EXPLORING THE TARARUAS.

Shannon News, 24 February 1922, Page 3

EXPLORING THE TARARUAS.

BLAZING A TRAIL TO, EKETAHUNA

Two parties left Levin, Wednesday,' in an endeavour to cross the Tararuas and reach Eketahuna. The weather was threatening on Tuesday, bur morning broke fine, though overcast. Great interest is being taken in the expedition in Levin, and advice of the accomplishment of the plans outlined will be keenly awaited. One party consisted of Messrs. G L. Adkin (leader) E. S. Lancaster, C. H. Martin, J. Pollock and E. \V. Clark. They left town at 7.30 a.m, for the Ohau Valley, and intended unloading at the pipe bridge • and starting off with a pack of 401 b each over the spur past the settling tanks, going from there Into tire Ohau River bed. To-day’s journey was to be to а, point about five or six miles up the river, and plretty rough going was expected, the river having to be waded several times. They would camp for the night, when they had covered the appointed march. The second day’s journey is to be for two or three miles up Mount Dundas, through rugged bush, a very steep climb. On Friday the party hope tc continue their trek over Dundas, camping that night on the other side. On Saturday a detour to the left wifi be made towards Eketahuna, which they expeot to reach on Saturday evening .returning to Levin on Monday. Messrs. Adkin and Lancaster, made the journey over Mount Dundas several years ago, but went down the right side of the mountain and came out at Mauriceville. They have both had much experience of the Tararuas. The other party consisted of Messrs D. Smart (leader), W. de Malmanche, A. J. Kirby, S. J. Gilbert and F. Rout ley. They set out from Levin by motor at 5.30 a.m. and propose taking a different route towards Eketahuna. They were set down at Gardner's mill and left there on their journey at б. p.m. to the accompaniment c f tooting sirens and mill whistles. The party expect to reach Eketahuna at Saturday morning, going by easy stages in a more direct line than Mr \dkin’s party and in the direction of Mangahao. Preliminary preparations of camping places have been made and one object of this party is to ascertain whether a practicable stock route is available between the East and West coasts in this locality.