Disembarking from the train at Upper Hutt, the trampers climbed a low hill, proceeded north along the ridges, and descended into a valley. Having paused to retrieve two of their number who had strayed during the descent, an easy walk of three or four miles brought them to the Little Akatarawa Stream. They followed the stream up to a saw-mil, and climbing a low saddle, slid down a precipitous muddy track to the Whakatiki River.

Round the Camp-Fire.

Tents rose like mushrooms in the camping spot by the river; a fire blazed up as if by magic: the harum busied itself with slicing onions, carrots and potatoes: and very soon the party was reclining round the camp-fire, filled with good spirits and an excellent slew, singing Extravaganza songs and telling vulgar anecdotes with the heartiness which only Tramping Club members can produce.

It rained very hard during the evening, and the river rose slightly, so a fairly early start was made next morning down the river. It was not long before the party was compelled to swim in places; and the task of swimming in clothes, and the enormous boots and packs that trampers roam around in was productive of much innocent mirth, especially among the harum.

Notwithstanding much ruin, a huge bull, an angry farmer, mud, and several aquatic episodes, the party reached the Duck-pond (a large pool in the Whakatiki River) in moderately good repair. Here a sumptuous lunch was consumed.

Gorge-Ous Swimming.

When lunch had digested, the party left. Between the Duck-pond and the Hutt River is a long gorge, full of deep holes, waterfalls, and craggy cliffs, which half the party decided to negotiate, while Mr. Watson-Munro led the harum and a few others round the hill-tops. The gorge was quite thrilling, There was almost as much swimming as tramping, and, although the water was fairly warm, the party was relieved to see the Hutt River ahead.

Need we describe the numerous humorous incidents—the collapse of the bridge that precipitated three trampers into the Hutt River. Tony Chorlton's blanket, the leader's witticisms—and countless others? Similar things happen on every Varsity Tramping Club trip.

What do YOU do in the week-ends?

Why not come tramping?

—R.L.M.