Mountaineering.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 38, 14 February 1914, Page 5

Mountaineering.

THE STRATFORD CLUB. A NEW INSTITUTION. “Absolutely Dead!’’ was the expression used by a speaker at the meeting in the Municipal Chambers last evening in reference to the interest displayed by Stratford residents towards that glorious scenic asset, Mount Egmont, which is literally at their back doors. But all tnis is soon to be changed. For have we now not a real live Mountain Club, whose one and every object will be to promote the gentle—well, hardly that, but at any rate the noble—art of mountaineering, and to spread far and wide news ' of the sylvan glories in the bush, of health-giving walks, and of the many happy excursions to be found thereon t And to effect this—to be able to cry “Excelsior!” as the result of the enthusiasm which it is hoped to arouse in the community and district —they are prepared to climb to the very tip-top! This introduction may appear to some readers to be the outcome of a rather too-ready pen, but had they been at the meeting, which, by the way, was presided over by Mr .1. B. Richards (the promoter of the happy idea), and had had an opportunity of gauging the tone of the remarks of those present, little doubt would he iu their minds of the ultimate success of the new-horn club. The Promster’s High Ideals. The object or purpose of the meeting, said Mr Ricliards in opening die meeting, was to form a club primarily to promote a knowledge of the Mountain by means of trips and excursions, which, under the auspices of the club, would be more easily organised and more freely attended. Tue speaker’s own view of the matter was that if the Club would get the people of the town to take an interest in the Mountain, it would be good for the district—particularly good for the members, and generally much good would result. He considered the Mountain as a means of recreation, physically and mentally, was not to be despised. The \ oung people, he thought, were missing a great opportunity of learning the beauties of the hush particularly, an I of the bush on the Mountain 'generally in not making the Mountain more of a hobby.; He certainly thought that every 'Colonial should he - familiar with .the bush. iu Xew Zealand the bush | was a wonderful thing. There were marvellous trees in the reserve there, and the scenery was worth travelling many miles to see. Every young fellow should be able to name any tree that grows there; if he could not give the proper name, at any rate, he should be able to state the 'Maori name of it. The particular advantage of the proposed Club would be that excursions could he organised, and if any individual wished to go up the Mountain he would . be able to get companions who could act as a guide and could explain its beauties to less well-informed per sons. They would be sure to enjov themselves, and the dangers of tlie Mountain, especially those attending a climb to the top, would lie considerably lessened. In the latter connection, Mr Richards suggested that these guides be given a badge which would be in the nature of denoting authority in any party. Apart from the climb to the top, there was opportunity for excursions in the hush to Beil’s Falls, and to other partof interest. Then there was the matter of the discovery and locating of particular trees, and the great joy of gaining an insight into the flora and fauna of the Mountain. He himself had noticed a rata tree—unfortunately it had been burned—winch had a straight face of hard wood measuring seven yards. It might he said that he was drawing the “long how,” hut he was quite certain he was correct. It would be very valuable knowledge to possess if those remarkable trees, those noble giants of the forest, could be located. Perhaps, added Mr Richards, bis view on this particular matter would not coincide with others, but for himself be would go to considerable trouble to see such a tree as ho described. Another advantage of the Club would be that they could assist not only the residents but also visitors. The wtould certainly be able to provide visitors with knowledge which would enable them to make the trip with much more comfort and convenience than was possible at the present time. The desirability of a Club was, he was sure, quite apparent to all, and lie had no fear but that they would have a good membership. He moved that a Club, to bp called “The Stratiord Mountain Club,” bo formed for the purpose of promoting a knowledge of the Mountain particularly by means of frequent and well-organised exeur-

sions. The motion was seconded by Mr T. K irk wood. Board Member’s Remarks. Mr H. MeK. Mori son , who is a member of the Mt. Egmont National Park Hoard, and lias always taken a great interest in these matters, expressed his pleasure at the remarks of the promoter. It was pleasing to meet someone who took such an interest and who showed his love and admiration for the trees of New Zealand. Mr Morisnn said he was not doing any more than was his duty in going up to the House, and he went there very often, hut it grieved him to see the fern and beautiful trees damaged by cattle, or by fire or axe.

The trouble was the owners of the cattle did not seem to admire the jeautifnl, and it made him (the speaker) feel sometimes that he would like to shoot them—the cattle, of ■ourse, he added hastily with a Continuing, Mr Morisou said there vere trips .up the Mountain the Li*beauty of which few realised. : It ,vas very encouraging to him to see he present movement being taken, pso heartily. Stratford people in die past had been very las in the matter. “They don’t care a fig!" he said forcefully, and the interjection quot'd at tiie beginning of this report •ante like a- shot from a gun—“absolutely dead!” Mr Tom Kirkwood .as the speaker, and lie said it as if he knew what be was talking about. Mr Morison, in conclusion, said he vas glad to sed they were waking up low. The Board had been unfortunate in not being able to secure a. niretaker tor a long time, but now u Mr and Mrs Williams they had excellent managers—they were the night people in the right place—and ip paid a special tribute to the setrices of Mrs Williams in her management of the House. The motion was then put to the netting, and carried unanimously. The Subscription. It was pointed out that there was not much call for funds but it would be necessary to have a little in hand, and the amount of the subscription was fixed at 2s 6d, with no age limit barring from membership. According to reports submitted, a large number bad expressed their willingness to become members, but they were unavoidably absent. Under 1 the circumstances, it was decided to postpone the election of officers, the following motion being agreed to on the motion of Mr Rutherfurd: “That the present meeting forms itself into a committee to canvass for members. and that the permanent officers be elected at the next meeting te he held not later than a fortnight.” The following comprises the provisional committee:-—T, Kirkwood, C, W. Vaughan, J. Richards, C. L. Grant, T. .lames, S, James, 3. JStaples, and S. Rutherfurd. Mr T. Kirkwood was unanimously elected secretary and treasurer. The Club's Debut, ft was reported that three large parties were going up to the House for the week-end, and it was decided that this he the initial trip under. I the auspices of the Chili, all members and intending members being invited to join the party. It is ipossible that with a large gathering Int the'House on Sunday afternoon, some sort of ceremony to celebrate the occasion will be arranged. A hearty vote of thanks to the promoter closed the proceedings, and the infant-club stepped boldly {out into the night preparing for its first journey to the Mutant ain on the ttar-