HITCH HIKING.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 345, 28 January 1937, Page 4

HITCH HIKING.

AUCKLAND-WELLINGTON

Walking Back From Science Congress.

Clad in khaki shorts -andl carrying all the equipment for.* road journey, Mr. Max Riske, M.X., a Wellington teacher, well-known for ’hie Interest in Soviet social affairs, and who figured in the< nows In 1934 when th* Education Department at first refused film leave to go to Russia, arrived, in Stratford last night in the course of a ’hitch-hiking trio from Auckland to Wellington- He was accompanied by Mr. Karl Alexander, a Victoria College Ctudient, and both have 'been attending the science ,congre«s at Auckland.

“We decided to come back by road In order to see the West Coast,” said Mr. Riske in an Interview with a “Central Press” reporter this morning, as they were making-south-wards.

Auckland was left at 12.40 p.m. on Monday and before reaching Stratford a deviation was made to Wat’omo Cavos. Motorists were generous In giving tile hikers lifts and in this connection the travellers had made an interesting classification. Owners of modern and luxurious cars were at the bottom of fhje list, those offering assistance, while truck drivers and commercial travellers were found to bo most generous. Da;i)ly Journey. The day’s journey was planned so that if possible accommodation tor ihe night could ibe secured at a boarding house or hotel. Te Awamutu was reached on the first day’s journey and on the second night they slept at a farmhouse between Mahoenui and Awaklno. Food for on? meal Is carried ip their packs and their gear includes water-proof equipment as a protection should it be necessary to sleep in the open in wet weather. However, the conditions so far encountered were ideal. At the Mokau river, Mr. Alexander had his firpt glimpse of Mount Egmont and he was greatly impressed With its beauty. Cheap Travelling., Travelling has been very Cheap. Transport expenses so far amounted to 5d each, which was spent on tram fares from the Auckland Post Office to the terminus, of the Great South Road. On bed and breakfast, and sundry expenses they Bad spent about 12/6 each. “A new national sport has developed in New Zealand,” commented Mr. Riske, in referring to motor camping. Numerous cars wefe seen'on the road or at camping sites and the general happy nature ol the people greatly appealed to him. Fertile Countryside. Finally, Mr. Risks touched upon the wonderful fertility of the countryside through which they had passed. He had travelled the world and it was among the finest that he had seen. Everywhere there was a plenitude of Autumn feed. The hikers expect to reach Wellington at the end of the week.