TRAMPERS IN STORM.

Wairarapa Daily Times, 7 April 1931, Page 4

TRAMPERS IN STORM.

TRAVERSE ABANDONED. FORCED TO RETRACE STEPS. 'Conditions, described a,s the worst experienced in the Tararus in 25 years, forced the nine members o-f the Wairarapa Tramping 'Club who set out on Friday morning with the intention of making a traverse of the Tararuas, to abandon the crossing after battling all day with the elements. When the party left Masterton a light, warm rain was falling, and it was thought that conditions would improve, or, at least, t'uat they would not become worse. These hopes did not materialise, find the party returned to Masterton on Saturday. After travelling until late on Friday afternoon, the party reached the small stream below the Taalierenikau llut, where it was intended to spend the night. It was found that this stream, which normally can be jumped over, had developed into a raging torrent, and impossible to cross. The party was accordingly forced to retrace its steps to the Tourist Hut, near Woodside, which was reached shortly after dark. A howling gale blew in the ranges all day, while heavy rain fell continuously. Travelling on the exposed ridges about kit. Reeves (2949 feet) was found extremely difficult, and time after time the Hampers were blown off their feet. The mountain streams were all raging torrents, while the track was knee-deep in water in places. The Waioliine, even in the upper reaches, broke its 'banks. A deer-stallcer who returned with the party stated that the conditions were the worst he had experienced in his 23 years’ experience of the Tararuas.