OVER THE TARARUAS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 1947, 4 March 1919, Page 1

OVER THE TARARUAS.

FROM WOODSIDB TO OTAKI

For some considerable time the Mt. Hector Track Committee, in the Wairarapa, has been most anxious to havc a good track from Woodside to Otaki, by way of the Tararua ranges, and many have spent much time and labour in devising ways and means .of securing tho most suitable road, says the Otaki Mail. While the residents on this side of the ranges have been slumbering on in good old Rip Van Winkle style, the Wairarapa commit tee has been up and doing, and has been the means of securing a fine track, with convenient wharcs

at. suitable intervals. Not content with such good work on the other side of the ranges, the eomniiitec is even prepared to go so i'ar as to assist by giving a sum ol.’ money towards necessary work on the Ofaki side, provided anyone can -be prevailed on to undertake I he work. Recently Messrs Frank Wall and T. C. Udy, two most energetic members of the Wairarapa committee, after a very pleasant trip across the ranges, readied Otaki. The trip was undertaken with the object of reporting on necessary improvements to the (rack, especially on the Manawatu side. In company with Messrs R. Bassett and R. B. Saver, they left Woodside on Monday morning, reaching (he Tauherenikau whare next day. As they were overtaken by fogg y weather, the two travelled easily, and made Mt. Alpha hut next day. On Wednesday they endeavoured to accomplish the main object of their journey, viz., to select a suit able place for a whare on the Otaki side of Ml. Hector.- They viewed (he locality, and will report fully on the mallei' to (heir committee, but we understand the site to bo suggested is between Mount Hector and the edge of ..the hush below Table Top —about half a mile on the west side of Mount Denuau. Algssrs Wall and Udy are by no means married to this suggestion, and should tiie Otaki people make any other suggestion it will he given every consideration (ho Greytown committee are only anxious that the.host work should he done. The party consider that two men in two days could clear to Table Top (to start from the ImshU They also suggest a bridle track under Mount Dennan, which could be dime at a trilling cost.

Messrs Wall and Udy were delighted with the beautiful scenery on their tour, also with the flowers on the route. In places (he mountain was ablaze with yellow rununenlns, Ihe pretty eidel weiss, daisies, heaths, mosses, etc. —a pleasing feature for the eye, and one which should attract even the most causal observer. Birds there were in plenty —pigeons, kawakawas, and long-tailed cuckoos, while two fine specimens of jet-black goals, with long, shaggy hair, were seen. Tracks of deer were also noticeable. The party obtained an excellent view on ■Wednesday —the weather was clear and just suitable to sec the large expanse of country. Lovely views were obtained of the South Island, Kapil i, Wellington Harbour and Somes Island, the Hull, Wairarapa and Otaki. Such views alone should bo an inducement for tourists, and (his together with travelling in easy stages, with every convenience, should entice many to cross the ranges. At present the track on (lie Wairarapa side is in first-class condition, and the party was enabled to ride many miles. On the Otaki side the track certainly needs attention, and we trust that something will be done without further delay.

The party desire to express their thanks to the Otaki Gorge settlers for hospitality displayed.