A NEW CRAZE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21694, 12 July 1932, Page 2

A NEW CRAZE

HIKING IN AUSTRALIA “ MYSTERY ” TRAINS. (From Our Own Correspondent.) SYDNEY, July 1. Australians have suddenly taken to a new craze—hiking. Every week-end the roads are crowded' with walkers suitably attired—-heavy boots, hard-wearing clothes, and a haversack,* crammed full, hung over their shoulders. It is as though they have only just discovered their ability to walk about anywhere but within the confines of The open spaces have called all—men and women alike, and the women and girls seem to be only too ready to grasp this great opportunity for appearing in shorts. The girls imagine, so it would seem, that hiking gives them a certain license in the matter of dress, and so they discard most feminine apparel. Two society girls this week have entered upon an expedition which shows the length to which the hiking craze has been carried. Dressed like two men they left the Sydney Post Office for a stroll to Brisbane, more than 500 miles away. They hope to be there for the Royal Show at the end of October, for they have several riding engagements in the ring events. The favourite hike carries the hiker over the week-end, giving them a chance of spending a night in the open, sleeping around a huge fire. , Doctors agree that this,open air. existence is good for all in the right season, but point to the dangers during the cold winter months. But the warnings go unheeded. It is the correct thing to hike, and hike they will, doctors notwithstanding. It is estimated that on Saturday afternoon nearly 5000 hikers left the • Central Station for a week-end hike, mostly in the mountains area, where the nights are bitterly cold. Girls are the keenest hikers, and they make up many parties from which men are rigidly excluded. Others again favour mixed ; _ - A. , The .railway, .departments ■ in Victoria and New South Wales have been quick' to profit from the new craze. They have provided so-called “ mystery ” trains, and have undertaken to take the hikers to some unknown destination. When it was announced that a “ mystery ”, train would leave Sydney last Sunday the rush for tickets was so great that four additional trains had to be provided. Actually more than 2000 people went on this specially organised hike, and they all voted that they had had a jolly good time. At the point set apart for lunch,' ths Railway Department had gallons of boiling Water ready. :The; Inkers were , given a 12:mile walk, and thep the trains were ready to pick, them up and take them back to-the. city. Other “mystery” trains are to run soon.