Tramping Club

The Tramping Club has kept up its old traditions despite the loss of no less than six committee members. A successful excursion to Tongariro National Park was held in August, 1937. The weather was suitable for ski-ing every day, and two ascents of Ruapehu and one of Ngaruahoe were made. The beautiful falls and rapids of the district were also visited.

About a dozen trips were made to the Orongorongo Valley, where Tawhai Hut did its usual good service. In addition to club trips, members arranged private excursions, among them being two of outstanding merit. The first of these was the Cone-Hector crossing under bad conditions, and the second was the first winter crossing of the Northern Tararuas. In order to join the combined clubs' camp at Waikanae, several "hissers" chose a decidedly round-about route, and made the first club crossing via Cone, Hector, Renata and Kapakapanui.

At Christmas time sixteen members did excellent work in the Arthur's Pass district. Fifteen peaks were climbed, and the first known traverse of Falling Mountain from Tarn Col was achieved. In February Mr. G. B. Wilson piloted twenty-two trampers safely across the Northern Tararuas —no mean feat, considering the number present. One of the best outings of the year was a combined swimming-tramping trip made by a large party to the Whakatikei Stream.

A good representation of the club managed to tramp, and keep up their spirits at the same time, on a wet Easter trip to the Mitre Flats region. Although "ski-ing, tobogganing and climbing" at Kime Hut were promised by the notice board, a southerly gale allowed very little ski-ing. This was unfortunate in view of the fact that ski-ing is an extremely popular feature of the club activities. However, excellent ski-ing conditions prevailed in August, when a party of twenty went to Dawson Falls for ten days.

The enthusiasm and mettle of many beginners has been noted with much satisfaction, for as long as students of this type continue to join the Tramping Club, the cry of "Wikitoria" will resound far and wide throughout our mountains.