A monthly bulletin devoted to matters of interest to The Sydney Bushwalkers, 5 Hamilton Street, Sydney.

There's many a pool that holds a cloud Deo7e do7n for miles, to float along; There's many a hedge that's white with may, To bring the backward birds to song; There's many a country lane that smells Of beanfilds, throll3h the night and day, Then why should I be here this hour, In qnring-time, when the month is May? There's nothing else but stone I see, With but this ribbon of a sky; And not a garden big enough To share it with a butterfly. Why do I. walk thee dull dark streets, In gloom and silence, all dly long - In Springtime, when the blackbirds day Is four and twenty hours of song? W. H. Davies

by J Easter 1945 sent bushwalkers North on two trips similar in form, One party left the Dividing Range to descend a8r.,i1;:t', the Liverpool Range, our party left the Divide further South and followed a spur between the catchments of Running Creek and Wollemi Creek with the goal, the Capertee River via Mt, Uraterer. Leaving Sydney on Thursday in a crowded train we passed the ni#t in fitful slumber, waking in time to see the sun rise over the mountains at the headwaters of the Cepert-oc River, At Kandos we met the truck which was to take us East on the first pert of our journey, Nature has conveniently endowed this district with limestone and clay quarries and a coal mine in close proximity, hence the trinity of cement producing tons Rylstone, Kandos and Charbon. Following the Cudgegong River upstream through some of the interminable sheep country of 11,e Interior our driver enlivened the trip with many anecdotes of the surrounding districts, The road became little more than a track made by log hauling trnctors bringing mostly sasslfras and mountain ash from the gullies, Finally te truck could go no further so we left our packs to climb Mt,Corieudgy. The driver of the truck accompanied us art ofthe way and I could not but be am,zed at his destitution of aesthetic ideas. He looked upon the Ste-Le forest in terms o super feet only and described Coricudgy as a “30 bag” moontain, the “lags” proving to be bales of wool from the sheep which the mountain could support, Corjeudgy is a long basaltic outcrop rising to 4,3001 (approx) above the surrounding sandstone ridges. The volcanic earth supports a rich growth of fine gums (Eucalyptus Globulas) and clump s of tree ferns and sassafras fill the gullies of the slopes, From the summit extensive views can be seen partly screened by trees, After lunch on the slopes we descended to th , site of the old timber mill and from a cleared spot nearby had a fine view of “The Ovens”, an imposing rocky outcrop. Being tired after our train journey we retired early in a green valley just off the Divide. During the night heavy rain inconvenienced us and led to some frenzied trench digging. The Main Dividing Range was left, early on Easter Saturday, near Boonbourwa after much deliberation as to the right ridge, The correct ridge runs South East and bears a faint bridle track in places enabling rocky outcrops to be effectively sidled. The ridge is almost all sandstone except for a few small, grassy basalt patches caus,d by volcanic action on the compressed sands laid down here by ancient seas. Water is available at two points, Swampy Hole and Gosper/s Hole, the former showing some unusual erosion affects on the cliffs which invited comparison with a Burmese temple, Views are to be had of the deep canyons of Punning Creek, the mountains of th main range and the aselated Tayan Pic which is almost conical in shape. Fifteen miles of tramping by compass in a South Easterly direction allowed us to avoid the ridges running down to the unmapped reions East and brought us to Gorper/s Nob with the bald-domed basaltic Mt.Uraterer behind, Uraterer was climbed as the sun sank and the excellent view was unobstructed by trees, Cliffs at the head of the Capertee Valley were of particular interest and the pine trees at ht,VictorLa were dirtantly visible to the South, To our mutual astonishment, we found a descendant of the original Gos-oers building a slab hut near the summit, having come down from Rylstene on horsebsc17.. He proved most friendly, volunteered much information and freshly killd ranits for dinner and ohowed us sandstone caves suit-Ible for shniter aairist the freezing wind, Water 7-,.s obtained from a s-.)ring near th.,, hut. Sunday brought the most difficult Irrt of the trip. Aridge ha,- to be found connecting Gosperis Nob with the only clirdable ga-o in the sheer walls surrounding the Capertee aver. However, we were fortunate and, after one mistake involving the negotiating of a creek gorge, th. mom n ridg- was found and eventually the gap itself, five hours walkin from It. Uraterer. This gap is called “GrasFy Hill” locaus,-; it is filled with fertile volcanic soil and small hexagonal bould2rs, The track was taken upstream along the Caperteo in which pollution from the shade oil works was very evident but a side creek happily gave fresh water and a cam for the ni;ht. Monday was spent at the Glen Davis and Newnes Torks. To the chemist bushralker the evolution of the shale distillation indu'try in Australia is of unfailing interest, In the squat kilns and painstaking design of Joadja and Newnps of past years and the sky-sering slickness of Glen Davis of the pres:-:nt day is indicated both a ch,-nge in the type of product required and the difference in the outlook of the builders, Leaving the model to 'n of Glen Davis the petrol pipeline was followed from the Caperte over the range to Newnes on the Wolgan River where we awaited the arrival of our transport. Once again we had a 'character i7 of a driver. This one combined business with pleasure by making the trip into a huntinc; expedition. Instead of having his eyes on th, road they roved the adjacent paddocks and ever so often we came to an abrupt hnit whereupon he went off stalking rabbits. We did not mind this though the driver reproached us, blaming the noise We made for his lack of success. However, we were most arprehensive when he spied a kangaroo and brought the car to a standstill especially as, having just been scolded for frightening the game, we did not dare to do so again. The tension gradually eased as the /roo hopped away and presently our hunter arrived back in dis=:ust. Had the aniunl been in imminent danger I am sure one of us would have had to blow the horn - accidtally, of course.

Only a few days after the 12,000 hold-up Tuggie was held up on her way home. Having reduced her assailant to a pulp, Tuggie suddenly remembered that, to be all coy and feminine she should scream. This she did. We are pleased that the attacker had not a machine gun as, after a few bursts, Tuggie would look as if she had been reducing and had gone patchy. The President i e just the merest “copy cat”. Because the Gloucesters dash hither and thither by plane she and party must have similar transport for their May venture to the Warrumbungles, The party of males who, it was thoue ht, might never return from a tough Easter walk beginning irom Kandos arrived back safely. (Bad luck), This was no doubt due to the almost proverbial lines “Their strength is as the strength of ten, because their hearts are pure”. Doris Allden, who was in the Club recently, is getting into th. Naval equivalent of the Brass Hat class. Pardon all the incursions into Poetry but she is beginring to remind us of William Mprris's “Gold on her head and gold on her feet, And gold where th?, hems of her kirtle meet”. Congratulations, Doris, but please do not desert us for the Canoe Club. Clare Kins..3-11a who has nobly edited this magazine for four years had to have an appendicectomy to get off the chain. The present editor is keeping his cirrhosis of the liver up his sleeve until required. Clrtrs went to the operating table in a grey flannel night gown with cap to match and an-x over the snot: The President and staff now preside over the meeting from a dais but, lest one should be distracted by a glimpse of twinkling ankle, a large board blocks the view. It is not, therefore, a means of luring people to the front seats. I quite approve of the idda - I never attend meetings Is the Club decadent, moribund? I find, to my horror, tht I have not a single wedding or birth to announce to the public. Which reminds me that Busheralkers have fallen very, very low in more ways than one On the aforementioned Kandos trip, the fire was lit at breakfast time, not by the Big Chief Fire Lighter but by the lorry driver! Anparently, at a glance, he could see with what a bunch of incompetents he was dealing. Serves them right! At Easter, one party under the leadership of Yarie Byles7 brother schemed for a pleasant, little stroll into Kangaroo Valley but they did not reckon with the weather. When this party is looking for “blissftl ease” again they are heading straie ht for the Owen r;tanlys. It only goes to show that one is never safe further than the back verandah, and even then it is a matter of chance.

Doren Helmrich. Back on the Cox again - exciting like a home-coming after years of exile. Young and refreshed it seemed, and more beautiful than ever with all its fascination of sound and color, The breeze was sighing in the Casuarina, the water murmuring over the nebbles and the birds singing to us their serenade…. Banks emerald again with quite luscious grass and long quiet pools between the rapids; blue and rose coloured granite boulders set among the pale vivid green of river grasses and a Kingfisher flashing by ..,The old friendly mountains reaching upwards to the deep blue sky, and the white clouds skudding, So we padded along and on Saturday afternoon came upon Kanangaroo, remote and peaceful under its sheltering aerie-gum trees. As we set there eating a very late lunch we heard a -bone turned over - walkers, surely - and three came up the Cox. They joined our eating ,oerty as four more arrived from the sme direction, one being Doug,Joimstone whose bronze beauty was somewhat marred by the impact of a rock from above which had bounced twice, once on his forehead and once on nose! At this moment several more lads strode downstream and proved to be friends of our first visitors, and two more upstream whom they also knew., ,,,they said they were getting dizzy in the social whirl, but it had only just begun Manfred'Souhami came strolling down the Kanangre at this juncture, formidable looking climbing rope protruding from his pack. He told us that Rudy Lemburg was in the mountains behind, with ten others including his wife and his daughter Renate, and -eut a large billy on the fire to make tea for them.,…. He looked very happy and carefree, with no foreboding of the dramatic events about to follow the straying of Renate and of the anxious nieht ahead for him. Then would you believe that fully 15 stalwarts appeared heading up river, - University students - surly there must be a friend amon7st them….yes, there was Betty Pryde. Red shirts lent dash and distinction to the next ln travellers - Rovers - and again we were not disappointed for rir;ht in amongst them was Ron Moppett (Tom's young brother). Caustic comments were made on the previous nightYs rain and the havoc caused to plans by long drying-out operations, and also about elusive, stray and unmentionable “Dogs” intended for use as a means of approach but somehow misplaced. 'There was -lso some speculation as to whether walking was still a popular pastime, till reluctently and rather dazedly we left this social vortex, went on our way downstream and eventually up Cedar Creek, now looking like a fairyland. Evening fell silently as we camped in one of those perfect Cox casites and seemingly were alone in the world again.,…Our river, as discreet as it is beautiful, guards its secrets well,

Three new meebers - apparently slow to learn a lesson - were received into membership at the meeting on April 13th. They were Mavis Jeans, Margaret Lackey and Claude Haynes. May they live to die a lingering death as we A letter was recei ved from Mrs. Anice Duncan suggesting that non-member wife or husb and le- ieermitted to atend Club reunions,as most frequently the present strictrss caused the absence of both in such cases. The meeting approved but de,ea neke it difficult for husbands who do not belong to a lodge to fiad aA excuse to get away quietly. It must hare afforded many members considerable pleasure to be able to elect Mrs. DevitL of 'TJoodhill“, Brogher's Creek and Mr, E.Moroney, Honorary ' Members of the Club, Mrs.Devitt has become famous for her hospitality and Mr.Moroney, who has done great work in the past, is Honorary Auditor for the current year. There wae a loss in membership of two owing to the reeirfnations of Jack Whitford and Tom Ramsay ;:c11(.1 Reg.Alder reported a loss of photos which was, to say the least, most unfortunate. The photos had been left in the committee room after a photographic exhibition, and, if any reader knows anything about them, the news would be welcomed, A willing worker has at length been found to take over the position of Hon.Sec, from Beverly Druce who is feeling t h strain of the years (of work). This is Hilma Galliott who needs no introduction. 4er assistenteis Mavis Jeans who is showing comrjendable co-operation in accepting office on her first day as a member, Claude Haynes, how Assistant Treasurer, comes into the same worthy category. Regarding the election of the Hon,Secretary, members seized upon technical points with such avidity and glee that a stranger would conclude that we were doing our best to dissuade any person from accepting the position. If they only knew how we have combed Sydney with a fine tooth comb! Jean HaTvoy is shouldering her share of the burden of administering the club by attena1ng to the Sa1ec eaLd S,AbecriptIons of the magazine and Flo Allsxorth is Librarian. Notice has come to hand of the Federetion Party to be beld on June 29th at Sargents in Market Street. According to the notice already displayed in the Club room, a few short items of amusement are needed. Wouldn't it be incredible if some-one offered to provide these? The Club leas asked to ex-,ress its opinion on a number of questions posed in regard to the pro-eosed Kosciusko Primitive Area. However, members became very loath to give anything away, even their opinions. At times they were quite definite, to be almost immediately overcome by a wave of humility which found expression in a chorus We do not know”. The body asking for our views would most probably realise that they would be a mixture of pseudo-science, selfishness and prejudice mixed with a lot of conscious idealism. Nevertheless it still asked for those views, It was aelusing to hear that the average walker considers that practically the only extraneous “an:imel, vegetable or mineral” which would not mar the perfection of a perfect Primitive Area is tie- aver,ege walker. For myself, I almost entirely agree.

by A.L.Wyborn. Australia hears much about the natural marvels of other lands, and because of this there is a tendency to overlook the many Unique wonders that this continent possesses, The Barrier Reef, many distinctive trees, flowers and animals form part of AustralfLais herit ge. The Warrumbungle Range is one outstanding feature, though little known to thegeneral public, Dr. Jensen's geological monograph describes best where it is situated on the Central Northcvn Slops of New South Wales: “The watershed known as the WavrumblIngle Range divide the drainage areas of the Castlereagh and the Namoi. It commences as an offshoot of the Liverpool Range east of Coolah, first runs North West, then west, losing. itself in the Warrumbungle Mountains to the north west of Coonaberabran”. This western ond2strangely enough, is the highest pert and to many it is the most interesting. Here are the formations and peeks which will belong to the peo-ele for all times under the Proposed National Monument scheme. The area under consideration consibts of strips of land, of widths varying from three quarters to one and a half mile, along the tops of several spurs. Although of little commercial value because of its ruggedness, this area contains all the notable characteristics. Keeping the tops in their Primitive stqte will also ensure a protective forest for water supply, and will combat erosion. The National Parks and Primitive Areas Council initiated this proposal in 1934. Following upon which the Lands and Local Government authorities were approached in the matter, and much valuable grgundwork covered. The serious war situation which then developed caused delay, until just lately, when the subject was re- vised and placed before the Premier. The name Warrumbungle is of aboriginal origin and means “short mountains”. Throughout the area mentioned above volcanic bluffs and spires dominate the skyline. Belougerie Spire, rising out of one Fide of a ridge, and Crater Bluff a bare half mile away on the other sidg, stand like sentinels of the range. These trachytio plugs have walls 600 and 1,000 feet high respectively where their outer eides emerge from the ridge. Aeons must have been necessary for the erosion of the igneous matter from around them, and this fact provides . good reason for the contention that Australia's “Stumps”axe among the oldest on earth, Just a few hundred yards from the Belougerie Spire is the start of the Breadknife, that remarkable dike which many consider is the most intriguing of all these amazing relics of the past. In its fullest extent it is three quarters of a mile of sharp jagged ridge, being more exposed at each end, At the higher end that part of the formation which seems to defy gravity leans over at an angle of six degrees. No part is thicker than twelve feet, though the length of this portion is seven hundred feet and has the astounding height of four hundred feet, At present on the top a lone pine tree has a precarious existence, seemingly growing out of the rock. Of the many other peaks: Mt.Tondurin The Spire is perhaps the most pleesing. It looks like a huge moulded jelly with its purple cascades of lava and streaks of brown and green. The highest point of the whole range is just over 4,000 feet, with three names/ Mt.Exmouth (the original), Mt.Terra Terra or Mt.Wombelong. It would be difficult to obtain a more extensive cyclorama than is found from this mount. The YFrdewar Range rising to 5,000 feet is the greatest 1,.ndcrk although 105 miles away beyond Narrabri. Walgett on the Darling can else be se,n from here9 far across the ae,:ecarently boundless )alains. Apart from rock climbing for the hardy, (and some ,Deaks hnve not yet been conquered), there are many other pursuits to interest such as botany;..nd photography. Capt. Frank Hurley pictured this photographer's -oradise, and some of his work appear.:c1 in the 19f2 Home Annual, The rug:eed beauty ana wonderful summer climate should attract visitors, and access will be given by a new road through a 7Peo in the ranges. National Monuments are dedicPtions and reservations of valuable and interesting geologici biologic, historic, aesthetic and anthropologic places or obj,lc,e,.. The VVarrumbungle Mounteins ere conridered to occupy first place among the genlogical mervPls of Austrqlia.

Keith Bennell Frank Gentle R.Huntley Tucker J. Marshall Dick Smith Albert Palmer._ Frank Gentle - 2nd April, Although I heve not written to the for some time, I realise it is high time that I wrote you in grateful acknowledgment of the numerous Club circulars I have been rec,iving. In the past year I have not been able to give a fixdd address, in fact, I've hed several changes of Unit in that time. Was. interested to read details of walks.'on the current pro3r em'le. The Bushwalkers certainly cover big mileages on day and wok.-en-1 ,elks - longer than I've yet experienced in 44- years in the Army. Also red eith interest the walking activitieS- outlined in the Annual Re-)ort. Som time a,o I was able to walk through Lgliaington Nation'l Park, along th3 Queens1-3nd border trail to Binnaburra. That was a long march. Scenery from L]cho Point(Lamington) was not visible owing to vere heavy mist. Just a week ago I receivd the “Bushwalkr” annual - with thanks - and, after reading the articles threuh conFidr it an excellent iseue. The articles “Bushwalking and Hardship; “Central Northrn Mountains”, and “Come North with me,” were, I thnueeht, very well written, and the photographic blocks were excellent - it's hard to say which would be consi(lered the best. Also interested to read of the activities of the Federation of Bushwalking Clubs - I- didn't know that so many clubs existed. Life in the army continues with nothing eventful hapnening. We are grand lo-ve (36 hours) once every 8 dus, and see IDicture programmes once a week, with prnmise of boxing matches that are being arranged, so our entertainment is looked after all right. My brother Max wrote to tell me of the, Reunion this year on Heathcote Creek, which he attended -hen on leave. I wish I could have been there. My Jel st Reunion was at “Leonay” in 1941. Rob Morrison - 15th March. Since last writing I've been out on all kinds of stunts and so peen a goodly portion of Southern Quoensland,.-nd I certainly do like what I have h.F.c the privilege of visiting. Been out around Samford Rlnges north of Brisbane, u Caboolturo Maroochydore way and around Toowoomba, too, and right no I'm at a training and rest camp near Burloigh Heads, This spoil here me 11,xrd to take, the training programme is easy enough and it leaves ton:, of time for surfing and sle,.?ping on the warm yellow sends. Those southern Queencl-,nd beches are not famed for their “shoots”, so Fm told but my littae stay here has proved otherwise. The other day some of us wont to Coolangatta for the d.-7 dnd we tried out Kirra Beach whilst there - it's a quiet surf because of the sflndbank off the beach, and pretty safe and consistent in its miniature shoots, rounded off the leave with a dance at “jazzland” bonzer floor, bonzer band and bonzer girls from all over - Briabane, locally and even some from Sydney. From this cam-o I have a grand view of the eastern bound-i7 of the MacPherson Range, and the peaks and ramparts guarding th'e TwJd Valley. It's all so green here now r3. ; we've had plenty of rain, and those gron highlands do look a–tractive, I'd love to be setting out from hre to “do” those heights - Cougal is a magnet with its 2,800 feet of elevation and it must be grand up on Sprin4orook at 3,l00 Thz: Tweed Valley pimples, some cones, some like twin spires sure do call me, but guess they must wait for my hob nails and rucksack until my war job iE.over and I con be a civvy again. The several S.D.Y. club mags. I've had from you lad S' and lasses have been much appreciated from the point of view of news of people whom I knew in those good old days, and the articles on those dear old places I love so well but quite apart from the intrinsic value of the literature you send me its the kindly thoughts behind your efforts that I do appreciate more than I can tell you. I've never meta better bunch of people than amongst the “Busbies” of my acquaintance and I hope one day (and soon, please God), to be out on the rocky paths and cattle pads with as many of you grand guys as we can muster up. 1.0

Monthly meeting held on 20th March, 1945 A reply to the Federation's inquiry in regard to the burning off of grass was received from the Department of Agriculture. This stated that, where possible, mowing was desireble. Bux,hing off damages grass and other seeds and accentuates the possibility of erosion, The Department advises that it is carrying out an investigation into the problems of burning off. In reply to the suggestions of the Federation, the Bush Fires Advisory Committee steted th-t essay competitions in schools were held in 1944 and more will be held in 1945. The Committee has ask,d for suggestions for 1945/46 Bushfire Poster desi-ns, Miss Byles reported that she end Miss Birt had attended Parliment House and heard the debate on the new Wildflowers Protection Act. She was of the opinion that an Act such as we really desired could not have been passed at present, The new legisletion is an improvement on the old but has a big weakness in that it provides for the leasing of Crown lands. The lessees of such lend would not need to grow wildflowers but would Inve the right to pick those already growing. The licensing of growers is, Miss Byles said, a step in the right direction. A representative of the committee appointed to arrange a party reported that Sargents in Market Street had been booked for Friday, June 29th. This hall will hold 320 people. A four piece orchestra has been en ,aged and arrangements made for dancing and a floor show. The retiring editor of The Bushwalker”, Miss Lawry re-eortd publicotion of issue No3; and obtained a. roval for an extended list of 'complimentary copies. A concession of 4d per copy for the Bushwalkers' Services Committee for this year was authorised. Miss Lawry also reportd that the idea of publishing additional copies of “The Bushwalker” Nn.8 or extra publications to raise money for the Federation he':?. to be abandoned for the present as costs are too high. Mr,Eric Easton was re-elected Tec'enical Adviser, Mr.Frank Adams was elected Assistant Editor but the position of Business Mannger could not be filled (What about you?).. The Federation was advised by the delegates of this Club of the proposal by the Manly and Port J ckson Ferry Co.Ltd, to erect flats at either Mackeral or Little Mackeral Beech and to adi to its attractions as a pleasure resort by transfer ing a liquor license there from a 'point on the other side of Pittwater. It w,s decided to aepreech the Kuring-gai Chase Trust in the matter, with a view perticul-rly to seeing that, if possible, no access by road is provided through the Chese. A delegate stated that he had heard a . number of complaints of bad conduct by neo,le carrying rucksacks. Probably the comnlaints actually referred on most occasions to hikers (I) but he suggested that something should be done in the Federation to maintain end raise - standards of conduct of members of affilieted clubs A newly forme a club applied for and lins admitted to membership of the Federation, This was the “Walkabout Club” whose Acting Hon.Sec is Mr, Bob Tompsitt of c/- Holbrooks Pty Ltd, Wleberloo.