RUAPEHU LODGE FURTHER NOTES

Forest and Bird, Issue 148, 1 May 1963, Page 23

RUAPEHU LODGE FURTHER NOTES

There comes a time in most enterprises, usually about half way, when the going itself becomes a preoccupation and the outcome is a thought too far off —a time of plodding. (Remember those days, we say later on, how it rained.) Since last Journal issue our funds have increased to £ 1,800. Thus we are still moving ahead, but- — slowly. In addition to our continuing appeal to members for contributions, either as loans or outright gifts, we are making application for a substantial grant from funds administered by our Council. Meanwhile members of the Lodge Committee have again visited Ruapehu. Mr. Mazey, the chief ranger, accompanied us in a survey of the building areas. The whole aspect is entrancing, with a beech forest on the left, a sparkling and busy little creek down on the right, and beyond it further bush. Up the valley looms the bulk of upper Ruapehu while down below are the plains, across to the blunt wedge- of Hikurangi. The site itself is a scrubby gentle slope with little alpine gardens already planted about for us by nature. Behind the bush on the left will go a substantial drain, Mr. Mazey informs us, to capture any seepage and deflect rain water. We examined the sites, beginning with the lowest and working up. Any site, we thought,

would be satisfactory, and each seemed more attractive than its predecessor, until at the end with one accord we all exclaimed “This is it”. There seemed no doubt as to its superiority. The view is the best, the road runs nearest and holds no prospect of passing traffic, and power lines, always an eyesore, cannot be seen there. So we drove in four pegs to represent the corners of the lodge. On them we wrote “Forest and Bird Lodge”. One purist added the word “Royal”. We felt that at last the lodge was under way. Our next task is to level the site. It is unlikely that a bulldozer will be available (Has any member a portable bulldozer?) ; so we must organise working parties. Over Labour Weekend, we say the foundations must be laid. This Easter our architect is visiting the site and will subject the plans to a final and exacting scrutiny. These completed, we hope to send to Branches and Sections the revised copy.

So, briefly, this is where we are. As our prospectus states, the building of the hut will be fun. Do join us in this hunt for funds, then later in the working parties. It will be good to see you. Supplementary list No. 2, to 31 March 1963. Brought forward: £1,547 4s. 6d. At ss. Miss F. Kimbell; at 10s. W. Dorflinger (2) ; at £1 Miss R. Teague, Miss B. Jackson, Mrs. S. M. Reed, J. S. Nixon, John Arthur, Mrs. J. K. Weir, Miss I. C. Wilson, A. Anderson, N. Pointon; at £1 Is. G. I. Fairbairn; at £1 15s. A. E. Morrell; at £2 F. G. Kerr, E. R. Dearnley; at £2 2s. Mrs. A. McPhail; at £3 3s. Mrs. B. M. Milne; at £5 R. S. Davis, T. Shout, H. and B. Price, N. C. Lambrecht■sen, Miss J. Johnston, H. S. Gray, A. R. Marshall, T. M. Barrett, Miss M. E. G. Kite, R. S. Sibson, E. J. and G. Moore, D. R. Worsley, Mrs. N. F. Rider, Mrs. L. N. White, W. H. Bruce, Mrs. E. Gahagan; at £5 15s. Miss J. A. Newman; at £lO Miss S. G. Lynch, Miss J. L. Anderson, Miss N. P. Turner. Mrs. D. E. Weston, P. A. Pritchard; at £25 E— Paulger. Total to 31 March 1963, £1,729 15s. 6d.