Salient. An organ of student opinion at Victoria College Wellington, N.Z. Vol. 2, No. 7 May 3, 1939
Kapiti Tramp
Kapiti Tramp
Eight men and three women comprised the party for the Tramping Club's Easter trip to Kapiti. Thursday night was spent sleeping out at Paraparaumu and the party caught the first boat to the Island on Good Friday morning. Upon arrival tents were set up, the caretaker interviewed, and the afternoon principally spent in fishing. Croxton, having the doubtful honour of catching the first fish. In the evening a small representative party made a combined business and social call to the northern end of the Island. Upon their return the leader cheerfully offered to make tea for the whole party, only when the tea was made was it discovered that salt water had been used.
On Saturday a trip was made to the, Kapiti trig, and despite the sheer 1700ft. drop on the Western side all hands returned safely to camp and much to their satisfaction were invited to join a launch party. All those present tumbled aboard, the launch started and did not stop again until we anchored off Webbers. Here the fun began, no sooner were lines dropped over than they were hauled up again, every line with a fish. Shirley Grinlinton even catching two fish on one hook.
On Sunday an expedition of five—one woman and four men—set out for the south end. following the coastal route. At 4 p.m. after some small amount of rock climbing en route the south end had been reached. A conference was held on the spot and Messrs Oliver and Charlton plunged ahead, the other four returning and arriving in camp at 7 o'clock to find a large hot meal waiting, meanwhile Charlton and Oliver continued their little Jaunt, climbing up to the trig, from the south side, rescuing two benighted members of another party, the four arriving in camp at one a.m. A party then stayed up around the fire until dawn to hear the bird chorus (just before sunrise). Having heard the birds they then made breakfast for the whole party.
Monday morning was spent in many different ways, some fishing, cooking, washing s up and rock climbing. The launch arrived on time, the party scrambled aboard and soon landed safe and dry (?) at Paraparaumu and some live hours later had all reached Wellington.
Kapiti is undoubtedly a most-interesting place from every viewpoint and it is most unfortunate that the Club cannot obtain permits for larger parties to visit the reserve.