Tramping Club

The record book of the Tramping Club reveals that the Club has fully maintained its position since the last issue of Spike went to press* An outstanding Christmas trip to the Hollyford district—an account of which appears elsewhere in this issue—and a successful trip to the Tararuas at Easter punctuated the usual run of week-end and Sunday trips.

The Club has co-operated to the full with the other Wellington clubs in the maintenance of the tracks of this district, and in May a party of sixteen members, under C. Stewart's control, thoroughly overhauled the Lowry Trig track.

At the Annual Sports Meeting of the Tararua Tramping Club this Club was to the fore, finishing second to the Tararua Club.

In June of this year a combined trip with the Tararua Club was made to the Maungakotukutuku Valley, the party numbering about thirty. Despite misty weather, the tortuous ridge between Titi and Maunganui was safely negotiated, after various slight deviations.

The syllabus for the "after-exam." period last year was headed by a well-supported trip to Titahi Bay for rock-climbing practice, and the Club's thanks are due to C. J. Read, who has done most of the coaching.

The Sports Meeting past, the only remaining trip before Christmas was an expedition into the Western Hutt River, on to Renata, and over Mt. Kapakapanui to Waikanae. This trip was a new choice and, although supported by only a small party, showed that the Club can still produce the pioneering spirit when opportunity offers.

The Easter party of fifteen which camped at the Hutt Valley Club bivvy at the Otaki-Waitewaewae Forks were particularly fortunate in their choice of camps, and in the weather with which they were favoured. Members enjoyed excellent views from the top of Mt. Crawford on the main range, while other days spent amidst the beauties of the Otaki and Waetc-waewae Rivers should be long remembered by all.

On the King's Jubilee week-end three members accomplished a most creditable trip along the Main Orongorongo Range- Although the weather prevented the completion of the full trip, an extensive area was covered. The report of the leader, D. A. Viggers, contains some valuable information as to times and map corrections.

On the King's Birthday week-end a party of eighteen made the well-known trip to Mt. Holdsworth, down to Totara Flats in the Waiohine. River, and out to Kaitoke via the Cone Saddle and Tauherenikau Valley. The call to arms somewhat before daybreak on Sunday morning was not altogether appreciated, but the clear view from the top of Mt. Holdsworth was a fitting reward.

In June the Club staged a re-union trip to Pipinui Point. Unfortunately, the weather was unfavourable, especially on Sunday; but, despite this, the trip received the enthusiastic support of twenty-two present members and fourteen past members. The opportunity for the meeting of past and present members was much appreciated.

Apart from these trips specially mentioned, the outings held each week have been varied and regularly supported. The Orongorongo Ranges, the standby of the Wellington tramper, have been visited for ascents of the Cone, Mt. Matthews, the Peak Saddle, Mc-Kerrow, and Mt. Papatahi. Numerous Sunday trips have been interspersed to the various places of interest, such as Belmont Trig, and Mt. Welcome.

Members are now looking forward to the winter season, and as the Club owns three pairs of skis, success should be assured to the various trips, which include a week's visit to the Tongariro National Park. All interested are reminded that the Tramping Club runs trips throughout the whole year, and that special trips are being planned for this Christmas.

The Club is indebted to landowners for the permission given by them to cross their property, without which our activities could not be maintained.