TRAMPING CLUB

Southland Times, Issue 21996, 21 April 1933, Page 6

TRAMPING CLUB

EASTER TRIP.

VISIT TO PAPATOWAI.

Nineteen members of the Southland Tramping Club spent an enjoyable four days at Papatowai, in the heart of the Catlins Bush, during the Easter weekend, and they are all loud in their praises of the bush, and coastal scenery within hiking distance of the settlement. The weather proved fair during their stay and tramps were enjoyed through the glorious bush, to waterfalls and to several beautiful beaches.

Good Friday morning and all aboard the bus for a trip to Papatowai, one member of the party writes. The Tramping Club’s Easter programme had begun. Journeying along the Chaslands road through some of the most beautiful bush and coastal scenery in Southland we arrived at Papatowai at noon. Mac Kay’s “Lairg House” was to be headquarters, and it wasn’t long before we decided here indeed was a home away from home. Lunch over we decided to visit Tatuku beach during the afternoon. This delightful beach was within easy walking distance and after exploring a large cave at its northern end the return journey was made. Saturday morning broke fine and Purakinui Falls were the objective for the day. With Mr Mac Kay as leader of the party we started out at 9 a.m., and after a good uphill climb we reached the track that leads through the bush to the falls. Here the billy was boiled and after lunch we continued on to our destination. The falls are only 20 minutes’ walk from the road and to anyone passing that wav are well worth a visit. Our leader decided to make this a round trip and, travelling homeward on the main road, a halt was made at the Matai Falls. After about 30 minutes’ walk through bush and fern the falls were reached, then 20 tired but happy trampers turned their footsteps homewards, arriving at “Lairg House” about 6 p.m., after having covered 20 miles through most delightful bush scenery. Our next trip was to the Chasland Falls. Here a bus was necessary for part of the journey. Leaving the bus on the main road we walked to Mr A. McLean’s homestead. Here we got a view of the falls in the distance. After lunch we set out, two young men from (Christchurch, who were Mr McLean’s guests, joining up with the party. After about an hour’s tramp through some of the most beautiful bush we reached our destination. The Chasland Falls, situated on the Tatuku river, are 80 feet high and make a splendid picture with their background of ferns and greenery. Crepe ferns were here in abundance; no doubt the moist condition of the bush makes an ideal spot for these beautiful ferns. On the homeward journey a halt was made at Mr McLean’s homestead for afternoon tea. We partook of homemade bread and butter, as Mr McLean bakes his own bread and can make a loaf that would put some housewives to shame. After bidding our host goodbye once more we set out for home. Lake Wilkie which was en route was visited.- This

picturesque little lake is just a short distance from the main highway. Easter Monday, and a free morning for the party. Some of the bathing enthusiasts donned their costumes and went for a swim. At 1.30 p.m. we set out and met Mr W. Wells, of MacLennan, who was our guide for a trip through the MacLennan scenic reserve. This bush, with an area of about 700 acres, reminds one of the Australian bush with its tall trees. Bird life was very plentiful and the tuis gave forth their mellow notes. After a good ramble through the bush we came out on to the Tahakopa beach. Here was some pretty coastal scenery with Rainbow Island, Tatuku Beach, and the MacLennan River on our right, and Long Point, where the ill-fated Manuka was wrecked, on our left. It was on this beach that a quantity of the Manuka wreckage came ashore. Journeying along the beach we reluctantly turned our footsteps homewards, realizing that this was the final trip of a delightful and interesting holiday. During our stay a social and dance was held. The following contributed items:—Mrs Moore (Dunedin), songs; Miss P. Strachan (Dunedin), elocutionary items; Mr W. Wells (MacLennan), recitations; Mr A. McLean (Chaslands), Irish Jig; Mr R. Webster (Papatowai), violin solos; Miss I. King (Invercargill), Highland Fling. Mrs Moore acted as accompaniste, and Mr Rosie provided music for dancing. On Monday evening we gathered in the dining-room to bid farewell to our host and his staff, and after the singing of Auld Lang Syne farewells were taken and the journey homeward commenced, one and all voting the 1933 Easter trip the best ever.