TRIP TO NATIONAL PARK

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 62, 31 March 1937, Page 4

TRIP TO NATIONAL PARK

Hastings Tramping Club Party EASTER PROGRAMME A number of memberg of the Hastings Tramping Club spent a most enjoyable Easter at National Park Deepite the unfavourable weather, the party had quite a successful trip, and, though unable to accomplish all the programme they had arranged, the members were thoi'oughly satisfied with their outing. The party, which comprised 12 men and 1'3 women, left Hastings on Thursday evening by chartered bus and made its headquarters the camping-ground at Chateau Tongariro. Here it was joined by four former members of fche club, bringing th© total to 29 — 15 men and 14 women. On Good Friday weather conditions were good and various members. of the party made the ascent of Mount Ruapebu. The members were favoured withi a glorious view of the countryside, conditions in the morning and early afternoon being excellent. On th© return journey, however, the spell of fine weather broke and tlie schedule programme for the remainder of the holiday period had to be curtailed. It had been intended to aseend Wgaruhoe on the Sunday, but weather conditions ruled &iis project 0ut of th© question and the party contented itself with a tramp to Ketitaki hot springs aud scaling poTtions of Tongariri. ' Oamp was struck in pouring rain on Monday morning, when the return trip to Hastings commenced. A stop was made at Taupo for severai hours, and full advantage was taken of the mineral baths. It was not until an early hour yesterday morning that the members arrived back in Hastings. In the course of its stay at National Park the party met a number of representatives of kindred clubs, such as th© Eltham Alpine Club, the Paua Tramping Club, Wellington, and the Tararua Tramping Club, and needless to say the opportunity was taken to exchange views and experiences of vai'ious trips and excursions, Mr Les Holt was the-leader of the Hastings party on its trip and Mr F. J. Green the organiser.