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The Spike: or, Victoria College Review, September 1926

Tramping Club

page 55

Tramping Club.

Since last in print We have lost John C. Beaglehole from our ranks. He was one of those who went to the Orongorongo Valley on the first Club tramp. The outing was a memorable one, and the party, about 50 in number, the largest on record. The levy, even though it covered the things now brought by everybody, rose to an exorbitant figure, 6/-! The party were outfitted in varying degrees, and some came prepared as if for a picnic. Needless to say, the consternation in many quarters was acute. Added to this, many who had left their hoots and shoes to dry overnight awoke to find only the heels. Such was the initiation of the new Club at V.U.C., and in spite of this it has nourished these 5 years. Rut to return to J.C.B. He has been an ardent devotee of our gentle art more or less continuously since that first trip. That he enjoyed himself we are certain, although, as everyone knows, he did write "The Truth About Tramping." Though sorry to lose him we wish him the best of luck in the "Old Dart," and many happy tramps with the English branch of the V.U.C. Tramping Club.

Mr. H. R. Holt. Dr. J. S. Yeates. and Mr. H. L. Richardson send their kindest regards to all old tramping friends.

During the term we were given a very interesting Lantern Lecture on the Godley District by Mr. T. A. Fletcher. His photos were, as usual, wonderful, and he varied the lecture by numerous hints and jokes. His kea stories were quite novel.

Mt. Hawtrey, like Mt. Cecil, is another of those elusive peaks. Trampers are warned lest they should come upon either of these by mistake.

Hutt Forks were conspicuous by their absence. The party after getting rid of their leader spent a busy day looking for him again.

The Little Akatarawa River could be more pleasantly explored in dry weather. We will have to have another shot.

A short visit to the Rimutaka Ranges made near the end of the term on a very cold day showed many possibilities of new tramps. Unfortunately the dense scrub on the top prohibits fast and easy travelling.

Notes.—The equipment necessary for week-end tramps is as follows:—

Pack (large and comfortable; hung low).

Sleeping bag or blanket.

Toilet gear (not necessarily extensive).

Eating gear (cup, plate, fork, spoon and knife).

Warm woolen clothing, enough for a change.

Boots well nailed and stout but soft.

Food as listed on notice in the Entrance Hall.

The men will find khaki shorts and blue engineers' flannel shirts as serviceable as most. It is however advisable to carry longs for night wear.

The women favour "drill frills" or gym. dresses, with a handkerchief for the hair. More detailed information may be obtained from members of the Committee.

On Sunday outings rough country is often covered, and it is best to be always on the safe side by wearing the week-end attire. Lunch should be taken in a small knapsack or haversack.

Advice.—When undertaking tramps over new country, take a map and a compass. The former gives you advantage of the experience of others, while the compass enables you to read it correctly.

Remember that the map does not show all the little twists and turns as you see them, and don't go imagining that the map is wrong because you can't make things fit. If you imagine yourself lost just sit down and have a smoke. Things will straighten out considerably afterwards, Though at times you may miss your way, you cannot lose yourself in New Zealand so long as you don't lose your head.