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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 7, Issue 1 (May 1, 1932.)

Impressions of Lake Tekapo

page 64

Impressions of Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo, situated in the Mt. Cook region of the Southern Alps, may be reached after a short motor journey from the railhead at Fairlie. By reason of its special setting in the heart of the mountain country, Lake Tekapo has special claims to recognition as one of the most beautiful of our New Zealand lakes. The lake, which is 2,320ft. above sea level, is fed by streams from the Godley and Glassen glaciers, and is surrounded by storm-beaten hills sloping gently down to the water's edge. Beyond the hills are the snow-capped Alps with their towering, glistening peaks—a background which lends enchantment to the scene. The waters of the lake have a colour which only the proximity of snow can give—a green-blue tint, which almost matches the sky.

In the lake region, Mt. Cook, of course, is the dominating feature of the landscape. The best view of the mountain is obtained a few miles beyond the accommodation house at Lake Tekapo. Here, the great mountain may be seen in all its grandeur—its summit completely covered with snow.

As has been mentioned, Lake Tekapo is set in beautiful surroundings. All too few people, however, are acquainted with the picturesque scenes around the lake itself and with the facilities provided for the tourist and the sportsman. At the head of the lake is a comfortable accommodation house, adjacent to which are tennis courts and golf links. Angling, too, is a favourite sport at Lake Tekapo, as also is hare shooting in the hills close by.

Access to Tekapo is made through Burke's Pass, which is 2,200ft. above sea level. At the top of the pass stands a monument which arrests the attention of the traveller. The monument is dedicated to Michael John Burke, and has the following inscription:—

“To put on record that Michael John Burke, graduate of Dublin University, and first occupier of Raincliff Station, entered this pass, known to the Maoris as Te Kopi Opihi, in 1855.

O ye who enter the portals of the MacKenzie to found homes, take the word of a child of the misty gorges, and plant forest-trees for your lives. So shall your mountain facings and river flats be preserved to your children's children and for evermore.

1917.

This pass is 2,200ft. above sea level.”

Meal-Time Musings.
“The Elastic Limit.”

“Big Jake” was more than a first rate foreman. He was a guide, philosopher and friend to the men who had the pleasure to work under his supervision. His capacity was phenomenal and “Paddy” summed “Jake” up when he said, “the Boss is just a river of information and a mountain of helpfulness.”

“Jake” always appeared at his best when engaged in teaching “the young idea how to shoot” and his methods inspired and encouraged the boys to think hard and work diligently.

“You observed,” said “Jake,” to young “Laddie,” “the bent piston-rod that was taken from the light repair job this morning. Can you explain the cause of the bending?” “Yes,” said “Laddie,” “the stress was so great on the rod that the point was reached where the material became ‘permanently set,’ thereby failing to return to its original dimensions.”

“Said like a book” returned “Jake,” “but the old way of describing the cause appears to me the better way: the working load was exceeded, the factor of safety passed and the strain forced the rod beyond the ‘Elastic Limit.’ The moduli vary greatly, especially in steel. As with steel so with men, no matter whether their methods be elaborate, spectacular or just simple, all have their ‘Elastic Limit.’

“It is a grand thing to know the ‘working load’ and to bear it willingly day by day. No man ever sank under the burden of the day, it is only when to-morrow's load is added that man reaches the ‘Elastic Limit.’”