SKI-TOW TO BE PROVIDED ON MT. RUAPEHU

Wanganui Chronicle, 29 October 1948, Page 4

SKI-TOW TO BE PROVIDED ON MT. RUAPEHU

PARLIAMENT BLDGS., Last Night (PA).—ln the House of Representatives tonight the Minister of Lands (Mr. Skinner), moving the second reading of the Tongariro National Park Amendment Bi.l, said it was a consolidating measure and also provided for additional representation on the Park board.

The National Park was given by the Tuwhardtoa Tribe to the nation, and it possessed the longest ski run in the world. The present membership of the board would be extended to include the member of Parliament into whose electorate the area came, a representative of the Federated Mountain Clubs, and a representative of the Ski Council of New Zealand-

Mr. R. M. Algie (Opp., Remuera) said the Bill was a good one, and the park was one of New Zea.and's greatest assets. The first ascent of any of the mountains was made more than a century ago, and he first climbed Ruapehu in 1917. There was a firstclass hostel and provision was to be made for a ski-tow. Mr. P. Kearins (Govt., Waimarino): Mr. Speaker ...... Mr. G. F. Sim (Opp., Waikato): A new member of the Park Board is making his first speech. Mr. Kearins went on to say that he welcomed the Bill, particularly on behalf of the young people of New Zealand, who were now-making much more use of the facilities of the park than they did in past years. He did not, however, like the idea of a skitow, and he would sooner see ski-ers get up the mountain under their own power and so get the full exercise out of the sport. Mr. Kearins said that the first “headache” which the new board would have was over the question of new access to the park through Horopito or Ohakune. If this access were provided it would obviate tragedies in future.

Mr. Skinner said ski-ers could climb the mountain on skis, but the tow would enable them to get in much more ski-ing. The board was already getting out a programme to extend the tracks, and poles would be erected along them so that they could be followed in the snow. The Government was investigating the possibility of establishing an up-to-date ski-tow on the mountain. The Bill was read a second time.