DAWSON FALLS

Taranaki Daily News, 8 January 1927, Page 2

DAWSON FALLS

(By 7 “Bell Bird.”) Dawson Falls as a holiday resort appears to be as popular as ever with the touring motorist. On one day recently every part of New Zealand was represented by touring cars making Dawson Falls their “port of call” for the day or the week-end, or settling down for a week’s stay. The hostel is crowded with summer vacationists, who have had the foresight to book early. Late comers have had to be content with accommodation at the old house. This, however, is much improved of late years. The tents pitched close by the house and surrounded by native shrubbery are popular on account of their complete privacy and beautiful situation.

On most fine days lorry loads of picnickers arrive early, eager to spend a long day in the bracing mountain air. “The people’s house,” or the old house, as it is generally' called, is made full use of for the boiling of kettles and the setting out of lunches or teas. The weather has been very variable of late, brilliant mornings often terminating in foggy afternoons, and then clearing again beautifully after sunset. Several ascents have been made by parties under tlie guidance of Mr. Wm. White. Mr. Bruce McAlister made an interesting traverse of the mountain last week via Bell’s Falls, and reports the snow in good condition for climbing. This young mountaineer spends most of his spare time romping over Egmont in all weathers and at all seasons, and he is familiar with every rock ridge and snow slope of the mountain. To the average climber Egmont is not a very' serious proposition, but there is always a certain amount of risk, and it behoves the uninitiated to be careful. Several routes lead to the top, so the climber can take his choice and find variety on the scoria, rocky ridges or the snow slopes. Included among recent visitors at the hostel are:—Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Ellingham, Misses Dorothy and Mary Ellingham, Hawke's Bay; Miss Nessa Kelly, Hawke’s Bav; Mr. and Mrs. Robb: Mr. and Mrs. Peters, Eltham; Mr. and .Mrs. Gordon Barrington, Master John Barrington, Palmerston North; Captain Hays. Wellington; Mr., Mrs. and Miss Harden, Wanganui; Mr. and Mrs. Abbott, Hastings; Mr. and Mrs. Lancaster, New Plymouth; Professor Kirk and Miss Kirk, Wellington; Miss Rosenberg, Wellington; Miss Beryl Wing, Auckland: Mr. McDonald, Wanganui; Messrs. Maurice and Wm. Flynn, Auckland; Mr. and Mrs. J. Moncrieff; Mr. Comerford and Miss Comerford, Australia; Mr. and Mrs. Bogle; Mr. and Mrs. Berkel.