BATHERS’ GOOD DAY

Taranaki Daily News, 14 January 1935, Page 4

BATHERS’ GOOD DAY

IDEAL NEW PLYMOUTH WEATHER. GOOD VISIBILITY ON MT. EGMONT. After a night in which the wind rose at times almost td gale force, yesterday at New Plymouth dawned with only a stiff breeze blowing. By midday this had dropped somewhat and picnickers and sun-bathers looked out hopefully at a clear sky, rolled their backless swimsuits in their towels and headed for the beaches. At favourite spots all along the coast they lounged on the sand or heroically ventured into sea that had an unexpected chill about it. No sharks or swimmers in difficulties marred the serenity of the afternoon. Of all' the beaches Ngamotu took pride of place as the best patronised. Two excursion trains landed over 700 people and the Taumarunui Boys’ Brass Band, but New Plymouth' sent its fair quota of supporters. Last Sunday 293 cars were counted during the day but it is estimated that the muster yesterday must have eclipsed that total. People were lying in front of the pavilion in such numbers that there was barely sitting room for parties who were late in arriving. Brown backs and limbs connected by a few inches of coloured cloth were the predominate feature of the scenery. Indeed a scorched or a pale back is an almost unknown rarity at this period of the summer. Three vessels were berthed at the wharves and created considerable interest, particularly the Cambridge with its wide decks and trim fittings. Several people who idly drifted into conversation with the crew of the Indien came away rather disgusted because they could not understand the accent adopted by tire crew. Visibility at Mount Egmont was the best this season, according to the guide, Mr. Roy Sole, who climbed to the summit with Mr. H. W. Youles, Wellington. Ruapehu and Tongariro appeared only about 40 miles distant, while northwards the Taranaki Bight was visible in its farthest reaches. Over a dozen people made the ascent from the north side alone, one party starting at one o’clock in the morning in order to see the sunrise*