ROTARY CLUB

Wairarapa Times-Age, 28 February 1941, Page 4

ROTARY CLUB

A NEW DEPARTURE LUNCHEON IN THE BUSH. AN INTERESTING TRIP. It was a happy thought which prompted the Masterton Rotary Club to depart from its usual routine and hold its weekly luncheon meeting yesterday in the beautiful bush surroundings on the hills behind Mauriceville West overlooking ML Bruce and the Wairarapa Valley, The first thrill for the Rotarians and tneir wives was a trip of 2J miles up a bush motor road which only three hours before had been 100 slippery for the log lorries to climb. This road had been made to the top of the ridge, a height of 1.70 Q feet, just for the purpose of getting the timber out. On arrival at the mill site the party were met by Mr A. H. Daniell and conducted to an opening in the bush where the club caterers had prepared an excellent picnic lunch. The tractors had been busy putting logs in position round a central table so as to make an outdoor dining table. The club photographer, with a movie camera was able to take many happy shots of the gathering. The president. Mr P. F. Fagan, expressed his pleasure at the large attendance. more especially as the meeting that day was to observe the 36th anniversary of the birth of Rotary. Mr S. L. P. Free, who is a foundation member of the club, and past second vice-president of Rotary International, in the brief time at his disposal, made appropriate reference to the history of Rotary since its inception and the progress it has made. During lunch it was explained to the Rotarians that the top of this ridge was the track used by the Maoris prior to white settlement us one of the main routes north. By keeping to the high ridges they were able to avoid the numerous crossings of the many streams.

After luncheon the bushinen felled a tree in short time and then one of the marvels of modern bushfalling—a caterpillar tractor—bustled its way through the undergrowth, took hold of the fallen tree and dragged it out into the clearing, to be sawn into appropriate lengths for the log lorries. z\ demonstration was also given by a wire ro|>e hauler which dragged trees of all sizes and shajx's on to the skidways preparatory to loading. The ladies of the party thoroughly enjoyed a ramble through the beautfful bush, gathered ferns and small natives for transplanting. Before leaving cheers were given for the hosts and for Miss Butcher for the excellent manner in which she had carried out the catering.