EARLY BEGINNING

Taranaki Daily News, 5 June 1935, Page 13

EARLY BEGINNING

SKI-ING ON RANGITOTO FLAT.

ACTIVITIES AT DAWSON FALLS. Ski-ing at Rangitoto Flat, Fantham’s Peak, is not usually practicable during the early winter months because of the icy nature of the snow but the King’s birthday week-end was a notable exception. On both Sunday and Monday the surface was fast and conditions were similar to those of spring.. Many ski runners, including a large contingent from the Eltham Alpine Club, took advantage of the warm, cloudless weather and carried their skis up- the scoria ridge- leading to Fantham’s Peak. Many climbers also made the ascent of the peak. There was only one small patch of snow to cross while climbing, sb that it was not difficult for inexperienced people. About 14 members of the Mount Egmont Alpine Club walked to the opening of the new Tahurangi Hut on Sunday. There were several trampers from the north house on Monday and all visited the falls before returning. A fair number of visitors stayed in the hostel at the week-end, and the top cottage was occupied by a party of Eltham club members under the leadership of Mr. H. N. Murray.

The engineers are working day and night at the installation of the hydroelectric scheme, and it is hoped that the machinery will be running within a week. Coke braziers are being used to warm and dry the parts, which are also receiving a careful cleaning. A noteworthy feat, especially for this time of the year, was performed by Mr. Harold Snowdon, a very keen ski-runner of the Mount Egmont Alpine Club, when he skied down the side of Fantham’s Peak as far as the moss line on Monday. The snow was hard and fast, and a floating mist helped to make his run more difficult.