BY SEA AND RIVER

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 88, Issue 4, 6 January 1944, Page 4

BY SEA AND RIVER

REMOTE CAMPING SITES CALL OF THE OPEN AIR Camping places by sea and river, some remote from cities and larger towns, others more easily acce&sibla, have come into their own during the present holiday period. Long Hours of brilliant sunshine, followed by cool nights, have attracted more people than usual out of doors and have induced them to remain in those restful places where time does not matter and the mundane routine of every-day life is forgotten. In the Wanganui and Rangitikei districts several such places are gaining 1 in popularity each year. Where proper facilities for '‘living out' - are established small colonies have sprung up like mushrooms since Christmas Eve. Most of them are self-contained, close to running water and ideal for fishing, swimming and boating—firsi essentials of the perfect holiday. To these out-of-the-way corners have come parties with tents and caravans of every size, shape and sort, but all containing the needs for an outdoor holiday. They are serviceable and cosy. Some caravans have all the amenities of a home in miniature, including a living room and separate sleeping accommodation. Independent fighting systems, gas or electricity fed by storage containers or batteries, add to comfort. Under such circumstances it is not hard to understand why many people prefer solitary places to the disturbing bustle of city or town. Greater Use of Oars. Another factor responsible for the increased number oi campers this season is the State’s holiday bonus of extra petrol. Naturally, it has enabled people to make greater use of t.heir cars and travel to camping grounds they could not have reached otherwise. This has been demonstrated by the increased number of campers at Aramoho Park. Kai Iwi, Castlecliff Beach and elsewhere. Travelling south from Wanganui one may divert from the main highway and explore narrow metalled roads that have as their only exit a waste of sand and a broad stretch of ocean beach. The west coast of the North Island is notoriously exposed to the four winds of heaven, but here and there are secluded spots where odd parties have camped for Christmas and New Year under the lee of protecting sand dunes. Fresh water is a problem, but farm houses not too far distant are the main sources of supply. The beaches are good for surfing and line fishing, but a certain amount of local knowledge is required. The mouth of the Turakina River is a favourite camping ground for some, the principal form of accommodation huts and whares which have served this purpose for years. Though persecuted by drifting sand and exposed to the prevailing westerly, a small settlement has developed. Possibly one of the most secluded beaches in the district is Moanaroa, near the mouth of the Rangitikei River and about 10 miles from Bulls. Sometimes referred to as the Parewanui Beach, Moanaroa is of historic interest to Maori and pakeha. The dis trict was once the principal home of the Ngatapa tribe, and pastures that . now drowse peacefully in the summer sun echoed to the din and thud of battle as brown-skinned warriors did their utmost to exterminate one another. It was here that several en- ; gagements were fought between the 1 Ngatiraukawa and Ngatiapa tribes. ; Some of the old fighting pas, crumb- - ling with age, still survive. Week-end Resort.

Moanaroa is a lonely beach and could best be described as a wilderness of sand, sea and sky, but with an appeal all of its own. A car may approach to a point within easy walking distance of the surf and a few huts stand mute and solitary between sand hills, but most people who go there spend only a day or Near Moanaroa. still reminiscent of the vivid days gone by, is Scott’s Ferry, once a halting place on the beach highway from Wellington to Wanganui. Here, in the old coaching days, vehicles and horses, passengers and baggage, were ferried across the Rangitikei River. The remains of the ferry create more than passing inter* est to-day. History records also that small coastal vessels sailed across the bar of the river and navigated the winding channel to a point near Scott’s Ferry. They brought stores to the settlers and loaded wool, but at least two ot these intrepid little ships left their bones at the mouth of the Rangitikei. They were the schooner Clara, wrecked on September 11, J. 856, and the ketch Alarm, also of 15 tons, lost on August 18, 1872. The Clara arrived off the bar after nightfall, but in the darkness her master mistook the river entrance and was obliged to run his vessel ashore. The Alarm stranded on the bar and also became a total loss. Tangimoana’s Appeal.

On the northern side of the Rangitikei River and scarcely known to Wanganui campers, but frequented by parties from Marton, Bulls and Feilaing, is a delightful spot known as Tangimoana. The Maori, in naming places, showed an appreciation of the original. Tangimoana means “mournful sea,” and that barren stretch of coastline is certainly aptly named. There is nothing mournful about the little settlement about a mile north of the river mouth, however, but the dull roar of the surf is ever present. At night, after a westerly blow, and when the camping ground lies hushed in the shadow of the pines, great rollers thundering in from the 'Tasman crash without ceasing on the lonely Rangitikei beach.

A belt of pine trees between the settlement and the coast relieves the monotony of sand hills, and a comfortable spot on the bank of the river has been selected for the motor camp. Swift flowing, but cool and refreshing, the water flows over a shingle bed and at high tide covers a wide area. When the wind is fair launches from Tangimoana go down to the bar and out to sea in quest of schrjapper, hapuka and blue cod. "Flatties" and canoes also abound at Tangimoana for use “within harbour limits.”

In planning the camping ground members of the Domain Board used common sense and vision. They planted plenty of trees, principally pines, which now provide wind breaks and shade. A tennis court with a good hard surface is in constant use and there is a plentiful supply of spring water, crystal clear. This summer practically every available space in the camping ground has been taken up by cars, caravans and tents.

Perhaps the attractions of all such places may be summed up in the words of an old veteran, wise in the ways of the world, who has made his permanent home at one of these resorts. Asked by a casual visitor what people found to do in such a place he said: "They have nothing to do, and that's why they come here. People are so busy doing something all the year that at least once in a while they seek a rest, and a change."