Once again boots and packs were given an airing when trampers visited the ever popular Tauherenikau Valley. If the trip had been made during the term, no doubt the party would have been considerably larger. But even so the leader had his time fully occupied in feeding 30 hungry faces.

At the outset, many found that the first hill had not been misnamed "The Puffer." On arriving at the hut, four of the party with appropriate rations disappeared in a northerly direction to make acquaintance with Alpha, under the able leadership of Ron Meek. The rumor goes that they slept soundly on Saturday night. Led by Bonk Scotney, five others made a strenuous weekend of it by tramping to the Waiohina River only to find it impassable.

After lunch the main party went for a scramble in the precipitous Tauherenikau Gorge and returned early to find the hut invaded by 23 new arrivals. During the evening the V.U.C. performed their parlour tricks: namely a few hakas and the best known Extrav songs. The Hutt Valley Club followed up by leading many popular numbers.

A Rainy Sunday.

Sunday was heralded by the heavy tread of boots, the crackling of wood and the incessant patter of rain. Despite the downpour the leader, backed by seven undaunted stalwarts, paid a short call on Top Hut only to find that large portions of the walls had been used to light fires. At this point the Alpha party surprised themselves by finding Top Hut in the middle of the track so the 12 joined forces and retraced their steps towards base camp. On returning, they were welcomed royally and fed on old faithful —-the sausage.

Besides this, the trip was notable for other reasons. It has been said that during his short stay, the great Powell distinguished himself twice. Once by bounding animal-like through the undergrowth in an unsuccessful attempt to scare an innocent tramperette and on the second occasion by disappearing with a portion of the party food into the inaccessible woodlands beyond Cone Saddle. The matter is now in the hands of the N.Z. Alpine Club.

Did Shirley Grinlinton and Marie Collin bathe in the river? We cannot say for certain as there were no official witnesses.

The Cone Saddle-Totara Flats track requiring the attention of the club as it had become overgrown. Derek Freeman and Bonk Scotney donned their size 12 boots and grasping the club slasher firmly in both hands, rushed over the trail at least three times. The track is now unmistakable.