STRATFORD MOUNTAIN CLUB.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 41, 18 February 1914, Page 7

STRATFORD MOUNTAIN CLUB.

o (Contributed.) The recently-formed Club has lost no time in putting their ideas into practice. Over twenty-live members and friends visited the Stratford Mountain House last Sunday. The weather was perfect, and consequently the trip was immensely enjoyed. Some walked over to Dawson’s Falls, some to Curtis Falls, and some climbed to the summit. The excursionists were unanimous that the recreaition of the trip left nothing to be j desired. We may freely acknowledge and urge that the individuals [first duty must necessarily be to attend to business and the practical things of life, but is it not written that “Man shall not live by hr fad [alone but by every word which projeoedeth from the month of God” land is not Mount Egmont the most I notable “Word of God” in ‘Taranaki ? [The student 'of Science and .the jtrifler therewith will explain to you more or less precisely the origin of our noble old mountain, how it came hy volcanic action and how it was gradually clothed with its magnificent [forest by virtue of the copious rainfall. With them we will not contend, for “Wits like fools at war about a name , Full often have no meaning or the same.” With the influence of the Mountain strong upon ns, with the fresh memory of the stately aim us, of the wondrous beauty.of fern, moss, and lichen, and with the vision of coast line, plains, rocky crags, and bush-clad gorges in our eyes, we will declare; “These are Thy words, Oh, God, but how little do we hear concerning Him.”

With all thoughts of trouble cast from them, a party of ten members left the Mountain House at 4 a.m..

| well comforted by the breakfast provided by the caretaker and bis wife. Much restraint was exercised by the pace-maker, and steady plodding soon brought them to the area above the bush and revealed a most wonderful panorama of morning glory. Out there to the east the crimson tints would stir the" heart of a millionaire encompassed by the morass of high finance, and Ruapehu and Ngarualjoe appeared as near neighbours. One brilliant fleck of cloud touched by the sun’s , rays stood forth as bright as new minted gold. As the Manganui gorge was crossed, the sun’s rim' appeared, and the callow youth of the party burs't Into poetry: Awake! for morning in the bowl of night 1 * Has flung the stopfl that puts the ]stars' to. flight, And lo!' the" Hunter of the East ‘h*V s , r“V.v,I V-"' The! Sultan's turrets nr a‘noose of

A little beyond this point the track to the summit points directly towards it, and the grade quickly increases. The spirit of emulation , and the hpt blood of youth assert themselves, and the party went headlong at it. The physically-fit soon the others, who, nevertheless, appeared to find enjoyment _in qalmer and, steadier progress. As the summit is more nearly; approached,; Abe grade 1 is.yet steeper, and the party felt that they were indeed on the roof of Taranaki, and that a little persuasion would convince Ahem that, it would bo possible to fall off the world into -space. The view from the sum-, mit was marred by mist, but some lovely colors in snow and ice rewarded the party. The descent was made via Fantham’s Peak, and was. rendered difficult by the snow and ice. A budding bookmaker offered six to four that a member would slip, and the wager was accepted in pence and won. The bookmaker has since spent much time in seeking precedents to justify non-payment, but there are indications that his conscience will properly correct him. The 'loose scoria of the Fantham’s Peak route is excellent for descent purposes, but for climbing, the solid rock of the Stratford’ 'route is much preferable. Through the mist at lower levels some wonderful optical illusions were witnessed. Portions of the reserve bush and plains appeared to be a huge, almost vertical, mountain side. At Dawson’s Falls the party enjoyed refreshing and excellent afternoon tea. The return to the Stratford House was made via Wilkie’s Pools, and the whole party of ten arrived in good condition ami thoroughly enjoyed the dinner provided there. The accommodation and attention obtainable at the Stratford Mountain House are highly satisfactory, and the number of visitors there last Sunday indicates that the public is not slow to appreciate a good thing. The easy and quick access to this house should do much to popularise it, and a strong demand for increased accommodation and conveniences may be safely anticipated.