IMPERIAL EX-SERVICEMEN

Evening Star, Issue 21745, 13 June 1934, Page 13

IMPERIAL EX-SERVICEMEN

ADDRESS BY HR ERIC JANES The monthly fixture arranged by tlx® Social Committee of the Imperial Esservicemen’s Association was held in the R.S,A. Rooms on Monday evening. There was a large number of members present, with their wives and friend?. Before introducing tlxe speaker for tflo evening, the Chairman ■ ■■(Mr Lilly) briefly outlined legitimate schemes under way for the purpose of raising funds which were sorely needed, the most attractive, being the arrival shortly from England of the film‘of the Aidershot Tattoo fpr puhliq exhibition, tfle proceed? from which ‘.were expected materially to enlarge the treasury. Mr Efio James, formerly a wellknown guide; then commenced an interesting account of a three months*' trip of exploration _ into IRtle known bush-clad tendtory in Western Otago, Including the then unexplored John o’ Croats .Valley. A large number of ex-cellently-produced colour slides was thrown on to the screen, many of which were unique. The route taken by this party, which comprised Press and private photographers, was commenced’ from Lake Wauaka five winters ago. They crossed Haast Pass to tlm West Coast, then southward oyer the Red Mountains, down the fox-tile Cascade Valley to the rugged coast to the south qf Martin’? Ray at a point whence the actual work of exploration commenced. The rough nature of the Country could he judged, said the speaker, by the fact that four horses of the pack team were k'Ued or injured, and had to be destroyed at different stages, and half-wild brumbies had to be broken in at Martin’s. Bay to replace the casualties. The principal object of the trip was to find a practical overland route from a boat landing near the mouth of Milford Sound to the Holly ford track. In this direction the attempt was crowned with suecess, hut owing ip various reasons the attempt to locate known deposits of oil at Kaipo Bay had to be abandoned. The speaker described the trials of his lone and difficult trip of thirteen days from the base camp to Milford, where he was to have been met by companions in a boat. The plans failed, and thi« boat failed to nut in an appearance, necessitating a huj tied and anxious return on limited rations, which consisted of a handful of uncocked oatmeal and salt, a fire being out of the question owing to the heavy rainfall. In all, the party was three months- beyond any communication, A good photograph)® record was obtained, two lcke s . were discovered, one of which possessed a subterranean outlet, and, .judging by the outcrop of huge granite holders on it? shores, it must have been formed by an earthquake.. Another unusual feature was that this lake, rose and fell several feet at periodical intervals, bub had no possible connection with tho coastal tide. Early exploration, historical,- geological, and other expeditions, and abortive efforts at settlement were described, A hearty vote of thanks was accorded tho speaker.