"WANDERLUST"

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 20014, 3 December 1927, Page 6

"WANDERLUST"

SOUTH AFRICANS’ TRAVELS WORLD-WALKERS IN WANGANUI DOGGED BY BAD WEATHER Prom Johannesburg, South Africa come Mr and. Mrs Daniel J. le Roux, who for four years and eleven months have been engaged, in travelling through countries m four continents. But theirs is no ordinary travel—they have been, on foot and have been pushing a wheel barrow. Bad weather has dogged the footsteps of the adventurous couple since their arrival in Auckland from Van; couver some weeks ago, and their experiences in the Wanganui district have, also been marred by heavy rain, bleak winds and sodden roads. “Terrible Weather” “We didn’t enjoy walking in this terrible weather,” declared Airs le Roux to a “Chronicle” man last night. Both travellers had hard words with New Zealand weather, although the Pressman assured them that the present unsettled conditions were unusual at this time of the year even on the west coast of the North Island. Heavy rain was a prominent—if unwanted—part of their welcome at Auckland, and abundant showers characterised their tour in the Auckland province. Strange to relate, their best weather to date has been in the King Country. But, while New Zealand’s climate—or climates—has been fickle, Mr and Airs le Roux have been deeply impressed with the unfailing hospitality of the people of this country While they have been not exactly unheralded, there has been no doubt that tho. welcome given them at even the smallest township has been a genuine one. Boosting South Africa. South Africa has been boosted to good effect by the tourists wherever they have touched. Indeed, their main means of making finance depends largely upon their lectures on their experiences in South Africa, Europe and America, and on tho attractions their own country has to offer. They do not hesitate reverting to manual labour, as was instanced when Air le Roux spent some time lumber-jacking in Canada. Airs le Roux has also taken up needlework. Mr le Roux particularly emphasised the point that the tour was one born of a genuine “wanderlust.” “We’re determined not to beg,” he declared. The couple have cause to remember Eshowc, capital of Zululand. It was there that Mr le Roux contracted malaria, and Airs le Roux received an attack of sunstroke. “Yes, we certainly remember Eshowe,” said Airs le Roux, as she reviewed their experiences there. Authentic Diaries. Five authentic diaries are valuable bona Tides .for the couple. The five volumes—bearing signatures from every place visited during their travels—are extremely interesting and not one day since the commencement of the adventure has passed without clue reference. The diaries are obviously genuine. From Wanganui Air and Airs le Roux set out for Wellington. Their present intention is to leave the capital city for Sydney, although they will probably travel in the northern portion of the South Island. From Adelaide they take ship for South Africa, and from Cape Town will start on the final section of their journey—a distance of .1000 miles —to Johannesburg, and expect to reach their home city by June next year.