CAMP FERGUSSON.

Waikato Times, Volume 110, Issue 18404, 11 August 1931, Page 3

CAMP FERGUSSON.

A COMMUNITY HERITAGE. UNSURPASSED HOLIDAY RESORT. WITHIN EASY REACH OF HAMILTON How many people in Hamilton realise that a camping ground unexcelled in its facilities, offering fresh and salt water bathing, fishing, boating, and all those attractions which go to make the perfect holiday, is available for their use at any time only a few miles from the town? This was the question asked by the president of the Hamilton Community Camp Association, Mr F. H. Clapham, at the annual meeting last night, when the activities of the past year were under review. Camp Fergusson lies only twenty-seven miles from Hamilton and four from Raglan, and comprises thirteen acres of ideal land for camping, planted in trees, and running down to a sheltered bay in the upper reaches of the Raglan Harbour. since the land was first formed into a camping site many improvements have been effected, and these, combined with the beauty of the surroundings, offer to one and all the opportunity to enjoy a peaceful, yet interesting holiday, at a minimum of cost. Boy Scouts. Girl Guides, the Y.M.G.A., and kindred organisations, made full use of the site in the first few years of its existence, but during the past two years there has been a decline in the number of 'Campers. And yet there is no reason why crowds should not flock there on every holiday, and during those fine week-ends of summer and autumn, for the road is good, and the distance short.

At last night’s meeting Mr F. H. Clapham presided over a good attendance of members and others interested in the activities of the Association. In his review of the past year the president said that there was not much to rep oft owing to the fact that little use had been made of the camp. One institution which did take advantage of the ground was the Y.M.C.A., which sent a party of boys, who greatly enjoyed themselves. As a camping ground for Boy Scouts and Girl Guides, Camp Fergusson would be hard to surpass, and it was hoped that the local troops and companies would spend their annual camps there. Greater Use Wanted. Unless the camp was used to a greater extent than at present there could be only two alternatives, either selling the land and devoting the proceeds to some charitable organisation, or handing it over to some institution, such as the Y.M.C.A., for safe keep-, ing. This was a matter which demanded the deepest consideration of the community, and those associated with the camp. There was every prospect of a new metalled road being formed to the camp in the near future, which would result in increased facilities of access, although the present road could not be termed bad. Thanks were due to those officers who watched the interests of the Association in the past year, particularly the secretary, Mr J. Yendell, who devoted much time and energy to his position. The statement of accounts disclosed a satisfactory financial position. Commenting on the past year the chairman said that expenditure had been kept down to a minimum, and this was a very wise precaution. The camp was now in fine condition, due to the work done by the caretaker.

Trees had been planted, and fencing carried out, and a better camping ground would be hard to find. With the completion of the surfacing of the road to the camp there would doubtless be many applications for camping sites in the coming summer. The camp was available to practically any organisation, and offered excellent facilities, and the Auckland Automobile Association intended to Include a description of Camp Fergusson’s attractions in its bulletins and camping booklet for members. Election of Officers. The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted:—Patron. His Excellency, Lord Bledisloe (subject, to his acceptance) ; president. Mr D. 1). Wilson; vice-presidents, Messrs F. H. Clapham and F. Findlay; secretary and treasurer. Mr W. H. Allen; management committee, Messrs A. B. Collier, G. Hovey, J. Yendell, W. H. Allen, C. Barker. P. Grinder. A. Richards. W. Sayers; hon. solicitor, Mr R. W. Bennett; hon. auditor, Mr C. W. Armstrong. Mr W. H. Allen said that the Association was losing quite a lot of revenue owing Io the clause in the constitution limiting the availability of the camp to educational, religious and welfare bodies.. In order to widen the scope of the Association In this matter lie moved that the constitution be altered to provide for the hiring of the whole or purl of the camp to any body from any district. In support, of this Mr F. IL Clapham said that this appeared to be an excellent suggestion, and there was no reason why it should not be put into operation after certain details had been arranged. Several members voiced their opinions on the subject. Hie majority favouring Hie proposed step. When pul to the meeting the motion was carried. Prior Lu the conclusion of the

meeting- Mr D. D. Wll-son thanked the meeting for electing him to the presidential chair, and expressed the hope that, with the continued support of the other ofhce bearers, the forthcoming year would be productive of success in all the Association’s activities.

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