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" The weather for the first few days was excellent, and the members indulged in ski-ing practice at every opportunity. On Saturday morning, 31st August, every member visited the ski-ing grounds, and it was arranged that after lunch a party of twenty-five should ascend the mountain with the club's Glacier Hut as their destination, which, however, was no longer a figure of the landscape visible to the eye. It was completely buried in snow. Armed with long rods and shovels a party went back to the spot on the following day charged with almost as much zest as an expedition bent on discovering treasure. Twenty minutes' work with the rods located the hut roof, and the shovel brigade proceeded with their work of clearing the snow. They reached the door in approximately an hour's time and then proceeded to cut a sloping trench about 15 ft. deep to the floor-level, steps being carved out to provide ease in making entry and exit. "' Unfortunately weather conditions spoilt the prospects for those attempting the annual climb of Mount Ruapehu on Monday. An early start was made by a party of fifty-four, who reached Glacier Hut after less than two hours and a half climbing. Owing to the adverse weather conditions, some then decided to turn back, while thirty-five members elected to carry on and ascended to a point approximately 1,000 ft. from the summit. It was necessary to cut steps most of the way after leaving the hut, and the fog eventually confined the visibility to within a few feet. It became impossible to see any part of the mountain or the surrounding country, so it was then decided to return to Whakapapa. However, all were unanimous that the experience gained was worth while ; and, although willing to try again, weather conditions prevented a further attempt during the visit. Every year our parties visiting the park become larger, and the. necessity for increasing the accommodation in the Glacier Hut region impressed itself very forcibly on those who travelled there on this occasion. " The winter sports tournament was held on Thursday, sth September, and the entire programme successfully completed that day, which, fortunately, was fine and clear, with a light westerly wind prevailing. Snow conditions were good for ski-ing purposes, although inclined to be ' icy 'in places. Numerous entries were received for the various events, including the amateur ski-ing championship of New Zealand, the inauguration of which proved very successful. The inclusion of the event marked another milestone in the club's work of creating interest in winter sports in New Zealand. " Trips were also undertaken to the various points of interest, including the Rock Valley, Silica Springs, Tama Lakes, Holl's Camp, and Mangatepopo Huts. Two of the members also climbed Mount Ngauruhoe successfully during the party's visit. " The annual fancy dress ball was held in the Chateau on the Saturday evening prior to the departure of the party, about two hundred being present. Members motored from Wanganui and the surrounding districts to attend the function. Conditions have altered somewhat since the club's first annual dance in \Yhakapapa Cottage was held, when the members danced to gramophone music on a rough wooden floor. In contrast, at the 1929 ball members danced on a specially prepared parquetry floor to music supplied by an orchestra. " The cinema-room was used on two evenings during the party's visit, when very interesting lectures were given by Mr. R. Syme on his mountaineering experiences in the Southern Alps and his climb of Mount Cook in particular. " Various trips have been made to the park from time to time during the year, one of which was a week-end walking tour from the Ohakune Railway-station to the National Park Station, via Ohakune Hut, Ruapehu Peak, and the Chateau. Although a somewhat strenuous trip, involving as it does a tramp of approximately thirty-one miles, including the ascent of Mount Ruapehu, it is a journey well worth undertaking, and was thoroughly enjoyed by the members of the party." Tararua Tramping Club, Wellington. The Tararua Tramping Club has supplied the following notes dealing with the visits made by members of the club to the park : — " During August and September, 1929, a somewhat smaller party than usual made the trip to the park, due no doubt to the increased expense incurred by staying at the Chateau. Temporary accommodation was provided in the uncompleted main building, and the party made the most of their almost luxurious surroundings after the simplicity of the old hut life. Good weather was experienced and the holiday fully enjoyed by all, the only regret being that they were unable to remain long enough to be present at the tournament arranged by the Ski Club. This year the dates arranged for make it almost certain, that a combined fixture may eventuate, in which case keen competition may be looked for. " The announcement that hut accommodation would in future be available is noted with interest by those club members who knew the park in its earlier stages of development." Vacancies in Membership op Board. It is with deep regret that the Board records the deati , . of three valued members. Mr. William Salt died on the 12th July, 1929, Mr. A. G. Simpson on the 18th July, and Mr. B. M. Wilson (General Manager of the Department of Tourist and Health Resorts) on the 22nd September. The late Mr. Salt took a keen and active interest in mountaineering, and was President of the Ruapehu Ski Club. His practical knowledge gained after years of experience was of the greatest value to the Board. By the death of the late Mr. Simpson the Board suffered another serious loss. The welfare of the Board and the affairs of the park were matters in which he took the greatest interest, and his genial personality endeared him to those with whom he came in contact.