Some Effects

Points of entry onto the tussock-covered ridges of the local ranges are rarely unguarded by leatherwood fields. Inevitably therefore, trampers on these ridges are slightly positively charged. This charge will be greater for larger trampers and for those travelling or attempting to travel long distances through large leatherwood fields. The effect will be most severe in such pedigree fields as on Tawirikohukohu.

Aerial photography has shown that nowhere are these tussock ridges linear in any direction. Thus interaction of the charged trampers with the earth's magnetic field means circular and errant paths are probable. The writer and several of his Vuwtc colleagues have themselves described such circular paths unintentially on several occasions.

Large collections of trampers are seldom seen in one place on the tops because of the low probability of finding such charged entities in close proximity to each other. Related to this is the obvious danger of a party or pair trying to crowd into a hut, tent or sleeping bag after a long and severe period of Lti. Obviously the effect will be inoperative during low-level river travel. Consequently large gatherings are often seen in valley areas below the scrub line.