OPTIMIST CLUB

Wairarapa Daily Times, 8 September 1937, Page 3

OPTIMIST CLUB

AN INTERESTING STORY.

OF SETTLEMENT OF UTAH.

A bright and informative talk was given by Elder Hutchinson at the Masterton Opthnist Club tea last evening. Mr. Hutchinson told the story of the settlement of Utah (U.S.A.) by the Mormons. These pioneer settlers found

the territory a vast stretch of desolate waste. They developed irrigation, built roads, and founded their first city about the years 1847 to 1850. Seven canyons surround the State and the river, viewed from the heights, resembles a winding white ribbon. The canyons are great tourist resorts and camping grounds. Salt Lake is 4,500 feet above sea level. The summer climate is not unlike that of New Zealand, but the winter temperatures are much lower, though the cold is by no means as penetrating as in parts of the Dominion. The Yellowstone National Park has many features of interest. Almost every kind of animal common to North America may be found there, especially the bear, which becomes most friendly with visitors. The water of one of the lakes in Utah is so cold, that it cannot be used for drinking. Huge trout flourish in the cold water, however. The people, said Mr. Hutchinson, wrnre all in a hurry to get somewhere, which was a contrast to the more easy-going habit of New Zealanders. Diseased trees in the forests were being cleared out, and pines, the trees most easily growm, were being planted. The Indians, who were diminishing in numbers, are confined for the most part to reservations. Mr Hutchinson, after answering numerous questions, w r as accorded a hearty vote of thanks on the motion of Mr. D. Milne.