mount Eden the number of trampers had grown to such proportions that extra carriages had to be put on, and these were soon filled.

On arrival at Waitakere everyone set off for a paddock at Black Bridge, reserved as a halting place for luncheon, about three and a-half miles from the station. The second party was more conspicuous than the first, three bagpipes accompanying them on the walk. The pipes were played by Pipe-Major McComb and Pipers Fergusson and Storrie. After an hour's rest the crowd dispersed along the route again by twos and threes in the direction of tne Cascades. Many amusing incidents occurred in the fording of two streams, as the stepping-stones soon became slippery with wet mud and some of those attempting to cross on the tops of the stones finished by wading through the water. Another Excursion Arranged After another halt at the Cascades the long stream of "hikers" continued on its way, winding along the access road to the ranges until Swanson station was reached. A good pace was maintained throughout and few delays occurred, so that several hundred people congregated at Swanson about two hours before the first return train was due to leave. The organisation, however, was equal to this unexpected contingency, and immediate arrangements were made for tea and music from the bagpipes to be supplied at Redwood Park. The trains returned to Auckland with a thoroughly happy crowd. "The excursion yras an unqualified success," said Mr. J. Hannah, of the Railway Department, who organised the "mystery hike." "It was the best-natured crowd of excursionists I have ever experienced. and not one complaint was received. Ine number is a record one for any 'mystery hike' in New Zealand, and far exceeds that of Christchurch and Wellington. In view of the success of this 'hike' another one has been arranged for September 18."