Tramping Club

During the past year, the activities of the Tramping Club have met with considerable success, for which we have to thank not only trip leaders, but also all members, for the splendid spirit in which they have shared occasional hardships and discomforts.

Since last Spike, the Club has accomplished its sixth consecutive winter crossing of the Tararuas, and following this, a winter sports trip was made to National Park, a regular feature on our programme. In late November, the Eastern Hutt River was the scene of activity; some explored the gorge, while other more energetic members climbed to Mt. Alpha, returning by the Quoin Ridge.

The scene of a most popular Christmas trip was set in the beautiful Travers River valley from which Mt. Travers was climbed by the whole party, and earnest attempts made on Mt. Hopeless and Mt. Little Twin.

Early in the year a Mitre-Holdsworth traverse was successfully completed after a long struggle against a westerly. At the end of a strenuous and tiring tussle, we felt that the Club's previous defeat had indeed been avenged. Enjoyable tramps from Tawhai Hut on the Orongo-orongo River have also been held from time to time. Totara Flats near the Waiohina were visited via Sayers track and thence through to Pakuratahi via the Tauherenikau Valley. On 3rd-4th July, Mt. Mitre was climbed and magnificent panoramas obtained of the surrounding snow-mantled peaks.

The annual Club fixture to Kime Hut set down for 16th, 17th, and 18th July, was enthusiastically supported despite early storminess and, in perfect conditions, all indulged in the thrills of skiing and tobogganing.

More recently the Club fielded a team to compete in the Inter-Club Ski Championships, and though run in difficult and unfamiliar conditions, the team acquitted themselves reasonably well to take second place. Interest in the skiing side of the Club's activities has increased to such an extent—many members are the proud possessors of their own ski—that this year it is proposed to hold Club races at Tongariro National Park for the first time.

The Club wishes to thank all those who have permitted the use of their huts, and those who have helped to make club fixtures a success.