TRAMPING IN THE TARARUAS.

Shannon News, 21 January 1927, Page 4

TRAMPING IN THE TARARUAS.

Despite the weather Mr. Field’s party to the Tararuas on Sunday proved a most enjoyable outing. His com- • panions were his son-in-law, Major ■ Pharazyn, Mr. R. C. Aston, President of the N.Z. Institute, Mr. E. Phillips Turner, Secretary of the Forestry Department, and. Mr. Richard Powles. The party stayed at Mr. Field’s farm at Ngarara, Waikanae, on Saturday night and left at 5 a.m. on Sunday by motor for the Otaki Forks, where they left their car. The climb was commenced at 6.30, and the Field Hut (near Table Top) was reached at $.43, which is considered very fast going. Breakfast was prepared aud enjoyed, and a fresh start was made for the range at 9.30. The weather proved very misty, confining visibility to a radius of little more than a chain, and at times there were very heavy showers of rain. There was therefore no view whatever of the surrounding country. Some very interestimHMiaßß ing was done, plants collected. The range at Field’s Peak was about 1.30. The party did notSMI the adjoining dip to Mt. Hector little would be gained by so doing in such weather. It was, too, very cold, with a strong northwest gale on the top of the range. Many of the most beautiful alpine flowers were in full bloom, including the Edelweiss at its very best, several species of Cclmisia, Veronicas, Bulbinellas, Libertias, Ourisias, Pimeleas, Euphrasias, and Ranunculus. The track was found to be in excellent order most of the way, but insufficiently marked on the summit. This matter requires the attention which it will probably have presently at the hands of the Tararua Tramping Club. A leisurely return was made, an early afternoon tea at the Field Hut, which is quite a commodious structure, the Forks were reached at 5 p.m. and Mr. Field’s farm at 6. The party reached town at 10 p.m. after a thoroughly pleasurable and interesting day. The Tararua Tramping Club have a large party going over the range next weekend.