Eleven Mountain Huts Going Up On Ruapehu, Five Almost Complete

Wanganui Chronicle, 29 March 1950, Page 6

Eleven Mountain Huts Going Up On Ruapehu, Five Almost Complete

RAETIHI, Last Night (Spec).— Questioned at the week-end on the progress being made in the erection of huts on Mt. Ruapehu, the warden of the Tongariro National Park (Mr. T. Shout) stated that he had been over the affected area a few days previously and he had found workmen engaged at one hut only, that of the Tararua Tramping Club. Of the 11 buildings for which permits had been granted, the Otaihape Alpine Club, Hutt Valley Tramping Club, Alpine Sports Club, Manawatu Tramping Club and Auckland Tramping Club had their jobs practically completed, whereas those of the Tongariro Ski Club, N.Z. Alpine Club, Tararua Tramping Club, Ruapehu Ski Club, Aorangi Ski Club and Wanganui Ski Club were in various stages of erection. Week-end parties were operating in some cases and it was anticipated that with one or two clubs attempts at completion of their building would be made during Easter week. The official opening of the Auckland Club's hut, a neat structure of fourrooms and a total of 1000 feet floor space, is set down for Easter Sunday afternoon. Touching on other matters the warden said that a new track was being opened up from Salmon’s track through the bush to the Taranaki Falls. This opened up a beautiful area of bush, with the seats being erected en route, he was sure it would in time, become the most popular walk in the vicinity of the Chateau. On a solo tramp to Crater Lake, during the course of his round, the warden experienced excellent conditions, there being just sufficient snow on the Whakapapa glacier to ensure a safe footing and a complete absence of crevasse. There was no sign, he said, of the bergshrund, which usually extends across the icefield from the base of Paretetaitonga, a most unusual thing for the autumn season.