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Salient. An Organ of Student Opinion at Victoria College, Wellington, N.Z. Vol. 1, No. 15. July 13, 1938

Tramping

Tramping

Mr. Butchers was met by some of the party on the way up to Kime Hut, soon after leaving Field Hut. Sleet was driving up from the south, yet he had the temerity to mumble, "What are you going up to Kime Hut for? There won't be any snow. I'm going back to Field's!"

There was, however, snow in abundance from West Peak onwards, with enough snow and hail thrown in to make the prospect of Kime Hut a cheerful one. Of the 38 members on the trip, 24 stayed Saturday night at Kime. As the hut is 1,000 feet above the bush line, no fires can be had, so primuses were kept busy for hours on end melting down snow to slake mighty thirsts, and food in great variety and profusion was produced as if by magic the whole week-end Despite the cold wind, which was accompanied by snow and hail, a very comfortable musical night was passed.

Disappointing Conditions.

On Sunday morning Messrs. Oliver and Young pushed off into the sleet determined to ski or die. Skiing predominated, but only by the narrowest margin.

Conditions were slushy, with a bitterly southerly wind, but some more or less sheltered slopes at the south-eastern end of the hollow provided thrills and spills for all concerned [unclear: thfoughout] the day. Other enthusiasts soon ventured forth, but six or seven was the greatest number out at one time. As time passed the surface hardened noticeably, and became fast enough for several of the more advanced skiers to practise Christiania turns quite successfully.

We can only console those who had visions of fun and games in the clear mountain sun high above worry level by saying, "Better luck next time," and by reminding them of the Holds-worth trip later this month. The good performance of some of the newer members of the Club, despite the bad conditions, deserves recognition, and augurs well for the success of future big trips.—A.P.O.