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193906

The Sydney Bushwalker

A Monthly Bulletin devoted to matters of interest to The Sydney Bush Walkers, 5 Hamilton Street, Sydney

No, 54 Price 3d. June, 1939

EditorDorothy Lawry
Business ManagerBrian Harvey
Publication staffMisses Dot. English and Doreen Harris; Messrs. Arthur Salmon, Dick vchofield and Bill Mullins.

Contents

Page
Editorial 1
Out Bindook Wayby Bill Hall 2
Believe It Or Notby “Mumbedah” 4
At Our Own Meeting 5
Conservation - Bill MullinsAnswered by “Conservative”, “Mother of Seven” and “Little Audrey” 6
The New Business Manager Speaks 8
Blue Mountains National Parkby E.J.D.10
Waldheimby Dorothy Langworthy12
Federation News 13
Club Gossip 14

Advertisements

Paddy's 4
Leica Photo Service 9

Editorial

Having now firmly established the Club's Monthly Magazine - with the able co-operation, of course, of everyone else on the staff, each in his or her own department – Bill Mullins has retired from the position of Business Manager in favour of that enthusiast, Brian Harvey, who is still attending to the actual production as well, helped, of course, by Arthur Salmon and Dick Schofield.

Don't think, though, that Bill has gone into retirement and is having a well- earned rest. Far from it, he is still in charge of the assembling, and of the cash sales in the Club Room. And, if he is not careful, we may get him to chase up some more advertisement for us too. We need them; and our admiration for Bill's past work belongs to the sincere variety that is usually shown by asking for more work from the same person.

Yes, this is a threat to Bill, but it is also a promise to all our readers that the whole of the Publication Staff is as keen as ever to provide the best possible magazine, and to make it pay for itself.

Out Bindook Way

by Bill Hall.

In the early hours of Good Friday morning we scrambled from the lorry at the turn-off to Colong Station, and walked only a few yards to camp at the rill that trickled across the road. We had to follow this road for some miles and were tot enamoured with the thought; however, when Colong Station was reached and we set out over the paddocks, contrary to bushwalkers' usual expressions on roads, we commented most favourably on this one, and told one another how much we had enjoyed the walk along it.

The track to Barrallier's Pass was quickly picked up and, although at times somewhat indefinite in the heavily timbered foothills, we followed it successfully to the top, where we dumped our packs and climbed a still higher vantage point. The view of the surrounding ranges was magnificent and considerable time was spent in identifying the mountains on the distant skyline. Satisfaction reached, we continued on our way and lunched at the first water in the swamp. The rest of the afternoon was beautiful; walking through country that was mostly swampland we were given the impression by the stunted growth of the trees and the intense blueness of the sky that we were in snow country. Then, following Bat Creek up to the gap in the range, we climbed Feats Lookout and wended our way down to camp at the homestead above Bindook Gorge.

Saturday morning, having received information from the occupant of Bindook Station homestead that it was possible to get to the bottom of Bindook Gorge, we followed his directions carefully and came to the gully down which we were able to descend. Four of the party decided to take the track over the ranges, but the rest of us braved the land-slide (that was all the gully proved to be) and gingerly began to pick our way down the mass of broken rock. We reached the bottom after one mishap, the consequences of which, fortunately, were not serious; Gordon Smith was struck by a huge boulder that had dislodged from above and was swept off his feet. He was rolled over and over and, after being jabbed amidships by a sharp piece of sapling, came to a stop with all the wind gone from him, He rested for a while but, quickly recovering and pronouncing himself well again, resumed his way down and came safely to the bottom. From here we obtained excellent views of the falls and spent considerable time exploring them, the rock-climbing section being particularly entranced. Then, following the granite bed of the creek, we were suddenly confronted with a waterfall. It was impossible to climb down so we decided to sidle it. The further we went the worse it became and we eventually came to the conclusion that to continue in this fashion was foolish. A rope was then brought into use, but four of us, refusing to face the danger of falling rocks - it was impossible to move without dislodging them - took the alternative of seeking a way to the heights above. It was a doubtful way out as it was by a different route to the one we came down, but, fortunately, we were able to accomplish it and, as we four deserters turned to climb the steep mountainside,the last sight we had of the more adventurous spirits was seeing a rope being tied round Phyl. White's waist.

We all met again at the junction of Bindook and Murruin Cteeks and continued downstream and camped this night where Little Wombeyan Creek joins Murruin Creek.

Awakened on Sunday morning by kookaburras (yesterday it was magpies) and getting away to a late start, we followed Murruin Creek down. This delightful little stream is known too as Gulf Creek, and is referred to as such by the local stockmen. Of course, we were seeing it at its best and, as we moved along the dew-drenched banks, frightened shags and rabbits soared and scampered away from in front of us. From recent rains the creek was plentifully supplied with water, and portions of it were compared with both the Coxs and Kowmung Rivers. It all came to an end too soon and the Wollondilly River was reached for an early lunch. Following the river down, we camped this night a little above Basket Creek.

Away early next morning, we found the rocky banks of the Wollondilly unpleasant for walking, but as time went on it improved, as did the trees along its banks. Stockmen had cleared the slopes above the river, overcleared many of them it appeared, but - seemingly in a surge of generosity - they had left much of the flats by the river untouched, and the groves of “apple” trees we passed were glorious. They were the biggest and grandest trees of this kind we had ever seen.

We had many miles to cover this Easter Monday and frequent crossings of the swollen Wollondilly were made. At one particular crossing some of the party had the thrilling experience of swimming down the rapids.

Keeping up a steady pace, we arrived on time at the appointed place on the valley road, where we were to meet the lorry to take us back to town. Unhappily, we had a wait of some hours, and it was a crowd of tired and sleepy walkers who, in the early hours of Tuesday morning, arrived home to crawl in between blankets. Nevertheless it was a wonderful trip, through country which walkers are rarely privileged to visit, and, should the gods continue to beam upon us, we will do it again sometime.

Beauty

In spite of all,
Some shape of beauty moves away the pall
From our dark spirits. Such the sun, the moon,
Trees old and young, sprouting a shady boon
For simple sheep; and such are daffodils
With the green world they live in; and clear rills
That for themselves a cooling covert make
'Gainst the hot season.

– John Keats.

Stings, Scratches, Sunburn, Sore Feet, Scalds, Snake-bite And Such Like.

Sensible souls seldom suffer severely from such simple symptoms, since spending six sixpences secures simple substances supplying sure safeguards swiftly suppressing suffering, sending sickness scurrying.

In other words come and have a look at Paddy's new first-aid kits.

Finding it impossible to buy a ready made kit containing just what was wanted at a reasonable price, Paddy got to work and made a kit up himself.

In addition to the usual 1“ and 2” bandages, sticking plaster, cotton wool, safety pins and boric powder, it contains a screw-top bottle of soluble Tea-tree oil, a tin of “Blue” for stings and insect bites. Also Tannic Acid Powder for sunburn, scalds, and burns. Tannic Acid in solution is also a marvellous hardener for sore and tender feet. A razor blade for general cutting and for use as a snake-bite lancet, Condys crystals and a boot lace for a ligature. In case you have a headache working it all out, there's ten aspirins in a glass tube for you.

In a handsome red tin all for 3/-.

Paddy Pallin

327 George Street, Sydney Opposite Palings.

'Phone B.3101.

Believe It Or Not

by “Mumbedah”.

Light Weight Campers.

The light weight camper says “Everything should have two uses”. Did you hear about the two members who recently camped on the “Dogs”, using a large stick of Macaroni as a “persuader” for a backward fire, and a curved piece to dangle their billy from?

A.R.P. in Megalong Valley.

It is perhaps of interest to know, with the present widespread publicity given to air raid precautions, that the ramifications have spread even to the Carlon Homestead on Galong Creek! It is learned from reliable sources that the vibration of an aeroplane engine can be picked up by Mrs. Carlon's iron kitchen chimney some minutes before the 'plane can be heard or seen outside! So those people, whose good fortune it may be to stay at Carlon's, can rest assured that they will have good warning when the bombers are passing westward; or will Norbert emulate his cousin, Bernard O'Reilly, in locating lost fliers? Perhaps this phenomenon accounts for the “rise” in Mrs. Carlon's never-to-be-forgotten dampers!

At Our Own Meeting

Two new members were welcomed at the May meeting when Miss Gladys Roberts and Mr. Alfred Watts were admitted to the Club.

To Maurie Berry goes the honour of being the last of a long line of Room Stewards. The Committee has decided that this office will no longer exist and that, in future, it will be the responsibility of the Social Committee to see that the Clubroom is made ready for lecturers, or whatever form of entertainment that might be on the Social Programme.

It was very pleasing to learn, during the evening, that the efforts of the Parks and Playgrounds Movement and the Hornsby Shire Council supported by the Federation and other interested bodies, had met with success, and the Railway Department had agreed to alter their original plans and to divert the new Transmission Line to run beside the railway line, at Hawkesbury River, instead of taking it over Long Island as proposed, thus preserving the loveliness of this much admired beauty spot.

According to the Federation report a new club known as the Campfire Club has affiliated.

We were informed from the same report that the Greater Blue Mountains National Park Scheme is to be the principal project of the Conservation Bureau. Further discussion was held on the matter of a paid Secretary for the Federation. It was finally agreed that the S.B.W. were in favour of the appointment of a paid Secretary and a paid Assistant Secretary, provided that they be members of one of the affiliated clubs and persons suitable for the positions. The amount of payment to total £50 per annum. In addition a bonus to be paid to both if work be satisfactory and if Federation funds permit. The money for payment of these officers to be raised by (1) raising the annual subscription to 1/6d per member of affiliated clubs, (2) circularising individuals who are not members of any club and who may be interested in the work of the Federation and asking them to become associate members or make a donation to funds.

The meeting was informed by Maurie Berry that the Glebe Ambulance Brigade had acquired a small piece of land at Bundeena and proposed to establish an Ambulance Station there. They require £50 for ambulance equipment. It was resolved to instruct the S.B.W. delegates to ask the Federation to make a suitable donation to the Glebe Ambulance Funds for this purpose.

Dorothy Lawry, who is the S.B.W. representative on the Federation Publication Committee, reminded members that the Federation would be publishing another “Annual” this year, and that contributions to this magazine would be welcomed by the Committee.

Just before the meeting closed at 9.25 p.m. it was agreed to follow Maurie Berry's suggestion to send a letter of congratulation to the M.T.C. on the occasion of its Jubilee Dinner to be held on Friday, 19th May, 1939.

Conservation

Bill Mullins Is Answered By "Conservative"

Mr. Mullins has written an article which, he says, is intended to start a controversy. I always hate to see people disappointed so, though all he says is correct, I shall beg to differ.

Recently a large party of bushwalkers spent the week-end at my cottage and camped in my bush garden. On the Monday I went down to inspect the damage and, frankly, I should not have known they had been there. If that does not display an interest in conservation, I should like to know what does.

One cannot expect the average person to take an active interest in public movements. He is doing his part simply by living in his own life the ideals we should like to see in public life. When people have learned to treat each other decently in everyday life we shall easily solve the problems of International amity and social organization. Plans and systems are important, but one has to begin with the individual, and plans and systems are hopeless without the right thinking and right acting individuals as their basis.

And so it is with conservation. The average person is not fitted to hold forth at Federation meetings and does not want to; and as for dividing up lands into Primitive Areas, Tourist Open Areas and National Monuments, he cannot be expected to think it all out seriously. He is playing his part if he leaves his camp spot as he finds it and refrains from destroying the plants and trees of the bush. Very little, Mr.Mullins will say, but it is the average individual who wins victories in the end.

“Say not the struggle nought availeth,
The suffering and the wounds are vain,
The enemy faints not, nor faileth,
And as things have been they remain.

“For while the tired wave vainly breaking
Seems here no painful inch to gain,
Far back, 'mid creek and inlet making,
Comes silent flooding in, the main.”

Mr. Mullins Is Also Answered by "Mother Of Seven".

“Mother of Seven” writes:-

How are the mighty fallen! Sad indeed is it when a reputable publication such as “The Sydney Bushwalker” allows to be printed in its hitherto unsullied pages such a sinisterly obscure and mysterious piece of writing as that by one Bill Mullins - purporting to be on “Conservation”. Mark my words, under this smokescreen of alliterative verbiage is hidden some murky and nefarious propaganda, designed to undermine the constitution (which, or whose, is not yet apparent).

Meantime, though we cannot, without long and patient research, bring to light fully his fell and hidden purposes, we may deal with a few statements which manage to rise to the surface of the general morass.

For one thing, he suggests that “interest is lacking” in the monthly Federation report. How, I would like to ask, is this interest to be shown? Are we to sit with bulging eyes, open mouths, and waggling ears, in order to impress him? Assuming we are a democratic institution, it appears to me that, having elected a person who is our nearest approach to an expert on the subject, there seems to be little that the mass of members can do. They can criticise their spokesman if they differ from him, admittedly, but if, as is generally the case, they happen to agree with his policy, are they expected to acclaim him loudly and furiously, or is their silence to be construed as indicating that they have no interest in the matter? As for what are called “disparaging tactics”, I am very interested in them, never having seen or heard anything to which such a peculiar description could possibly be applied.

Then there is a plea for “bigger and better attendances” at Club meetings. What this catch-phrase means in this connection is rather beyond me. Bigger, certainly – but better? Is this some of his sly propaganda to improve our characters an underhand attempt to convert us to “middle-class morality”? Shame!

Finally, I should like to point out that Mr.Mullins, true to the traditions of politicians and the press, puts forward no concrete evidence of an “apathetic attitude” to conservation. Has he discussed the matter with a sufficient number of members, so that he can state with authority that a majority of them do not display interest? If so, why does he not produce his figures? If not, the onus is now upon him of proving his case (if any) by such means.

“Mother of Seven”.

P.S. To further the cause of briefer and brighter journalism, Mr.Mullins might, in future articles on such subjects, take a pencil and cross out every second word, and later publish the deleted portion as at answer to himself.

And Here Is A Reply To Mr. Mullins From "Little "Audrey".

As a new member, Bill Mullin s article on Conservation rather appealed to me. Being a member of little over twelve months' standing and attending the Club Rooms fairly regularly, with the exception of general meetings and Alex. Colley's excellent article in the February Club Magazine. I have heard practically nothing about conservation, so would not be in a position to air my views to other members or at meetings.

I agree with Bill that delegates to the Federation are entitled to, and should have an enthusiastic backing from their fellow club members, otherwise, how can they be expected to achieve their objectives. Old members could be a great help to new members, but, with the exception of a few, they keep to their own little groups and new members are very often given the feeling that they are pushing themselves if they break in on these groups. I feel sure that it is only lack of thought causes the older members to appear that way and actually they are quite willing to be friendly and helpful.

Since reading Bill's article, I have asked numerous new members what they know about conservation, and, like myself, they know very little, but mostly seem perfectly willing to be interested.

In conclusion, I would like to suggest to those members who are well informed concerning conservation that they give other members, especially new ones, every opportunity to become conversant with the subject. Having done this, if they do not then receive co-operation and assistance from their fellow club members, I will be the surprised one.

(Editor's Note. Old Members MAY have heard this complaint once or twice before. Judging by the way it keeps on cropping up, there must be something in it. Although it happens that these three contributors have all chosen to write under nom-de-plumes, the replies are genuine and, we believe you will agree, all contain food for thought - possibly also for discussion by the “Left Book Club”. -Editor.)

The New Business Manager Speaks.

It is with the greatest tribute to the efforts of the retiring Business Manager, Mr. Bill Mullins, and the Editor, Miss Dorothy Lawry, that I take pleasure in announcing the record sales of “The Sydney Bushwalker” for the month of May. One hundred and thirty two copies were disposed of on the first evening of publication, whilst of the re-print of twenty extras for the second Friday, a further dozen were sold on that night, making a grand total of 144! This cannot be repeated, and was only possible owing to our having spare blank covers on hand. Our normal maximum production of 132 copies per issue, may again be sold out on the first night, and to ensure your copy, I again appeal to those of you who are not subscribers to make sure of your copies by becoming annual subscribers. For those of you who do not wish to receive a rolled magazine in the mail, we will now RESERVE your copy, and hold it at the Clubroom until called for, for the reduced sum of 3/- per annum!

It is only by a guaranteed circulation that the Publication can be a financial proposition - whilst we do not aim at making a profit, let us, at least have a square account at the end of the year.

The response of members in creating the record, and the proven popularity of our magazine, is extremely encouraging to the Publication Staff, and on their behalf I sincerely thank members for their excellent support of our work.

Blue Mountains National Park

by M.J.D.

The Sydney Bush Walkers' proposal that Federation adopt, as its chief conservation objective, the Greater Blue Mountains National Park scheme, as planned by the National Parks and Primitive Areas Council, was discussed at last meeting of Federation.

Mr. Alex. Colley, S.B.W. delegate, tabled a motion to this effect at a previous meeting and the matter had been referred to the Conservation Bureau for report.

The N.P.P.A. Council explained, in a letter to Federation, that the general scheme was one of regional planning, and that consideration should be given to Councils' scheme of primitive areas and tourist developmental areas, and the needs of mining, grazing, water supply, sewerage and forestry. Council said it would esteem collaboration with interested Federation deputies on the angles of the matter interesting to the bushwalking movement, such as unity of action for the reservation of additional areas for the furtherance of bushwalking and preservation of bushland. Council suggested Federation to concentrate upon these matters to the exclusion of production, settlement and other conservation issues not profitable to the recreational walking movement.

Council pointed out that the general boundaries of the scheme were the result of considerable research, and were accepted years ago by the authorities as a basis for discussion. They said that the proposed amalgamation of interests, suggested by the S.B.W. obviously was inspired by belief in the benefit which would accrue to bushwalkers generally, from general adherence to the well-known scheme as planned. Council pointed out that 170 square miles of reserves have been granted within the boundaries during the last six years, due to the help of all parties concerned; also that another 200 square miles available, and that a concerted effort should be made to impress the authorities with the necessity for gazetting these lands mainly as primitive areas; also that Council's equable regional treatment for the division of areas suitable for tourist recreation, namely, the balanced allocation of tourist developmental areas and primitive areas, should be sustained by all interested parties, mainly because of its obvious advantages over the existing “public recreation reserve” system for all recreational purposes.

The N.P.P.A. Council said they were prepared to discuss organization for action in the matter, and suggested roundtable conferences between interested Federation delegates and Council members.

At the Federation meeting the Conservation Bureau of the Federation tabled an adverse report on Mr. Colley's motion and against the national park scheme. This was backed by two letters of adverse import addressed to the Bureau by Mr. F.A. Craft of Lithgow. The Bureau representatives, Messrs. Mitchell and Roberts, spoke against Federation's adoption of the scheme on the ground that it was too vague for discussion in its general form, and advised Federation to take no action until full and detailed particulars had been supplied Federation. The full facts were missing and a knowledge of land tenures was necessary before anything useful could be done.

Another member said he could not see how Federation could profit by adopting the scheme as its major objective, since Federation and the clubs always had supported it on general principles and this fact was well-known.

After further discussion Mr. M.J. Dunphy, Mountain Trails Club delegate and a member of the N.P.P.A. Council, said he thought it strange that the Greater Blue Mountains National Park scheme should be so depreciated by a section of Federation. The project was seven years old and a going concern. The walking movement had worked with it and had profited from it to the extent of 108,000 acres; whereas Garrawarra Park, with a far greater amount of thought and action expended upon it by Federation, had yielded a reserve of only 1,450 acres. At least another 128,000 acres were immediately available in the Blue Mountains, and no real argument could be advanced against a concerted attempt to have this great additional area gazetted for recreation and bushland conservation. The argument that the scheme was not detailed was feeble. A schedule of areas, in order of importance, had been drawn up early by the N.P.P.A. Council and submitted to the authorities as a long view programme. The ultimate and official regional designing body in the State was the Surveyor-General and his staff. Where difficulties arose regarding land title or land use, this expert authority would function as a matter of course. Thus private investigators were relieved of a deal of unnecessary work.

In answer to a question, he said that Federation, under its objects, officially was only interested in the furtherance of the bushwalking recreation, and the securing of areas for preservation of bushiand and wild life. Actually the Federation only had time for these two sections of the work, and only these sections were profitable to it. As to details, they could safely be left to the roundtable conference which the N.P.P.A. Council proposed. The Council favoured the move made by the S.B.W. and were prepared to discuss the matter with genuinely interested club delegates - the more delegates and the more interest the better it would be.

Mr. Colley said that closer and more concerted action between Federation and Council in this matter should be encouraged. For instance, if earlier concerted representations had been made about the beautiful Couridjah Corridor, we might have succeeded in having it reserved against the ruinous operations of timber getters.

The motion was put and carried, and arrangements were made for the first roundtable conference to take place on 5th May.

Eleven members of the Federation and N.P.P.A. Council met at the appointed place and time. Mr. Maurice Berry was appointed Chairman, and the meeting proceeded to discuss the Greater Blue Mountains National Park Scheme in general. The following motion, in effect, was carried unanimously.

“A special committee to be appointed; three from each body. Committee to describe scheme for publicity purposes. The two autonomous bodies to decide upon areas within the scheme that require immediate attention.”

Waldheim

by Dorothy Langworthy

The air was rapidly becoming colder. The car skidded, crab-walked, at times seemed perpendicular as it clambered on its way to Waldheim. Hours passed. Our feet froze. We glimpsed Cradle Mountain through the trees, snow-strewn by a careless hand - glittering on its summit. And then the rustic chalet nestling, with snow on its roof. The forest surrounds it and climbs partway up the hill on one side, while below lies a short plain. This plain holds a chain of tiny brown lakes and beyond it is mountain after mountain, a world of brown. The Little Horn of Cradle Mountain peeps up above the mass of the Plateau at one end and at the other we see a suggestion of the Pinnacle. Our car comes to the end of the road. Mr. O'Connor greets us with a cheery smile and leads us across a tiny brown stream into the chalet where a huge fire welcomes us. Logs form seats around the fireplace against the rock lining. Wet clothes steam above and around it, boots are always piled before it.

For the rest, the room is divided by two tree trunks. One side has a table and long benches, all of pine, the other forms a passage where you find a miscellaneous collection of magazines, albums and what not.

In this room we talked, laughed and ate. Most of all, we ate. Otherwise there are seven rooms tucked away, each containing bedsteads with icy sheets, a miniature mirror and a candlestick of pine. The bathroom is without. You walk along a path, cross a stream by means of a rustic bridge and there you are. Built over the stream for convenience, so that when you pull the plug the water flows into the bath, is the bathroom with a bath-heater which we never managed to heat.

This same path leads up into the forest beside the chalet and a wonder world is there. The track becomes a water-course running over tree roots. On either hand the forest is dense with undergrowth and fallen timber. Impenetrable! Trees grow high. King Billies, Kerosene Bush, Pandanis (?), Tasmanian Beech turning gold. (“The only deciduous tree in Australia”, so we formed a chorus as the days passed). Rich moss, having smothered the ground and the rocks, grows up over the trees, over trunk and branch, over every stick. The lichens climb, too, and the forest becomes a witchwood, curled tendrils reaching to grab you. Here is a crimson toadstool and there a pale mauve.

Now the path leaves the forest and is lost in the heath covered slope of the hill top. Far below are suggestions of pools on the moor and a circle of smoke from the hidden chalet. A mist has enveloped the upper world. Is it going to clear? Will we be able to climb Cradle tomorrow? Only the gods and Mr. O'Connor can tell.

The gods and Mr. O'Connor decided we could go. Tomorrow was clear and glorious with sunlight. Two of us, tired of dallying around the chalet where no one ever hurries and time, apparently, stands still, set off across the button grass plain. We climbed into the hills, into a patch of forest green with interlacing boughs, green with moss, where there was no track but a stream gurgling through the undergrowth and rushing over the rocks. A waterfall pours down in a silver torrent. From overhead sunlight filters through the leaves. Up, up we go! A turn and another glorious fall of water. Now we are out on the bare hillside and we find our stream entering the forest by means of a great chute - a swift, silver band cutting clean through the rock. We marvel awhile, then seek our guiding sticks. Alas! There are none. There is our party strung out on the opposite hill, a miniature gorge between us. We take the shortest route, down over a rocky incline and come upon them resting by the wayside.

We climb the top of the Plateau and look down on Crater Lake, still, deep and dark with the mountains' reflection. Away in the distance are mountain ranges and peaks, some blue, some with mist drifting about them. On the Plateau are pools and tiny streams all amber coloured, while from Katherine's Tarn flows a long waterfall into Dove Lake. Ahead stands Cradle Mountain, its great black rocks splashed with snow. Slowly, slipping in snow, crunching it underfoot, the ascent is made. Blue lakes are far below us, the silver ribbons are waterfalls, there is a great amphitheatre of rock, trees sheltering within it. Barn Bluff stands yonder, gaunt and square-topped. Suddenly, from nowhere, a mist comes roiling towards us. The Bluff is curtained, the mist closes in, the world ends with our rocky peak. The gods have given all they intend. Down we go, slipping and sliding. The horizon turns misty gold where the sun sets, a heliotrope flush fills the air. So, in the gathering dusk, we think of the chalet and presently climb the steep, slippery path to its welcome fire.

Federaton News

At the Federation meeting on April 28th, nominations for the position of Honorary Secretary were called for but no delegate was prepared to undertake all the work of the secretaryship. However, Messrs. Mitchell, Wyndham and Roberts volunteered to assist whoever was appointed and, eventually, Mr.Charles D'A. Roberts was re-elected Honorary Secretary to carry on with the help of Messrs. Ray Mitchell and Oliver Wyndham in addition to the Assistant Secretary, Miss Agnes Miller, until the election of officers at the annual meeting in July.

The membership of the Federation was further strengthened by the affiliation of the Campfire Club.

The usual large volume of correspondence and big batch of reports from various committees and bureaux were dealt with, but the main business of the meeting was consideration of the steps taken and to be taken to preserve Garawarra and to prevent its being merged into The National Park.

After considerable discussion the Federation carried the motion proposed by Alex Colley and so resolved that the Federation would adopt as its principal conservation project the Greater Blue Mountains National Park Scheme as planned by the National Parks and Primitive Areas Council. A Round Table Conference between members of the N.P.P.A. Council PIA interested Delegates of the Federation and members of the Conservation Bureau was then arranged. This matter is more fully reported elsewhere in this issue by Myles Dunphy, who is a delegate to the Federation from the Mountain Trails Club as well as being the Honorary Secretary of the N.P.P.A. Council.

Club Gossip

by the Persipiring Editor (in the middle of a heat wave - in the middle of May).

We fear Phil Roots will be asking for her money back when she receives this magazine. There really isn't any “Club Gossip” - at least, we have not been able to dig up any items, and we've just waded through the address book to see if any name would remind us of any news to be broadcast.

One moment though! Did you hear that the Mountain Trails Club was holding its Jubilee Dinner on Friday, 19th May? And did you know that our good friend, Myles J. Dunphy, has been honorary secretary of that club for the whole twenty-five years? What a record! What a man!! “I dips me lid”.

And did you all know that Friday, 9th June, is the day chosen by Marjorie Adams and Richard Croker for their wedding? Anyway, you will certainly all join us in wishing them better than the best of luck - Good walking, good camping, and true comradeship always!

In our next issue we shall be able to tell you who was Chairman of the monthly meeting on June 9th. Vice-President L.G. Harrison (Mouldy) will be “otherwise engaged” as Best Man, and Vice-President Jack Debert will surely be away because that is a holiday week-end – “and, after all, this IS a Walking Club”…

By the way, we are told that the new Committee has “appointed a Courtesy Squad under the leadership of genial Jack Debert” - to quote our informant.. Jack says he is a “personality boy”, not a “G-man”, so this should be cheering news for the enquirers and prospective members generally. The Courtesy Squad is to do the interviewing of all enquirers and to make them conversant with Club requirements before handing them over to the Honorary Secretary for the completion of Prospective Membership forms – so – whenever any of you members bring enquirers to the Club, or notice lost-looking strangers hovering in the doorway, DON'T park them on Tom Moppett, but DO find any one of the Courtesy Squad and berth the stranger alongside. Here are their names:-

Jack Debert, Bill Hall, Maurie Berry, Bill Mullins, Roley Cotter, Ossie Brownlee. Misses Jessie Mantin, Yvonne Douglas, Magdalene Brown, Merle Hamilton and Mrs. Stoddart.

Hilda Blunt has just returned from a trip to Cairns - on the “Manunds”, of course; that is Rupert's ship at present - and she is sparking on all twelve, so very soon now arrangements for this year's Bushwalkers' Ball will be in full swing. If you have not yet done so, you can note the date and place in your engagement book right now; Tuesday, August 8th, at Mark Foys.

193906.txt · Last modified: 2016/01/14 08:51 by tyreless

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