FOR THE BLIND.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 February 1923, Page 1

FOR THE BLIND.

.WALKING TOUR OF WEST C OAST

Mr 11. S. Alpe, the well-known longdistance pedestrian, commenced his walking tour of the West Coast from the United Service Hotel, Christchurch, at 1.-15 p.nt. on Monday. Mr Alpe is undertaking this walking tour, which will occupy about four weeks, in order to collect funds for the Sir Arthur Pearson Memorial Fund for the Blind. Two motor-cars will accompany Air Alpe oil the trip, conveying collectors. There was a large clon'd present to witness the start of the walk, and Mr Alpe got a rousing send off. The Mayor (Dr Thacker) said that it gave him great pleasure to inaugurate the walking tour of Af.r Alpe.

“lie is a well known citizen of Christchurch,” continued Dr Thacker, “and has been the means of collecting hundreds of pounds for various causes by this method. The money raised during this tour will not he used for the benefit of the soldier blind in Canterbury, hut flic civilian blind. Canterbury’s quota ill this direction is £7OOO and of this amount £5(1(10 has already been collected. Tho Government will subsidise this £ for £.”

“This is the biggest occasion of Air Alpe’s career as a walker, and I want you to give him a good send-off,” eoneluded the Mayor. (Applause!. Mr Alpe, attired in the regulation athletic costume, then made his a|>pearanee anil was heartily cheered. In a few words lie lore starting out he said that whatever he undertook he always carried through successfully, and lie Mould see them all ill Christelnircli sarin in about a month’s time. (Applause). Mr Alpe then commenced his long walk, crossing the Square and proceeding up Rapauoi Road towards Rangi-

Tlie first stage of the journey was lo Raugiora. The route will take in Kaikoura. Blenheim, Nelson. We-f-M-rt, Rccftoii. Greymouth. Hokitika, Ross and Ixumnra. The reiurii journey will he made via the Oliva Gorge, ’tercet iollctions will he made in each town. nn»l at rke principal ones a

whole dnv will he devoted to collecting. Mr Alpe e\nocts to average about

thirl v miles eeeh dav. During Mr l ioiiiiicv the parte accompanying the walker will he billeted free.

AI the eenclti- i,l ef Eli trip Alt \ |ne intends to go on another walking loti;- in i lie North Island. I i increase tlu- inipl* <>f ihe Bovs’ Institute, Wellington.