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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 7, Issue 6 (October 1, 1932.)

The Mystery Wave

The Mystery Wave

No one can finally resist the mystery wave which is sweeping over this country in the tramping-train movement.

After days of set routine, when the only matter about which there is much chance to speculate is perhaps the possible romance wrapped up in a chance caller, or the composition of the next meal, there is something wonderfully attractive about the idea of setting off for you don't know where, in the company of you don't know whom, and leaving all planning to an authority in which the utmost reliance can be placed—in this case, the Railway Department. Hence every mystery train is a success, and the demand for these grows. The people of the districts visited enter into the spirit of the outing with much heartiness, and render assistance in every way possible, many owners of private properties throwing open their estates for the pleasure of the tramping parties. As some of the finest native forest lies in such country, this privilege is greatly appreciated, and care is taken that the properties suffer in no way from the incursion.

A reminder is always issued by the Department on this point, and some amusement was caused on a recent tramp regarding the way in which one lady had observed the warning. The lunch had taken place in the bush, about a thousand disposing themselves in comfort along the banks of a beautiful stream. After lunch, this lady was seen to wrap up carefully the tea-leaves in a piece of paper and pack the parcel to take home, rather than throw the tea-leaves out on the ground in this thousand-acre forest. Such super-care is an inspiration.