MYSTERY TRAIN

Southland Times, Issue 21851, 31 October 1932, Page 7

MYSTERY TRAIN

SUCCESSFUL VENTURE LARGE CROWD TAKE PART HIKING IN RIVERTON DISTRICT Yesterday Invercargill’s first “Mystery Train” made a run to the Riverton district with a crowd of upwards of 400 excursionists on board. The initiative of the Railway Department in extending this novel outing to Southland was amply rewarded, the fact that no one knew the ultimate destination before embarking on the train adding to the zest of the adventure. The “mystery” feature was even extended .to the tickets, each of which bore a large query. Rather unpromising weather conditions were in evidence in Invercargill early yesterday morning. This did not deter the excursionists, however, many of them not even deigning to bring overcoats with them. Such a display of optimism brings its own reward, for except for scattered showers, the weather was keen rather than unpleasant. The sun shone brightly during a good part of the day. Early Start Made. Shortly after half-past nine the long train of fourteen carriages steamed out, and the happy, carefree crowd sat back in keen anticipation of the joys to come. The element of mystery was dissipated as Riverton was approached, for officials distributed . souvenir pamphlets containing full information of the forthcoming cross-country “hike.” The holiday spirit was injected by a number of pipers and Mr Percy Barlow’s “Melody Wreckers” band, who played popular hiking and holiday selections during the course of the train journey and at the lunch intervals.. At a quarter past ten the train stopped a short distance from the railway bridge that spans the Aparima river and the first part of the “hike was commenced. This was a short walk along the road towards Longwood, a good view of the heavily- • Wooded Longwood range being obtainable. The party then crossed tire railway line and struck off along a good track with bush on either side for about a mile, after which another track was followed, skirting bush in the vicinity of Tihaka. The railway line was then recrossed and the party proceeded towards the coast. So far the morning had been warm walking in the shelter of the bush and the hikers were beginning to regret some of their heavier articles of apparel. These regrets vanished, however, as the coast was neared, for a stiff breeze was blowing off the sea and there was every indication of squally weather. A steady ‘pace was maintained throughout, and well over four miles had been covered in about an hour and a-half before the party reached the beach in the vicinity of midday. Here a halt was called for lunch, hot water being available, and the crowd of pleasure-seekers sought sheltered spots during the duration of light southerly showers. ■ Shortly before one o’clock the tramp was resumed, the party proceeding along the beach and adjoining paddocks. The rain had now ceased and the holiday-makers one and all enjoyed the keen, bracing sea air. Although this piece of coast-line may not be perfect from the ordinary standpoint, the brown pebbly beach, with bush-clad hills in the back-ground and views of headlands on either side, Presents a picturesque and not-quickly-forgotten sight. It is safe to say that the party enjoyed this part of the day s outing to the fullest extent. It was not long before a curious rock known as the “Blowhole” was reached, and the party paused to view it in action. A strong southerly wind with a high tide cause the breakers to boom through the channel in the rock in a majestic manner.

Through Native Bush. A little more effort was now required as the “trail” led uphill. On a hill some distance from the “Blowhole an excellent view was obtained of Stewart Island, Centre Island and the coast line towards Colac. About threequarters of a mile further on the party entered native bush. The change to the quiet of the bush was not lost on the excursionists, who drank in the wealth of native shrubs, ferns an<K bird-life. The mass of ferns and th« beauty of the trees combined to make the walk an enchanting one. The earlier stages were rather difficult, being up a fairly steep gradient, but once the summit of the acclivity had been reached the party were able to appreciate the peace and beauty of the afternoon sunlight on the native bush. On emerging from the bush a magnificent view of the Pourakino river was obtainable. The party then descended the hill and eventually passed through the property of Messrs McLean and Blackmore. In this connection it may be stated that the courtesy of these gentlemen in allowing the party of holi-day-makers to pass over their property was greatly appreciated by both excursionists and the Railway Department. Shortly after 3.30 the party entered a quiet, sheltered orchard where afternoon tea was partaken of amid the beauty of the blossoming This was on the outskirts of Riverton, and time was allowed for a ramble round the town before the “Mystery Train left for Invercargill soon .after five o’clock. An Unqualified Success. The consensus of opinion among those who took part in yesterday’s jaunt was that it turned out an unqualified success. The keenness of the weather added to rather than detracted from the zest of the venture, while the officials were unfailing in courtesy and attention. The popular superstition that city dwellers always have bellows to mend as soon as they embark on a country hike was entirely dissipated on Sunday, for men, women and children maintained an astonishing pace over some eight miles of fairly heavy country. It was a tired but happy crowd of excursionists, then, that disembarked from the mystery-train at ten minutes to six last evening. Apart from any other aspect, yesterday’s outing was valuable to the Railway Department in that it provided experience with which to make future trips even more enjoyable. For the special purposes of Hikes,” Southland contains scenery and venues that are not surpassed anywhere else in New Zealand. Yesterday’s “hike” was a revelation in what varied and delightful scenery is frequently encompassed in a comparatively small area, and it is surely merely a foretaste of many similar jaunts to come. If so, then it can be considered as something infinitely worth-while.