WEEK-END ON MOUNTAIN

Taranaki Daily News, 22 June 1931, Page 9

WEEK-END ON MOUNTAIN

MANY VISITING ALPINISTS. EGMONT CLUB’S “AT HOME.” The second annual “at home” of th* Mt. Egmont Alpine Club was held at Dawson Falls during the week-end, when 71 members of the home club, about 80 Taranaki Alpine Club members, 14 Ruapehu Ski Club representatives and three of the Stratford Mountain Club gathered at the hostel. A dinner was held on the Saturday night, a lengthy toast list being honoured. Following the loyal toast, Mr. L. 0. Hooker, chairman of the evening and president of the Mt. Egmont Alpine Club, proposed the toast of “The Guests.” Mr. Hooker • mentioned the pleasure it gave him and the members of his club to see so many members -of sister clubs had been able to make the trip. “The work of the dubs,” he said, “is of paramount interest to all young folks. It develops a sense of justice andf moreover, manhood and womanhood-’ The large attendance was gratifying to the home club. . -"'Responding, Mr. E. Rabone, of the Ruapehu Ski Club, expressed pleasure on behalf of himself and his fellow dub members at the very warm welcome to them by the Mt. Egmont alpinists. Mr. Unbone, in stating that the number of representatives from his dub was really small, referred to the very scattered membership of his club. The next gathering at the Chateau longariro would see the opening of the Salt Memorial on the slopes of the mountain, and he hoped his chib would have the opportunity of welcoming members of the Taranaki alpine dubs on that occasion. • _ ■ . Mr. Cl Deem, Taranaki Alpine Club, m returning the thanks of his dub members, said the good time spent by all who were fortunate enough to attend the initial gathering of a year ago had brought them and their friends back again. Mr. Deem assured those present of a warm welcome at North Egmont on the week-end of August 15. Cheers were given for the Mt. Egmont Alpine Club’s members. Reference was made by Mr. J. Roue, who replied on behalf of - the Stratford Mountain Club, to the new hut in the Alaunganui Gorge. He assured everyone that they would be welcome to use it. Physical'fitness was most desirable, and mountaineering assisted towards this end. It was evident, said Mr. Rowe, that the Mt. Egmont alpinists had gone to a great deal of trouble in order to entertain their visitors. _ Another visitor, Mr. Stilling, of the Australian National Travellers’ Association, also spoke. Mr. Stilling, who has travelled extensively in Canada amj Switzerland as well as other parts or the world, said that the Canadian mountains were more inaccessible than those of Australia. The up-to-date resorts at Mt. Kosciusko and Buffalo were briefly described. In Mr. Stilling’s opinion they compared favourably with others of their kind in the world. The exercise of care in climbing was urged by the speaker, g . Mr. Rigby Allan proposed the voastof the “Park" Board” and mentioned the good work it had done in connection with the mountain and its reserve for the past 40 years. Reply was made by Mr. '<. Walkley. Mention was made of the improvements set down for execution during the coining year. _ The combined toast of the ‘New Zealand Alpine Club” and the “Federation of Mountain Clubs” was proposed by Mr. lon Lovell. Qualification for member; ship of the Now Zealand Alpine Club, said Mr. Lovell, was very high. The main object of the federation was to make all resorts available for alpine club members at reasonable rates. Mr. B. Murray outlined the qualifications necessary, for members of the club. Mr. Murray mentioned the differ; enees one encountered in going to a resort such as Mt. Cook as a tourist and as a member of an alpine club. The federation was working on the right lines for the tourist charges were too high for most alpine club members. “Our Pastime— Mountaineering" proposed by Mr. Rod. Syme, ho referred to the spirit of the alpinist. The. I climber was satisfied if lie sealed a peak; if he did not succeed he would try again and again. The ability to think quickly was a big factor in the success of mountaineering. Health was the sparring purine? of happiness and the sport cultivated, health to a large extent. In reply Mr. J. P. Murphy stated he had been on the mountain all his life and advised everyone to exercise all possible care. He disapproved of attempts at record climbs .because conditions on the mountain varied so rapidly. Other toasts honoured were “The Ladies,” Mr. J. Palmer, response Mrs. Ellis (New Plymouth); “The Host and Hostess,” Mr. B. L. Haybittie (Mr. J. P. Murphy), “The Chairman,” Mr. W. G. Walkley, (Mr. L. O. Hooker). A dance at the old house followed the “at home.” The supper was provided by a committee of ladies convened by Mrs, H. W. Swinburne. The M.’sC. were Messrs. J, Palmer and D. . Ryan.