MT. HECTOR TRACK.

Otaki Mail, Volume 26, 2 May 1919, Page 3

MT. HECTOR TRACK.

THE ROUTE DECIDED UPON,

DEPUTATION TO WAIT ON WAIRARAPA COMMITTEE.

j A meeting of the members of tho ' £Mount Hector Track Committee was I held'at Otaki yesterday afternoon. Present: Major Addington, Messrs H. L. Beauchamp, W. H. Field, M.P., G. M. Lethbridge, W. Jcpson, A. R. Knox, Frank Penn, M. H. Ayre, W. B. Smith, and H. Nicolson (secretary). In the "unavoidable absence of the chairman (Mr W. Toinpsitt), who sent an apology for absence, Mr Beauchamp was voted to the chair. An apology for absence was also received from Mr Bussling.

Correspondence was read and dealt with as follows: —

From Horowhenua County Council, stating it could not see its way to muky a grant to the track as the road leading to it had to be kept in order by tho Council, which was a heavy item. —Decided to make further application for assistance.

From Mr W, H. Field, M.P., suggesting a conference with the Greytown Committee relative to a site on the Otaki side for a hut. From Department of Lands and-Sur-vey, stating the office was not issuing locality plans, and stating one was issued by the Surveyor-General, and could be supplied to the committee at a low cost. —Received.

The Secretary reported that' since last meeting. Major Addington had been added to the committee. It wan ' also reported that Mr E. Macclonalcl had given £1 to the committeo's funds. Mr Field reported that tho Tourist Department was likely to take over the track, and that in consequence he had hopes of getting a substantial subsidy. A discussion took place as to the best route from Otaki Forks to the mountain tops, and the Greytown Committee's recommendation of locality for the proposed hut. It was considered by members that tho Otaki Committee was in a better position to fix the site for the hut, knowing the country and the conveniences needed by tourists from this side.

Mr Knox suggested that the first step tho committee should take should be to decide on the route, which caused Mr Field to remark that Ray's ridge had much to commend it. It would bo shorter, and a hut would be available at the Waiotauru for travellers, while tho Maymorn Company had offered much assistance. However, a lot of new work would be necessary. Mr Penn said tho question of routs was an important one, but, unfortunately, had been raised so late. It was, however, worthy of consideration. He had been up both ridges, Ray's recently, tho other some years ago. The grade up Ray's ridge was for the greater part easier than Judd's ridge track. Mr Seed offered the use of a hut, which whs to be removed to opposite tho swing bridge: further, Mr Seed was willing to make a bridle track about half-way up the mountain. If Mr Seed's suggestion was adopted the hut could be erected near the top of the ridge, this side of Dennan, and near the point where the Greytown Committee suggested. Mr Penn said he would have liked the Gorge members of the committee to have made the ascent. He considered by going up Ray's ridge the distance would not be shortened much, but the going would ; be easier—the ridge being more even - than on the other route. Mr Seed estimated the cost of putting the track in order up Ray's ridge at about £2O to' £3o—a big consideration, seeing that the estimated cost of tho other track was £6O to £7O.

Tho Chairman considered if Ray's ridge could be put in order for £3O the committee could look upon it as an alternative route, and couM attend to it after Tablo Top wa3 improved. Tho latter route, he contended, was a standard one. The value of Kay's hut, in his opinion, would be small. He emphasised the necessity of adhering to Judd's ridge route. Mr Field also favoured the present ; track as the country between Table Top and Dennan was more interesting; there were many chararin*: spots for for botanists. Ho advised, for the time being, to stick to the old track, and if more money was available at a future ; date they could have an alternate ! route. For scenic purposes Judd's ridge would be better.

The Chairman's motion that the committee stick to the track on Judd's ridge was .put and carried. Mr Beau-. champ agreed that later on the committee could turn it* attention to other tracks.

On the motion of the chairman, seconded by Mr Penn, Messrs Field and Lethbridge were appointed to wait on the Greytown Committee and discuss sites for the proposed hut and the expenditure of the grant offered by the Wairarapa Committee. Mr Field favoured a dip on the other side of Tablo Top for the hut, where water and fuel were available. The Chairman pointed out the difSeulty of getting building material over Table Top. Mr Knox said there would be no difficulty lower down as regards water, contending that a tank would serve the i purpose.

The Chairman thought the delegates might be instructed to get the hut low down on this side, near building material, fuel and shelter.

Mr Field expressed a hope. that the time would soon conic when there would be a hut on Mount Hector. If the track developed as he had hopes ir would, more tracks and huts could be provided.

It was eventually decided to give Messrs Field and Lethbridge a free hand in the matter. The secretary vra= deputed to write to the Greytown Committee and arrange a date for a raeei-

(• Mr Field suggested the marking of Jhe track along the this to pre-

•venVposiible loss 'of life. Other mem-bers-agreed that such a step-was advisable, and necessary precautions will be taken in due eourse. • Other matters of a minor nature were discussed, sifter which tho meeting ended with tho. customary vo.tc.. of thanks to the chair. •