Tramping.

Anybody can tramp. That is, anybody with average physique and determination. Although the first trip may make you ache a little and wonder a great deal, very soon you will find these phases disappear in a glowing enthusiasm for the activity, the freedom, the beauty of the sport.

If you feel you would, like to tramp, but are afraid or shy, my advice to you is—tramp! No one has met his death on his first tramp, as far as I can gather. Give it a go! Should you manage to stand up to it, beg, borrow, steal, or, as a last resort, buy some gear. Here it is: First you need a pair of large, comfortable boots, not too heavily nailed. Two or three pairs of socks should be able to fit into them for comfort's sake. Good boots can be bought anywhere, priced from 15s. to 25s.

Next, a pack; borrow this from an old tramper, if you can, or otherwise try Savage's, Huteheson and Wilson's, or the Army Stores. They have variously-priced packs. Buy your fancy. It needn't be so very large if you pack it shrewdly.

If you intend tramping regularly, obtain a wind and waterproof coat and a sou'-wester. Tararua tramping is impossible without these. It is better to be warm than well-fed, and there's nothing like the oil-skin coat for warmth. On most trips camp is made in a hut, so waterproof sleeping-bags are usual, but by no means essential. An eiderdown or blanket, sewn up like an open potato bag, and some woollen garments are adequate for the most rigorous nights in a hut. Buy an oiled-silk bag if you can afford it. Gloves, scarf, and other minor impedimenta you can accumulate gradually. And there's all your gear, except shorts and shirt for actual day work. Inexpensive if carefully obtained; durable beyond all other sport's gear; a never-ending source of joy for years.

The first tramp this year, a Sunday trip on March 13th, to Kamunga, near Tawa Flat, enlisted 18 trampers, of whom half were "new-chums." In spite of cloudy weather, all enjoyed the climb over Colonial Knob and the swim at Open Bay.

As is invariably the case with trips to the Tau-herenikau Valley, that on March 19th-20th was voted a great success. The commodious accommodation at the Chateau is superb; the scenery beggars description.

During the week-end, April 2nd-3rd, twenty-live stalwarts, including numerous women and new trampers, journeyed to the picturesque Eastern Hutt River. On Sunday they| divided into track-cutters and others. These latter spent an enjoyable day admiring the grandeur of the virgin forest along the river-banks, whilst the former helped clear and cut the track, up to Mount Quoin. The Club is indebted to those members who assisted in this work. This ridge now presents a rapid route off the Hector track alternative to the infamous Marchant Ridge.

For future trips watch the Notice Board.