MT. HECTOR TRACK.

Otaki Mail, Volume XXVIII, 25 August 1920, Page 4

MT. HECTOR TRACK.

The following report will be sul> milted at a meeting of members, to be held at Otaki to-morrow afternoon:—

‘‘The popularity of the Mount Hector Track is rapidly growing, and this year it has been brought into further prominence by the energies of the committee. Much interest has been displayed in the track, not only on this side of the ranges, but also b.v members of the Greytown Committee, and it i-s gratifying To know that the Government is assisting with necessary work, while several enthusiasts have also helped by monetary donations. With additional money, promised by the Government, -it is hoped to considerably improve the track on both sides of the range, and thus entice parties to make frequent trips across. During the recent holidays there were many tourists, and it is pleasing to know that the trip can be done with absolute safety, and that the going is so easy that many lads have had no difficulty in accomplishing the trip. It 'S also pleasing to record that n member of the committee, Mr A. H. Knox, with his daughter (Miss Annie Knox) and Miss Louise Mack (a war correspondent) crossed over during the season. The ladies are said to be the first to do the trip, and we congratulate them on their performance. Miss Mack, unfortunately, was overcome with mountain sickness, and this, together with the fact that the party were caught in a blizzard, made mutters uncomfortable. Miss lvnox. however. did not suffer from any ailment, and crossed to Greytown with comparative ease. On -account of the storm, however, it was feared that trouble might accrue, and as the party did not reach Greytown as intended, parties were formed and set out in search of the trio. There was. luckily, no need forjhis step, as Mr and Miss Knox and .Miss Mack were quite safe -—thanks to the able guidance of the former. Had the elements been at all favourable it is safe to predict that the ladies would have done the trip easilv.

‘‘Recently the hut accommodation has been improved, and the new one at the top of the spur (near the water hole) has already been natch appreciated. Thanks are due to Messrs Knox, Beauchamp and Russling (members of the committee) for the fine work accomplished in connection therewith. These gentlemen also cleared the track and otherwise improved conditions for travelling. It is also pleasing to know that tourists have oftimes left the huts well provisioned Oil their way across, and we hope others will do likewise when possible. The track to Mount Hector is now in fair order, and with ‘ improvements, as already suggested, should entice residents to make frequent trips, either to Table Top, Dennan. or even across to the AVairarapa. Additional huts, which are shortly to he erected, will be fully appreciated, especially by ladies. •‘During the year the committee has been enlarged by the addition of several residents, who are displaying a deal of interest. Unfortunately, the committee lost the services of its chairman (Mr W. Toiupsift) during the rear owing to his removal into retirement to Wellington. Althuugli not ,i climber during the past few years. Mr Tompsitt has evinced much interest, and oft Tines gave sound advice. ‘‘The naming of the huts, when erected should bo given consideration by the committee, while the proposal of a few to change the name of Jit. Hector Track- Committee to ‘‘The Tarsi run Track Committee” is worthy

of consideration. ‘•la conclusion 1 wish to urge upon members the necessity of inspiring further interest into matters appertaining to the track, and hope all will show an interest that will arouse the enthusiasm of many others. ‘‘Thanks are due io Mr Penn for the publication of an interesting booklet (illustrated), entitled ‘Aeross the Tnraruas. ’ It is full of interesting reading, but must be read to be fully appreciated. ‘‘lt will be the duty of the meeting to elect a chairman in place of Mr W. Tompsitt. resigned.”