OVER THE RANGES.

Otaki Mail, Volume XXIII, 6 December 1920, Page 3

OVER THE RANGES.

| MT. HECTOR TRACK COMMITTEE,

A meeting of members of the -lararua Track Committee was held in. the Otaki Town Board office on Friday evening. Present: Alessrs J. P.-Bran-don (chairman), A. R. Knox, AV. F. Russling, H. Cockrell, D. Corrigan, and H. Nieolson (hon. secretary). Alessrs G. F. Davies and D. S. Knutson w 7 ere elected now members, while apologies wero received from Alessrs G. AX. Lethbridge and Frank Penn for unavoidable absence.

Correspondence was road and dealt with as under: —

Proni Tararua Tramping Club (Wellington) forwarding invitation to be present at the club’s social. Received, the telegram arriving too late to admit of anyone making the journey. Prom hon. secretary Tararua Tramping Club, acknowledging a letter relative to naming of proposed huts, and stating his committee was in accord with the wishes of the Otaki and Greytown committees in desiring the right to name huts on their respective side of the range. It was suggested, however, that the central hut, near Alt. Hector, be named the “Girdlestone” hut in memory of the late Air HughGirdlestone, who did so much to popularise the track.

A letter on the same subject was also received from the Alinister of Public AVorks, stating that he had no objection to Otaki naming huts and points on the Otaki side of the range, but pointing out that the Tourist Department would only accept for publication in its guide books, etc., official names approved by the Lands Department. The Otaki Committee would readily recognise that there must be some authority to control the naming of places, and this authority naturally vests in the Lands Department as the official compiler of maps. He therefore suggested that the Otaki Committee confer with the Commissioner of Crown Lands with a view to securing official •recognition of the names proposed. In answer to a letter from the Otaki Committee, the Department of Lands and Survey wrote stating that,if the Otaki Committee would submit names they would be considered and approved if suit: tble. A topographical plan of the locality was enclosed, with a suggestion that the proposed names be inserted and returned.

If, wa,s decided to recommend that the first hut (on Judd’s ridge) be called Te Aloe Moca (“The Dream”), and that the naming of the other huts and points be left to a committee consisting of, the Chairman, Messrs Penn, Cockrell, Knox, and Nieolson, on the understanding that the name “Tiro Tiro” (“The Look Out”) bo retained for the point overlooking Otaki and situated just below Tablo Top. Mr Knox pointed out that a hut would probably be erected on a suitable spot between Table Top and Alt. Dennan, two chains oil the track, but within easy view, where there were wood and water.

A letter was received from Mr Penn resigning as a member of the committee, on account of his intended departure from the district. —Resignation accepted with regret, Air Penn to be thanked for his services.

It was pointed out that the Government party which had been appointed to improve the track across the ranges would be starting work any day, and in consequence the. Gorge members of the committee were appointed to give all assistance possible and make suggestions that would prove beneficial.

It was decided that the anmsal subscription as a member of the committee be fixed at 2s tid, payable after 31st March next. The secretary was instructed to write to members who had failed to pay their subs.