ST. ANDREW'S MEN

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 118, 4 June 1937, Page 7

ST. ANDREW'S MEN

Record Attendance at Club Meeting FILM OF ALPINE BEAUTIES There was a record attexxdaxxce-^ close upon sixty — at tlie fortnightly meeting of the St. Andrew's Men's Club, held in ^t. Andrew's Hall last evening. Mr A. F. Redgrave, president, occupied the chair and an intOresting programme was carried out, comprising commtxnlty singing, pianoforte solos by Mr J. Corbett, elocutionary xtems by Mr M. R. G. Matthewson, qjxd 'cello solos by Mr 'J. Marsicano. Mr W. Lord acted as acCompanist. The screening of a series of cinematographic views of New Zealand alpine scenei'y whieh followed proved most interesting and instructive. Mr lan Powell, meniber of the Nejv Zealand A.pine Club and tlie Heretaunga Tramping Club, who described the views as .tliey appeared, briefly outlined the growth and progress of tramping clubs in New Zealand. There were now nearly 5QOO active members belonging to the various cltxbs. The. Heretaunga Trafnping Club, although tho youngest, was one of tlie most active, owing largely to the enthtisiasm of its president, Dr Bathgate, ■ The pictures shown were a linique' .record of various trips mostly in the bouthern Alps, made by Mr Powell, accompanied by Mr Mabin, who secured many of the "shots" from points that mvolved considerable risk. Tramping scenes on the Tararua and Rimutaka Mountftins were followed by beautiful lake and mountain scenery in the Nelson district. The rugged nature of the gorgeSj cataracts, waterfalls and striking cascades at »the head of the large Canterbury rivers was clearly depicted. The grandeur of the high peaks of the Southern Alps from numerous vantage points and the vast expa'nse of snow and ice were realistically shown and described by Mr Powell. Mountaineers, all carrying the .inevitable tramper's pack, were seen climbing sheer faces of rock and teaching dizzy heights, swimming rivers and traversing glaciers. A corner of the Copeland Valley, in South Westland, known as xiature's alpine flower garden, revealed a profusion of mountain lillies and daisies. Unfortunately, said Mr Powell, inquisitive and destruotive keas were seen tearing a climber's clothes and running off with his socks quite unconcerned at tlie close proximity of the owner. Dr Bathgate moved a vote of thanks to Mr- Phillips for mampulating the projector kindly lent by Mr N. Davidsoii, and to Mr Powell for providing the fflas. He said they would be intefested to know that the World's rccord for the asceht of Mount Cook was held by Messrs Powell and Mabin, two young New Zealanders. After supper, th© singing of the National Anthem brought the meeting to a close. ,