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194808 [2016/02/17 09:18] – [Gossip] kennettj194808 [2016/02/17 10:13] kennettj
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-The conference convened by the Minister for Lands to consider the fate of the Mark Morton Primitive Reserve was fully reported in the Bowral "Mail" of July 2nd. The course of the discussion, +The conference convened by the Minister for Lands to consider the fate of the Mark Morton Primitive Reserve was fully reported in the Bowral "Mail" of July 2nd. The course of the discussion, as reported by the "Mail," is most disturbing to those who have believed the published statements of the Forestry Commission on the need for primitive areas.
-as reported by the "mail," is most disturbing to those who have believed the published statements of the Forestry Commission on the need for primitive areas.+
  
 Mr. Maclean of the Forestry Commission said that the point of view of the Commission was that the area of 45,000 acres should be put to the use of the people, so that the greatest benefit to the public would be achieved. In its present state the reserve was open only to a small minority of hardy hikers who were young and active. If the timber resources were developed on scientific lines of silviculture they would assist materially in making the State dependent on its own timbers. The reserve should be opened Mr. Maclean of the Forestry Commission said that the point of view of the Commission was that the area of 45,000 acres should be put to the use of the people, so that the greatest benefit to the public would be achieved. In its present state the reserve was open only to a small minority of hardy hikers who were young and active. If the timber resources were developed on scientific lines of silviculture they would assist materially in making the State dependent on its own timbers. The reserve should be opened
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 I should have liked a time at Euroka, but it was past sundown, and the gulf of Erskine Creek was growing shadowy; it was almost a thousand feet down to water, and we had been without since 1.30, also it was disquieting to see that the flanking spurs were all hemmed about with cliff faces. Probably our ridge was the best in the vicinity yet it too resolved into a steep down about 200 feet above the brawling stream, and with darkness upon us we abandoned the attempt to go on down, and made a dry camp within sight and sound of millions of gallons of hurrying water. Sandstone hillsides are not the best spot for a camp, and the tent as a slap-happy erection that night: but there was mercifully little wind and a good deal of effort made the mountain-side flat enough and soft enough for rest. I should have liked a time at Euroka, but it was past sundown, and the gulf of Erskine Creek was growing shadowy; it was almost a thousand feet down to water, and we had been without since 1.30, also it was disquieting to see that the flanking spurs were all hemmed about with cliff faces. Probably our ridge was the best in the vicinity yet it too resolved into a steep down about 200 feet above the brawling stream, and with darkness upon us we abandoned the attempt to go on down, and made a dry camp within sight and sound of millions of gallons of hurrying water. Sandstone hillsides are not the best spot for a camp, and the tent as a slap-happy erection that night: but there was mercifully little wind and a good deal of effort made the mountain-side flat enough and soft enough for rest.
  
-We finished the descent before breakfast on Sunday morning. It was not a particularly terrifying descent, but be it known that I am a rabbit on steep places, and baulked for some minutes at a point where it was necessary to leap down some seven or eight feet. In fact it wasn't until I'd knocked over a cigarette that I could urge myself to it - I still can't fathom whyfor the ledge beneath was amply wide.+We finished the descent before breakfast on Sunday morning. It was not a particularly terrifying descent, but be it known that I am a rabbit on steep places, and baulked for some minutes at a point where it was necessary to leap down some seven or eight feet. In fact it wasn't until I'd knocked over a cigarette that I could urge myself to it - I still can't fathom why for the ledge beneath was amply wide.
  
 Away from the Creek at 9.30 a.m. we faced a fairly gruelling ascent on the north side: once again there were cliff faces, and once again my timidity compelled me to try an "easy" way up, so that I worked my way into more strife than Speed Gordon, and took more than an hour to top the first few hundred feet. From that point it was a simple walk up, no steeper than the Dogs, and far lower, and by 11.30 we were venturing into the ridge tangle north of the Erskine. The going here was far more savage than that of the previous day. Thorny, scratchy scrub described red pencillings on our legs and the visibility was often limited to the space of an ordinary room. If we had operated by map and compass on the previous day, on the Sunday morning the compass held sway, for it was only at intervals that one could determine landmarks at any distance. At least it was brilliantly sunny, and at times we could glimpse the pallor of the plains away on our right. Away from the Creek at 9.30 a.m. we faced a fairly gruelling ascent on the north side: once again there were cliff faces, and once again my timidity compelled me to try an "easy" way up, so that I worked my way into more strife than Speed Gordon, and took more than an hour to top the first few hundred feet. From that point it was a simple walk up, no steeper than the Dogs, and far lower, and by 11.30 we were venturing into the ridge tangle north of the Erskine. The going here was far more savage than that of the previous day. Thorny, scratchy scrub described red pencillings on our legs and the visibility was often limited to the space of an ordinary room. If we had operated by map and compass on the previous day, on the Sunday morning the compass held sway, for it was only at intervals that one could determine landmarks at any distance. At least it was brilliantly sunny, and at times we could glimpse the pallor of the plains away on our right.
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 Sunday of King's Birthday week-end was a tough day for the party of sixteen who hoped to reach the Castle near Pigeon House. What a terrible predicament had half the committee been lost. What history that would have made. Sunday of King's Birthday week-end was a tough day for the party of sixteen who hoped to reach the Castle near Pigeon House. What a terrible predicament had half the committee been lost. What history that would have made.
  
-All that day we were groping OUT way through wet bushes in wind and rain and mist so thick we could only see a few yards around us. It was a case of the blind leading the blind. Our guides did very well considering they did not know where they were and could do nothing but follow a compass course over a rough mountain plateau, with a ravine here and a precipice there. There was certainly some anxiety that we might be overdue but everyone tried to lend a hand in some way or other. Our ex-air navigator +All that day we were groping OUT way through wet bushes in wind and rain and mist so thick we could only see a few yards around us. It was a case of the blind leading the blind. Our guides did very well considering they did not know where they were and could do nothing but follow a compass course over a rough mountain plateau, with a ravine here and a precipice there. There was certainly some anxiety that we might be overdue but everyone tried to lend a hand in some way or other. Our ex-air navigator used all his skill though he admitted that cliffs were a problem. The situation was grim and it looked as if we were lost and could find no way out of our trouble unless the mist lifted. 
-used all his skill though he admitted that cliffs were a problem. The situation was grim and it looked as if we were lost and could find no way out of our trouble unless the mist lifted. +
  
 Once we completed a circle after walking what seemed to be hours. On seeing those tell tale footprints, made earlier in the morning, we were a lot more careful with the compass readings. Once we completed a circle after walking what seemed to be hours. On seeing those tell tale footprints, made earlier in the morning, we were a lot more careful with the compass readings.
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 sized wallaby, which hopped off quickly, growling something about Sabbath peace. sized wallaby, which hopped off quickly, growling something about Sabbath peace.
  
-At Marley Pool were found three more invited guests. We are not quite clear how they got there, but gathered from the garbled accounts, that they had caught a later train. The leader, host, or hon. organiser- as you will plied the guests with such mountains of chips etc., at lunchtime that they protested that they would have to be rolled back to the ferry.+At Marley Pool were found three more invited guests. We are not quite clear how they got there, but gathered from the garbled accounts, that they had caught a later train. The leader, host, or hon. organiser - as you will plied the guests with such mountains of chips etc., at lunchtime that they protested that they would have to be rolled back to the ferry.
  
 After lunch, Bill, Kevin and Len decided to present an impromptu sketch. The growing habit of presenting this form of entertainment after lunch on Sunday walks has much to commend it and is very After lunch, Bill, Kevin and Len decided to present an impromptu sketch. The growing habit of presenting this form of entertainment after lunch on Sunday walks has much to commend it and is very
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 After that, it was time to pack up and take the main track to return to Bundeena. The guests lived at Hurstville, and, of course, one would have expected the hon. organiser to have escorted them home. But not so ! Upon arrival there, who should alight with a fair damsel on  each side - Max ! (See Para.2)  and after his recent lucky escape from a widow! (See June issue).  After that, it was time to pack up and take the main track to return to Bundeena. The guests lived at Hurstville, and, of course, one would have expected the hon. organiser to have escorted them home. But not so ! Upon arrival there, who should alight with a fair damsel on  each side - Max ! (See Para.2)  and after his recent lucky escape from a widow! (See June issue). 
  
-Oh, well---. Take our tip. Organise a private walk- You'll be surprised ---so will your friends.+Oh, well---. Take our tip. Organise a private walk - You'll be surprised ---so will your friends.
  
  
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 Ira Butler writes; Ira Butler writes;
-In the interests of both sailors and ornithologistsI would like to draw attention to an inaccuracy in your recent reporting of the 1948 Photographic Exhibition. A photograph of mine was for some unknown reason described as "Seagull from low-flying plane". Actually, the theme of the picture was "Ship's Wake"," the seagull an albatross and the low-flying plane the deck of the Zealandia. I am sure that my albatross would be offended on being described as a seagull.+In the interests of both sailors and ornithologistsI would like to draw attention to an inaccuracy in your recent reporting of the 1948 Photographic Exhibition. A photograph of mine was for some unknown reason described as "Seagull from low-flying plane". Actually, the theme of the picture was "Ship's Wake"," the seagull an albatross and the low-flying plane the deck of the Zealandia. I am sure that my albatross would be offended on being described as a seagull.
  
 To which we reply that, in the interest of Bush Walkers, photographers should label their photographs, and not leave it to the Editor, who is neither a sailor nor an ornithologist. To which we reply that, in the interest of Bush Walkers, photographers should label their photographs, and not leave it to the Editor, who is neither a sailor nor an ornithologist.
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 WORKING BEE AT ERA: Jack Wren advises that there will be a working bee on Aug. 7th and 8th. The work to be done is the planting of 108 trees ((30 swamp mahogany, 30 bangalay, 36 broad leafed ti-tree and 12 dune cypress pine). The trees are to be planted in holes 12" deep and 12" square. The posts erected at the last working bee will be wired, as the committee has succeeded in obtaining some wire. Those attending are asked to bring six stakes each; the stakes to measure 4' x 1" x 1" - if they can manage it. Tools required are spades, mattocks and harriers. WORKING BEE AT ERA: Jack Wren advises that there will be a working bee on Aug. 7th and 8th. The work to be done is the planting of 108 trees ((30 swamp mahogany, 30 bangalay, 36 broad leafed ti-tree and 12 dune cypress pine). The trees are to be planted in holes 12" deep and 12" square. The posts erected at the last working bee will be wired, as the committee has succeeded in obtaining some wire. Those attending are asked to bring six stakes each; the stakes to measure 4' x 1" x 1" - if they can manage it. Tools required are spades, mattocks and harriers.
  
-DOROTHY LAWRY, who is now working on tree planting for Australian Forest Products Ltd., Tea Gardens, Nth. Coast, says that the company has about 9,000 acres of marshy heath and ti-tree scrub which it is planting. Although most of the pinus radiata was wiped out by a bush fire in 1944 another species, pinus caribea, survived practically undamaged and now the company are planting practically nothing else. The trees here appear to grow much faster than they do in their native Some of the girls working with Dorothy plant up to 680 trees in a day. Dorothy already has her eye on some "nice bumps on the Southern horizon and "beautiful serrations on the northern skyline and is planning to get there.+**DOROTHY LAWRY**, who is now working on tree planting for Australian Forest Products Ltd., Tea Gardens, Nth. Coast, says that the company has about 9,000 acres of marshy heath and ti-tree scrub which it is planting. Although most of the pinus radiata was wiped out by a bush fire in 1944 another species, pinus caribea, survived practically undamaged and now the company are planting practically nothing else. The trees here appear to grow much faster than they do in their native Some of the girls working with Dorothy plant up to 680 trees in a day. Dorothy already has her eye on some "nice bumps on the Southern horizon and "beautiful serrations on the northern skyline and is planning to get there.
  
  
-AS SEEN FROM THE DRIVER'Cid3IN. Every week-end the loco. fireman +**AS SEEN FROM THE DRIVER'CABIN.** Every week-end the loco. fireman watches these simpletons alighting from his train at country platforms. They are burdened with frying-pans and billy-cans on heavy 
-77E-CIMs these siTiTtefims 71.77rTing from his train at country plat- +packs, bent on facing the ordeals of bushwalking with its dangers of fatal snake bites and broken limbs. He, (the fireman) on the other hand, at no cost to himself, is free to enjoy the passing 
-forms. They are burdened with frying-pans and billy-cans on heavy +landscape ... "A Locomotive Fireman" in S.M.H. 21-7-48.
-packs, bent on facing the ordeals of bushwalking with its dangers of +
-fatal snake bites and broken limbs. He, (the fireman) on the other +
-hand, at no cost to himself, is free to enjoy the passing +
-landscape "A Locomotive Fireman" in S.Y.H. 21-7-48.+
  
  
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 By Kevin Argill. By Kevin Argill.
  
-EvetrY0PP,f _Lis, at some time or other, has got into strife when packing his or her gear. After a great deal of bad language +Everyone of us, at some time or other, has got into strife when packing his or her gear. After a great deal of bad language and many experiments I feel I have at last evolved a method which gives maximum results with a minimum of effort. With typical unselfish bushwalking spirit I offer for your edification the results of many hours of painful thought. (Deep breath.)
-and many experiments I feel I have at last evolved a method which +
-gives maxirilar'results with a niminum of effort. With typical +
-unselfish bushwalking spirit I offer for your edification the +
-results of many hours of painful thought. (Deep breath.)+
  
-The first stu is to unpack from the previous walk. ..Ifat this stage you utter a loud cry of protest, all I can say is, if you unpack when you arrive home, you trifle,with the truth or else you are a disgrace to the Ciub you belong to. I do not wish to converse further with you siror madam. As I was saying first +The first step is to unpack from the previous walk. If at this stage you utter a loud cry of protest, all I can say is, if you unpack when you arrive home, you trifle with the truth or else you are a disgrace to the Club you belong to. I do not wish to converse further with you sir or madam. As I was saying first 
-unpack. Any surplus gear, food bags, etc. you, may have accidentally acquired are carefully tagged with the owner's name and placed away for future use This tagging is most important as it saves one from taking such gear away when the ex-owner is likely to be in the party. Next invert the pack and thump vigorously on the bottom (of the pack). This may dislodge the collection of leaves, sticks, dead ants, milk powder and other odds and ends.+unpack. Any surplus gear, food bags, etc. you, may have accidentally acquired are carefully tagged with the owner's name and placed away for future useThis tagging is most important as it saves one from taking such gear away when the ex-owner is likely to be in the party. Next invert the pack and thump vigorously on the bottom (of the pack). This may dislodge the collection of leaves, sticks, dead ants, milk powder and other odds and ends.
  
-Now we are prepared for the serious business. Spread out groundsheet on floor and place thereon everything you are taking away. This,is called nethod or system and by doing this I find one +Now we are prepared for the serious business. Spread out groundsheet on floor and place thereon everything you are taking away. This,is called method or system and by doing this I find one is almost certain to overlook the groundsheet in the final check. It probably needs reproofing, so you would get wet in any case. 
-is almost certain to overlook the groundsheet in the final check. It probably needs reproofing, so you would get wet in any case. + 
-There are two schools of thought on packing the sleeping bag. The +There are two schools of thought on packing the sleeping bag. The upright stance is popular while the lay-it-down-flat adherents vouch for their method. I advise you to forget both ways and try this.
-upright stance is popular while the lay-it-down-flat adherents vouch +
-for their method. I advise you to forget both ways and try this.+
  
 Taking care to keep the head down and not forgetting the follow through, hurl everything into the interior of the pack. Easy isn't it. You see, the damn stuff takes up the same amount of room anyway. Taking care to keep the head down and not forgetting the follow through, hurl everything into the interior of the pack. Easy isn't it. You see, the damn stuff takes up the same amount of room anyway.
  
 Take tent from storage place, shake out moths and replace in storage. If you can't urge into somebody's tent, immediately retire onto the non-active list. Your food will almost certainly include a half loaf of bread. Place carefully in clean food bag, drop on floor and jump on it several times. Its going to get Take tent from storage place, shake out moths and replace in storage. If you can't urge into somebody's tent, immediately retire onto the non-active list. Your food will almost certainly include a half loaf of bread. Place carefully in clean food bag, drop on floor and jump on it several times. Its going to get
-squashed before you eat it, so do the job early and take up less space. You had better take that tin of fruit juice. It may stop raining some weekend and it can possibly save your life. The same applies to those malted milk tablets you got in a disposals sale packet at Paddy's. Who cares whether you like malted milk or not. +squashed before you eat it, so do the job early and take up less space. You had better take that tin of fruit juice. It may stop raining some weekend and it can possibly save your life. The same applies to those malted milk tablets you got in a disposals sale packet at Paddy's. Who cares whether you like malted milk or not. They were cheap weren't they? Well bung 'em in. I hate taking this line but you've got to be cruel to be kind. It hurts me more than it hurts you. Better the devil you know than the devil you don't know.
- +
-They were cheap weren't they? Well bung 'em in. I hate taking this line but you've got to be cruel to be kind. It hurts me more than it hurts you. Better the devil you know than the devil you don't know. +
  
-A stitch in time saves nine - and talking of stitches don't forget a needle and cotton. Joining a train other than by the door places a terrific strain on the seat of the pants. Brother, put in two needles on public holiday weekends.+A stitch in time saves nine - and talking of stitches don't forget a needle and cotton. Joining a train other than by the door places a terrific strain on the seat of the pants. Brother, put in two needles on public holiday weekends.
  
 At this stage your pack should be shaping up nicely and when you glance at the clock and find your train goes in about ten minutes you had better cram everything you can lay hands on into every available space. Thats what I always do. At this stage your pack should be shaping up nicely and when you glance at the clock and find your train goes in about ten minutes you had better cram everything you can lay hands on into every available space. Thats what I always do.
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 The Annual General Meeting of the Federation was held on 20th July, when almost 50 walkers were present. The retiring President, Stan Cattier of the C.M.W. was re-elected, with Ron Compagnoni again ably filling the position of Hon. Secretary. The Annual Report was received. Federation entered the new year with a credit balance of only L17 which is by no means sufficient for the Year's work. The Annual General Meeting of the Federation was held on 20th July, when almost 50 walkers were present. The retiring President, Stan Cattier of the C.M.W. was re-elected, with Ron Compagnoni again ably filling the position of Hon. Secretary. The Annual Report was received. Federation entered the new year with a credit balance of only L17 which is by no means sufficient for the Year's work.
  
-Annual Reunion was fixed for 18/19-th September at a place to be arranged. Mr Jack Wren being elected convenor of the Camp Committee.+Annual Reunion was fixed for 18/19th September at a place to be arranged. Mr Jack Wren being elected convenor of the Camp Committee.
  
 It was resolved at the meeting that a date be fixed for the  next and future ANNUAL RE-UNIONS. They will now be held on the week-end before or coinciding with the full moon in September.  It was resolved at the meeting that a date be fixed for the  next and future ANNUAL RE-UNIONS. They will now be held on the week-end before or coinciding with the full moon in September. 
194808.txt · Last modified: 2016/03/22 20:28 by kennettj

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