STRATFORD MOUNTAIN CLUB.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 74, 18 March 1914, Page 6

STRATFORD MO UNTAIN CLUB.

(By' Alpenstock). When the Club was first formed, it was hoped that the membership would eventually mount up to the 200 mark. But little expected that within a few weeks of its formation 140 members would avail themselves of the many privileges the small membership fee of 2s 6d entitles them to. The object of the Club is to foster and promote in every possible and conceivable manner the interests of the mountain and the Stratford Mountain House in particular. Even at this early stage, the work of the •energetic officers is visible immediately one reaches the outer fringe of the bush on Egmont’s slopes: a large sign inscribed, “To the Mountain House” is placed conspicuously at the top end of Pembroke Road. At the radius line another sign states that the House is 2J miles further on, an dthe intervening space is placarded with signs in telegraphic form indicating the distances in half mib\s. At the House, .which is only nine miles from the railway station, and is, picturesquely situated in the midst of mountain birch trees, with one of the most glorious imaginable drives through the bush, the Cluh has been particularly busy. Signs galore are observed on all sides “To the Crow’s Nest,” “To the Summit,” “To Curtis Falls,” “The Fairies Walk,” etc., etc., are but a few that have gladdened the heart of Mr Williams, the caretaker, who proudly points to them as “My Library.” Then, again, as the ascent is made from the House to the famous Manganui Gorge the distance has been surveyed and marked in half miles by the President, Mr J. B. Richards, who is honorary surveyor to the Club, and two signs are to be erected immediately, one on either side of the Gorge, indicating the best way to the summit. Through the generosity of Mr Ted Jackson, who is a member of the Club, a large handsome bath has been installed in the main hostel, and a 100 gallon tank has been placed near one of the higher houses, and connected with the bath by means of pipes, this giving ample water supply for bathers, who, no doubt, will appreciate Mr Jackson’s gift to the full. The genial and intrusive secretary, Mr Tom Kirkwood, has spax - ed himself in no way. " His übiquity is little short of marvellous, as many visitors to Stratford can testify. * They came to Stratford, were met by the Secretary, and left members of the Mountain Club and minus 2s 6d.