GROUP TRAVEL

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20782, 17 July 1937, Page 3

GROUP TRAVEL

VISIT TO MOUNT COOK Members of the South Canterbury Women’s Institutes, who recently spent a most enjoyable week at Mt. Cook, are pioneers of Group travel by New Zealand members of their organisation, which is encouraging women to acquire the broadening influence which the gaining of new experiences can bring. The Mt. Cook party consisted of 20 members, ranging in ages from 16 to 60 years, and this initial trip proved an unqualified success. Much interest was aroused by the Mt. Cook Company’s special prize for the W.I. member with the largest family. Since the declining birthrate has alarmed many people, it has been interesting to discover that many Women's Institute members in the country have families of 8,9, 10 and 11 children. One member has 15 children, all living, and her good health and cheerfulness, and her activity on the glaciers, impressed all the members of the party. Two members became particularly interested in the fascinating sport of ski-ing, and made full use of their opportunities, while staying at the Ball Hut. They noj only brought credit upon themselves, and those who helped them, but also upon the Women’s Institute organisation by passing a ski-ing test, and winning the first star. ' Many of the members hope to repeat their visit next winter, for they found the lure and majesty of the mountains, the sparkling air of the high altitudes, and the bright sunshine, altogether irresistible.