GORE

Southland Times, Issue 23335, 20 October 1937, Page 15

GORE

AROUND THE WORLD WALKING TRIP OF TWO AUCKLANDERS After a particularly tiring time in the heat of Central Otago, the two young Aucklanders, Mr R. H. H. Ford and Mr J. H. Vernon, who left Whangarei 16 weeks ago, with the intention of walking oi - “hitch-hiking,” round the world, arrived •at Gore yesterday afternoon. The primary object of the trip, they told The Southland Times, is the collection of data for a book, which they intend to write on their return in about eight years’ time. It is believed that theirs is the first venture of its kind ever undertaken by New Zealanders. When asked if they intended to walk all the way they replied that that would be too hard and would take a lifetime. “We will take a ride when it offers,” they said. “It is not going to be all milk and honey—it takes a fair bit of determination and grit to go through with it. We are still in New Zealand yet and it has been fairly easy so far, but when we leave these shores we expect to experience greater hardships.” The pair carry a letter of recommendation from the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage), which states that they are touring the world to widen their knowledge, and would appreciate any assistance given them. Passing through a city, they obtain the signature of the mayor, and it is their intention to collect those of the Prime Ministers or dictators of the countries visited.

Tanned a dark brown by the sun and attired in khaki shirts, riding breeches and leggings, and with ribbons on their hats bearing the inscription “Around the World,” they make a picturesque pair. They left Auckland at the beginning of July, and made their way to Rotorua and Napier, via the Bay of Plenty. Palmerston North, Taihape, and Taumarunui were visited, and they tramped their way across country to New Plymouth by way of Wanganui. They then proceeded to Wellington, where they sought and were granted an interview with the Prime Minister. They crossed to the South Island and continued their walk with Nelson as a starting point. They then walked down through Blenheim, Christchurch, Ashburton, Timaru and Dunedin. From Dunedin they proceeded to Milton, where they branched off for Central Otago. Roxburgh and Cromwell were visited and they then proceeded to Pembroke. “We then tramped over the Crown Range to Queenstown,” they said, “and the heat was terrific.” They were both impressed with the beautiful scenery in the lakes district. From Queenstown they proceeded south by the new road and arrived at Gore yesterday afternoon. They stayed in Gore last night and will leave there today for Bluff via Invercargill. They will leave Bluff on October 28 by the Maunganui for Melbourne. They estimate that approximately eight years will be spent in travelling, before their proposed itinerary is completed. England, France, South Africa, Canada, the United States, and Europe are included, and that is indeed a long walk. In order to assist in financing the trip, they are disposing of autographed souvenir cards of New Zealand. These are of a red motif, bearing the inscription “Around the World” in large letters along the top; “Souvenir from New Zealand,” along the bottom, forming the base of a Maori pa entrance, with a kiwi in the centre. THE SALEYARDS In yesterday’s report of the Gore Borough Council about the Gore saleyards, the Mayor (Mr A. T. Newman) was reported to have stated that the Stock Agents’ Association did not want yards in Gore and that it considered there were plenty of yards in the district. The Stock Agents’ Association, however, states that it has favoured the project in every way and submitted plans for the erection of new yards to the council’s special committee.