MOUNTAIN CLUB.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 25, 30 January 1915, Page 7

MOUNTAIN CLUB.

FIRST ANNUAL REPORT. The following report will be subnutted to the annual meeting of the Club in the A. and P. Association's office on Monday night:— The committee have pleasure in reporting on the proceedings of the Club during its initial year and have much satisfaction in stating that excellent progress has been made towards attaining the objects of the Club. Membership is highly satisfactory, 2-14 members having paid their subscriptions. Members will please note that subscriptions for the ensuing year are now due, and in view of the useful activities of the Club and the small annual subscription they are respectfully urged to continue their membership an() to promptly pay their subscriptions.

Trips.—Many enjoyable trips to the Mountain were organised and participated in by members, the summit being ascended by many, and one party /isited Lake Dive. Direction Boards and Distance No.ices were erected on the road to the fouse and the track to the summit or the convenience of visitors, disances being measured by the Club. Working Bees were organised and nuch useful work was done. The road o the House received attention and rater diverted to the water tables previous to last winter with much, lenefit to its maintenance. A. track was cleared to a point on a ridge situate between the Stratford track and Dawson's Falls. From this point a nagnificent view of the province from 'ihama to Bell Block can be obtained, ind in clear weather the coast lines of both North and South Taranaki bights present a glorious panorama. V new track connecting the Manganni i Gorge track and the track to Curtis' hut was cleared. This offers an interesting trip and provides a second route for the ascent of the summit. The most important matter considered by .he committee is the forming and metalling of the remainder of Pembroke Koad. In conjunction with local bodies strenuous efforts have been nade to raise sufficient money to complete this highly necessary work. The Government made a grant of £250, the 'ounty Council have agreed to expend about £B-5, and the remainder if about £l7O must be provided. A scheme which promises success is now in band, and both committee and mem. lers generally will be greatly pleased .hen it is brought to a successful issue.

Advertisement Cards have been

printed and will be distributed for ex-

libitiou in suitable places. The advantages of the Stratford route have

jeen set forth. These can hardly be exaggerated, and when they hecome more widely known the result must be a large increase in the numbers of those who enjoy the beauties f our wonderful mountain and forest eenery. The easy access, the splendid -ades of the Stratford route and the

use with which all points of interest

an be, reached from the Stratford dountain House have but to be known ') be highly appreciated. Dawson's 'alls is just a nice walk from Stratford dountain House and the North Eguont House can be visited and a re-

urn made with comfort during the

lay. Thus the central position of the Jtratl'ord House and its close proxinity to the railway must appeal to all visitors who wish to become acquaintd with Mount Egmont.

Guides.—Honorary guides were appointed under the control of Chief Guide T. P. James. These guides wove in command of trips made by

members and thus comfortable travelling and safe return were' ensured. From the Club's point of view all our guides went to the war, but we may well feel proud of them. They will make the best of soldiers. The love of Nature has been much promoted by the Club's trips, and the youth of the district undoubtedly appreciate the beauties of the forest, bhe wonders of all its growth, and the soul-inspiring effects of the Mountain.