TARARUA CROSSING.

Shannon News, 24 January 1928, Page 2

TARARUA CROSSING.

A NiiW # ROUTB. What is believed to be the first traverse of the Tararua Mountains from Otaki to Masterton, via the main Tara- ' rua range, Avas recently made by Messrs G. S. Simpson. J. B. Wright, and S. G. Mcintosh, all of Wellington. Fully * equipped with tent, compass, maps, and provisions for eight days, the party commenced the journey on Saturday, January 7th, arriving at Masterton on ' January 16th. The route taken was along the Otaki-Greytown track as far as West Peak (near Mount Hector), • from where the course lay along the main range. A delay of one day by fog and unforseen difficulties in the nature of pinnacles, mutton, scrub, and other sub-alpine vegetation was responsible for the party not reaching Mount Crawford (4795* feet) until, six days after setting out on the venture. The original jirogramme was to eon- , tinue along the main range northwards of Crawford as far as Arete Peak, and then follow on over Mount" Dundas to Eketahuna. Af tor . the earlier delay, however, such a course was impracticable. A glance at the northerly part of the range from Crawford revealed miles of stunted bush and scrub, the piercing of which,, .would require a longer period than that for which the party was equipped. Accordingly it was decided to make for Masterton, via Mouut Holdsworth, which was visible on the intervening parallel Dundas-Holdsworth Ridge. A descent was made ta the Waiohine-iti River below, and then commenced a long, . arduous climb though bush -and scrub to Mount Holdsworth. A southerly storm resulted in the loss of another day, the party camping near the bushline on the western slopes of Mount Holdsworth. Once on the beaten track from Holdsworth to Masterton tho journey was soon completed.

The traverse ■ proved much more strenuous than was anticipated, battling through scrub and dense bush with heavy swags being particularly exhausting work. The route passes through magnificent forest and mountainous country abounding in native birds and deer.