OAMARU TRIP.

Otago Witness, Issue 1950, 4 April 1889, Page 27

OAMARU TRIP.

On Monday, February 25, two members of the Dunedin Club^-Messrs Mitchell and Howlison—left Dunedin at 6.15 a.m. en route ,for Oamaru. At starting the weather was everything that could" be desired, and Evansdale *as reached at 7.40. Unfortunately Mitchell had a spill coming down Waitati hill through his M.I.P. bag giving way. ■ ! After breakfast a start was made at 10.20 against a stiff head wind, which caused a walk to the top of the Kilmog, from which Waikouaiti was reached at 11.40 without a dismount. From thence the heat was very oppressive, the pocket thermometer registering 91deg in the shade, and a bucketful of moisture could have been wrung from the garments of both riders on their arrival at Palmerston at 1.20 p.m. The amount of milk consumed up to this stage, of the journey was 18 pints each. After an adjournment for lunch of lhr 35min a start was made! via Shag Point beach, and although this route has the advantage of level roads it was counterbalanced by both riders having to carry their machines over the greater part of the sandy beach. Some fast time was made from Kartigi, arriving at Hampden at 5.40 for tea. The journey was resumed at 6.15 p.m., and thence to Herbert the ride proved the most enjoyable part of the journey, being done in toe cool of the evening. Maheno was passd at dusk, and lamps were lighted at Reidston. Nothing of any consequence occurred ! during the remainder of the journey, and Oamaru was reached at 8.30 p.m. After getting to Oamaru the riders found they had overrun their distance, having to return to Weston and thence to Ardgowan station, where, through the kindness of ithe manager, both were looked after and comfortably put up for the night. . • . The roads on the whole were in very fair condition, the worst parts being from Waitati to Waikouaiti, and from Herbert to Maheno. :> During the riders' stay of a fortnight, swimming, shooting, and riding (both horse and (bicycle) were the order of the day, and b oth were very loath to leave their friends in the beautitul White City; THE HOMEWABD JOTJBNBT. ' A start homeward was made on the 10th March at 4.45 a.m., the riders being accompanied by three Oamaru men, Messrs A. and D. Weir and Jones, Messrs A. Weir and Jones riding t the American Rambler Safety machines. To Totara waß ridden in the dark. The pace from ,the start was complained of by one of the riders, as heing slow, but the others on arriving at Hampd Pn H 5 a.m.) could not even see him in the rear Passing through Hillgrove the back tire came off D. Weir's machine, and matches had to be used to stick it on. Nearing the Horse Ranse it again came off, and a handkerchief was this time ripped up and used, but it gave continued trouble to Palmerston, where it was moperly fixed. The scenery of the Horse Ranges was very beautiful, and was maoh t admired The top was reached at 8.45, and while racing down the other side Mitchell came an awful cropper, smashing his machine so that it wasunride£ble,and he had to drag his bruised and weary limbs a distance of about nvemiles to near Palmerston, where he was met by his mate leading another bicycle. , Palmerston was made at 9.50, and breakfast was here partaken of. The rider for whonijthe pace S not fast enough at the start did 'not ££ye until two hours later On uoonnpof Mitchell's breakdown he and Howhson were detained in Palmerston until the next day, when a fresh machine was received from Ban, edin The Oamaru riders returned home, the same day. Herp we wish to suggest the sity of the Bicycling Club's tariff beuvg introduced into Palmerston. On Monday Palmersfcon was Me behind at 1 40 pmin a regular Scotch mist, which completely drenched the riders before many miles were gone. Arrived at Evansdale at 4.40, and again partook of, the hospitality of our kind friends. Left at 6.5, and after a hard struggle nn Waitati hill against wind and ram, arrived in Dunedin at 8.30 p.m. drenched to the skin. The roads from palmerston were very heavy on account of the^ain, and prevented any fast time being made. , . Both riders thoroughly enjoyed their trip, and spoak very highly of the kindness of the settle,*?, and also of their Oamaru friends.

"Rough on Rats."— Clears out rats, mice, roaches, flies, ants, bed-feugs, beetles, insects, skunks, jack rabbits, sparrows, gophers. At ctaemiits and druggists,