THE COPPER TRAIL

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 236, 24 June 1918, Page 2

THE COPPER TRAIL

AUCKLAND SPURTS FIVE MILES AHEAD. Tho week-end comparison between tlio Auckland and 'Wellington copper trails discloses the fact that Auckland's trail has made a remarkably fine spurt, and that Wellington lias now been put on its "copper meuio" us a generous supporter ot Hie Jied Cross. The relative positions to-day are: Auckland, at Opahokc, 21 miles; Wellington, at i'arcniiita, Kimiled. Lost week's Wellington rainstorms did not damp tlie enthusiasm of the lied Cross collectors, but tho weather was iv handicap, for the trail advanced only five miles during the week, while Auckland speoded up to tho time- of ten. miles. Having got over tho hills, tho Wellington trail is now expected to gain impetus from tho big subscription pacemaker, who will be sedulously encouraged, now that the trail lias been given n good start with the pennies of the t-oldiere and tho people who pass the copper trail kiosk at Government Buildings. As it goes further info thu Maniwatu the trail will begin to connect up with copper veins, for Otaki has resolved to raise at leatst ,£2OO for tho good cause, and the viaducts should be easy work, if the wayside towuships follow the excellent example of the Mangaweka Boy Scouts, who will'carry the trail across the long viaduct near them.

Special efforts for tho trail have been arranged in Hawkc's Bay, where I lie Hastings branch, of the Eed Cross is raising .£IOO per ononth, and will probably regard this ns tho minimum, for Napier ami Wainukiirau have decided to make the pace a hot one. Mrs. Wi'lt'ord leaves Wellington on Thursday morning on a brief but busy organising mission at New Plymouth, Wanganui, and probably Palinerstou North. Marten Junction has already 6et itself a coppery task. Tho method of organisation is to leave eiwh centre to raise tho money in tho way it thinks best, but to dwiw all sections 'into tho work, for the Red Cross makes no restriction in its work of mercy, and tlia same wide scope should prevail in providing the funds.

The trail organisers havo found a Jjtlc. Last week they received a letter addressed "To the Boss Trail Breaker." It came from the typing staff of tho Railway Chief Engineer's offico, wishing the copper trail every success, and enclosing'the equivalent uf 120 coppers, being one for every year of the staff's combined ages. "Trusting other offices' will do likewise/' concluded the letter.