TRIP TO TABLE TOP.

Otaki Mail, Volume 26, 14 May 1919, Page 3

TRIP TO TABLE TOP.

■ I PLEASANT AND PROFITABLE , TIME. A party—consisting of Mis W. F. Russling, Misses Knox (2), Messrs A. R. Knox, W. F. Russlijig, D. Corriga'n", J. Ayre, R."*aiid*A. Knox - , H. Xieolson (secretary of the Mount Hector Track Committee), and Broadmoro (luglewood) —on Sunday made the trip to Table Top. The party from Otaki, thanks to Mr Knox, were driven to "The Forks" and entertained royally, after which they were joined by rcinforements, and the march to Table

Top commenced. All were in the happiest of moods, and the party waskindeed a pleasant and merry one. 'Die long face aud the clearing was covered Id good style, and then came the beauties—in the truest sense of the word—of Nature. 'Die'tall Native trees and the undergrowth of beautiful ferns were most pleasing io the eye. and if was lit(lo wonder that the party culled for a halt on Sunlight Ridge to admire the scenery, and at the same time Io indulge in a mid-day meal in a pic- i lui'.esque spot. It was just previous to

this that the dogs scented a line pig. and two of the party —perhaps more energetic than the rest—put oli' in hot pursuit. Soon a rifle shot rang out, quickly folloTvcd b^another, and in record time the animal was brought in. The party, after admiring bird life and listening to the call of the bell-bird (mokomoko) slowly wended its way upward, stopping quite frequently to be "snap-shotted" by tire camera fiend. The going proved excellent, (lie easy up and down grades being to everyone's liking, while a fallen tree, here and there, added variety to the trip. At Tiro Tiro point, where the Gorge settlers suggest erecting the proposed hut —and. an admirable spot for the purpose —the landscape was viewed, but, unfortunately, Otaki and its surroundings were not seen owing to a huge mass of fleecy clouds low down. At. this spot there is an abundance of wood, suitable for firing purposes, while a hut would be within easy distance of both "The Forks" and Mount Dennun. It is no wonder that the settlers are so strong in their contentions that the locality is the best. From this point to the Table Top the going was not so easy as that passed over, on account of the truck being less defined, but no one complained, and thcTucrry party were soon partaking of light refreshments on the peak. From here excellent views were obtained of Dennun, the Tararua ridge, the Otaki Valley, etc. The descent was made in rapid time and there were no delays, except for a meal near/the edge'of the clearing, which the'patty left as the shades of darkness v. ere approaching. Mr Knox's residence was finally reached, and a refreshing cup of tea was fully appreciated.

The beauties of the whole trip must bo seen to be appreciated, but there is no hesitation in saying that the climb ranks as one of the prettiest in New Zealand. The writer has made ascents of Holdsworth, Tarawera and .other well-known mounts, but for scenery there is no comparison, while the travelling is much easier. The ladies of the party had never before made the ascent, and they returned to their homes full of life and vigour and ready t.o make another trip. Not only is the mountain trip a picturesque one, blithe trip by road is absolutely "on its own." The beautiful ferns. Native bush, etc., that shade the road, the ser-pentine-like river below, here and there waterfalls and the Roaring Meg, all combine to make the trip a fine one, and the time quickly passes in such scenes. The Buller and the Dtira Gorges are known fur and wide, but some say these do not compare with the Otaki Gorge for scenery. It is only a lack of advertising that leaves the local scenery in the background, and it is hoped a move will be made in- the near future to bring the wonders of the Gorge to the fore. Should this be done the locality will boom. and. tourist? may be expected from various parts of the Dominion. The river scer.ery alone is worih the trip. We hope to see the present Mount Hector Track Committee make an effort to bring the rcattf.r more before the public, and to see local parties in great number make the ascent of "good old Tabic Top." .