THE MOUNTAIN CLUB.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 54, 6 March 1915, Page 8

THE MOUNTAIN CLUB.

(By Alpenstock.)

A constant source nl admiral ion <* I visitors to our .Mountain Mouse is tin

air ot prosperity which invade the rich milk-lauds ot Pembroke Road. Without exception, the aspect of each holding is that of a model dairy farm. The rid', pastures, encircled by beautiinllytrimmed live hedges, indicate a judicious selection and generous supply of the choicest seeds, and repayment of the farmer's wisdom is observable in the high class herds of milking cows, contentedly chewing the cud of peace by tiie way side, in the elaborate milksheds with milking machines ’ - ailed, and above all, in the hign tests recorded at the Pembroke Hoad factory. Mr Chetwood, a well-to-do runholder ,of Northern Auckland, who, in his beautiful and high-powered “Napier," has toured the Hawke’s Bay, Wairarapa, Maiiawatn and Wanganui Districts, when visiting our Mountain House, could not rest content until he had personally inspected the rich pasture and magnificent turnip crops on the left-hand side of the top end of Pembroke Road. “1 would not,” he remarked, “have credited it, considering the close proximity of the [Mountain, that such a fine sole of grass could lie obtained, and that, referring td the turnips, certainly is the most promising crop we have seen on our trip.” This is hut one of many instances which occur. All are similarly impressed. A select deputation of Mountain Club members waited on Messrs MeBain and Childs with the request, that they accept the appointment of honorary slasher grinders to the Mountain Club. Mr Childs, on behalf of the firm, said it would afford him extreme felicity to accept the position. So the severisation of Nature’s entanglements is now an anticipated pleasure. And you tell me, exclaimed Mr Chetwood, that this stream is the source of the hig river I passed over at Patea. “Sure,” remarked the guide, “this is the main stream of the Patea River watershed.” “I wonder how many know that, the stream referred to is the one which passes under the corduroy bridge, less than a mile above the Stratford Mountain House.”

The' young ladies attached to the District High School were to journey to the Stratford Mountain House under the guidance of their teachers yes. terday, and to return to-night. No doubt their contentment is complete, as a mountain trip provides one with never-ceasing opportunities for enriching the mind by observation and study.

“Paradise unearthed,” was the telegraphic terse sentence used descriptive of the new track cut by the Mountain Club members by a tourist who traversed the new walk. The path enters amidst the noble Totaras near by the corduroy bridge, and wends its way, gently ascending along the upper reaches of the Patea River, through a I profusion of mountain verdure, where!in birds, both large and small, find safe retreat. Wild pigeons—the gentle, timid, beauteous things, with (graceful necks, and outstretched wings hover above the trees. Was ever bush more beautiful: magnificent fern glades on every side; wherein all shrubs wonderously have thrived, and a thousand smells, a rare and undistinguished fragrance make. As one approaches “Lady Shoe Camp,” a noise of a sea in tempest torn is heard, and inquisitiveness reveals the restless fury of the river water as from rock to rock it leaps. The even nature of the path, with its gentle ascent, would enable one to wheel a pram along its surface (if twins, go the other way, and benefit by the decline), and the rare Prince of Wales’ Feather ferns in such profusion grow in close proximity, that one becomes the residence of wonder and admiration. The exit from the “old camp site” is indicated on the eastern side. The path now taking a gentle decline, and leads to the Mountain House, and emerges near the “Crow’s Nest,” and thus completing the circle. The scenic artists of the Club alone, are entrusted with the slasherisation of the 'Mountain verdure, and seek the spots where Nature most has lavished her hues; in the truth, one is pampered with luxuriousness ; the Caw Caw’s chanting their dolorous notes traverse the sky far above the trees, which, resplendent in their mossy embroidery, stirs one as if by estatic vision swept away, and as the beneficiary journeys without a sense of toil, he registers a claim ol predomancy for this ethereal fairy walk through mountain forest scenery designed by the Divine and Omniscient Architect, and still enchanted Mountain House and afternoon tea,, lie wends his way. “No sugar, thanks!” A party of visitors from Hawera and Patea are due to arrive to-night, and under the guidance of Mr Christopher will walk to the Mountain House and return on Monday. Stratford’s claim of being the route up Mt. F.gmont is now readily acknowledged.