TARARUA MOUNTAIN TRACK.

Otaki Mail, Volume 26, 24 March 1919, Page 2

TARARUA MOUNTAIN TRACK.

NEW COMMITTEE SET UP AT OTAKI.

There was only a small attendance at the public meeting, convened for Fri- ! day night last, at Otaki; for the purpose of taking some steps to assist with the mountain track over the Tarnrua ranges. Mr w. Tompsitt was voted to the chair. Mr W. H. Field, member for' the district, said that all present doubtless knew the position as regards the mountain track. They had an energetic Track Committee iu the Wairarapa, that had done good work, while the people in this district had not done what they might. The old Otaki committee had done a certain amount of work, having cut a track to Table Top, erected finger-posts, etc., but the track was now overgrown, and needed attention, A mountain hut was also needed. Mr Field suggested that a new committee be set tho old committee was practically out of existence, several members having died, and others removed from the district —and that steps be taken at once to erect a hut and improve the truck ou this side of the range. The Wairarapa committee had erected two or three huts, and tho track on that side was in good order. When the track on this side was in better order, he believed the track would become one of the most popular tourist resorts in the country. It certainly was one of the most magnificent walks in the island. Now that the war was over they might well push oa with this work. He understood the local committee had a lew pounds in hand, and a sum of £SO granted by the Government was, he believed, still, available. Mr Field said the Wairarapa committee had offered £ for £ subsidy, np to £SO, with the object of erecting a hut, and improving the track this tide of Mount Hector. Mr Field then moved that a new committee be set up. comprising Messrs W. H, Field. W. B. Smith, H. Nicolson, W. Tompsitt, Frank Peun, M. H. Ayrc, Geo. Ayre, W. F. Euxsling, A. Knoxj H. L. Beauchamp, and Evelyn Macdonald. This was seconded by Mr Nicolson

and carried. An apology for non-attendance was received from Mr E. Macdonald, who offered to help in any way he possibly could. The' following officers were then elected: —Chairman, Mr ."W. Tompsitt; secretary,' Mr H. Nieolson; treasurer, Mr M. H. Ayre. A letter was handed in from the Wai-

rarapa Committee, offering to subsidise £ for £ up to £3O, any money raised in this district for improving the track and erecting a hut. A recommendation was made that the hut be erected near Mount Dennon.

The searetary ox the old committee at Otaki reported that there was a sum of about £l2 in hand.

There being a quorum of the old committee present, a resolution was carried disbanding the committee and handing over the- funds to the nesv committee. It was decided, on the motion of Mr Field, ieeonded by 3lr Penn, that the secretary and chairman get into touch with Otaki Gorge residents, and' be erapowered to have the track cleared and improved/also to confer with the <srevtown committee re erection of hat.

.Mr Field offered/to attend to the matter of the Government ryant of £SO and ascertain definitely whether it was available, also to confer with Mr Seed, representative, of tie Maymom estate, re assistance for the track.

The meeting decided to ei-pedite matter*, witn tbe object of getting the tz&i£ attended to, and the feuf. ©reeled. if possible, before the wet weather set ia, so as :o be in readiness for next summer.

The leeretary. and treasurer were appointed trustees.of the fund, to operate banking account. .. ;T ie a 2sting closed with, a voie of thank* to fh% eiairsma.