A monthly bulletin of matters of interest to The Sydney Bush Walkers, C/- Ingersoll Hall, 256 Crown St., Sydney.

Time was when our first President, speaking from the floor of the Clubroom, would preface his remarks by shouting “Mr. President! This is a walking club!” At the last meeting the echo of his words was almost audible.

A previous editorial covered the obligation of members to lead walks. There is a further obligation on members not only to lead walks, but to do the job properly. Though laziness is probably the root cause of bad leadership, it may be that some people don't know how to go about it. For their benefit we give the following outline of what a leader is expected to do:- He is expected to plan his walk carefully beforehand and give the Walks Secretary complete details of the walk. A fortnight before it is due, or earlier, it should be placed on the notice board. The leader should be in the Club room on the Friday evening before the walk is due to go, so that he can tell people what it is like, and make sure that all who want to go are capable of doing it. Then the walk should go as per programme. The people going on it expect it to go at a certain time and along a certain route, and a leader should not have to alter it unless some unsurmountable difficulty such as a flood or a strike, intervenes. He should do his level best to lead the walk as per programme. If, through illness, a change of job, a transfer to another city, or some such cause, he is unable to lead the walk, he should try to find another leader. There is only one real excuse for cancelling a walk; which is that nobody gives reasonable notice of his desire to go.

The Committee takes the responsibility for the composition of the programme. Its job is to look over the walks and see that they are practicable. A good committee, composed of experienced walkers, should be able to judge the feasibility of almost any walk on the programme. It should also have a good idea of the capability of leaders to lead the walks they propose. It is the responsibility of the Committee to make inquiries if walks are cancelled.

But the Committee cannot insist on walks leaders doing the right thing by the Club unless it is backed by the opinion of members. There was a time when it was taken for granted that leaders would do their best. Walks went regularly as per programme and cancellations were unheard of. It is heartening to the older members who can remember those days to find so many present members striving to raise the standards of reliability. At the same time it is a disturbing thought that so many of those who have signed a declaration that they subscribe to the objects of the Club, whose regard for the Club's welfare has been vouched for and endorsed, and who have been elected to membership, should refuse to lead walks, forget them, or fail to lead them properly.

The social programme this month will be shared by two “old timers” - Norm Coulton and David Magoffin. Coloured slides will be used to illustrate Norm's talk - “A Ramble through England and Europe in 1939” - on 17th November.

On 24th, David Magoffin will show us some very excellent films of Carlon's and environs - a district well known to all walkers.

You're coming, aren't you? This year our Christmas Party will be held on Tuesday, 12th December, at the Coronet (near Wynyard). The fun and games will last from 8 to 12. Tickets are on sale now, and may be purchased from Gwen Jewell, Mary McGregor, Betty Degiden or Edna Stretton. Tables will be arranged if the necessary information is given to me. Kevin Ardill and Gill Webb will act as M's C. and are already working on a programme catering for those who dance, as well as those who don't. So come, won't you?

- Ed. Stretton, Social Secretary.

As so often happens the sting was in the tail of the October General Meeting. Early in the doings, apart from some enthusiasm over the appearance of four brand new members - John Cotter, Keith Renwick, John Bookluck and Reg LaBone - affairs were on a placid plane. The fifty-odd members present patiently heard minutes and correspondence, and formally confirmed and accepted them.

Perhaps the first flickering of awakened interest came with a question to the Social Secretary (after reading of the monthly Social Report) who was responsible for the poster advertising the Photo. Exhibition. Mary McGregor was named and applauded.

There was no financial report to present (the Treasurer presumably having absconded with the funds), so we proceeded to the Federation Report, after which Allen Strom sought opinions on the proposed Federation Annual Conference. It would be little use merely assenting to the theory of a conference, he said: points for discussion would be required. But this was an opportunity for the rank and file walkers to have a speak, as the conference was not to be an Officers-and-Delegates show. The Club proffered no opinions and produced no motions.

Owing to some confusion over the date of the Forestry Advisory Council Conference it appeared that Mrs. Stoddart would be unable to appear as one of our delegates, so Dorothy Hasluck was elected in her stead.

The President announced that the Curator of Maps, in carrying out a policy of modernising the Map Library, had purchased some 28 military maps, and would shortly require the aid of members in mounting them.

Allen Strom drew attention to an edict of the Chief Secretary that the area from Newcastle to Nowra and west to Oberon had been proclaimed a bush fire danger area during the summer months, and pointed to the need for extreme care in use of fire.

Here ended the humdrum, workaday part of the business, for Jack Wren stirred the meeting into discussion with a motion that the Photographic Exhibition this year be divided into two sections, Pictorial and Candid. Many very good photographs of the “candid” type were passed over in judging because they were in competition with fine scenic work, said Jack.

Phil Hall sought a definition of pictorial and candid: where would the line of demarcation be drawn? he asked, and Jack Wren suggested the nature of the photograph would decide. It would be fairly clear whether the great interest hinged on pictorial or personal in any shot. Phil Hall was not satisfied with that, and pointed out that the “personal” or “candid” picture of, say, a camp in Blue Gum Forest, could be a pictorial or scenic gem also, depending on the photographer.

Kath Brown thought the photographers themselves could decide which type they considered their exhibit to be, while Roley Cotter deplored the competitive spirit in the Club's photo exhibitions. As an organiser of the display, he wanted many photographs, large and small, good and indifferent, and hoped the exhibitors would not think in terms of prizes and spoil the friendliness and goodwill of the event.

Bill Cosgrove felt that the Club had itself fostered the spirit of competition by importing outside judges, and Roley appealed to the Club to avoid that view: the judge was to be an impartial commentator on the quality of the show, and his value was his ability to point out weaknesses so that the cameraman could improve his work. The motion was then slightly varied so that the sections were classed “Pictorial” and “Non-Pictorial” and carried.

Further discussion on the Exhibition followed, and after the matter of helpers and display had been ironed out to some extent, we came back to the matter of prizes. Members delved into their memories of the procedure last year, and decided that the Club would finance reproduction of the best entry in each section in the magazine.

Your reporter started the ensuing debate by reporting that a recent day test walk had proceeded without the benefit of a leader. The leader had not notified the appropriate officers that he would be unable to lead the walk, had not supplied a substitute leader, and had not subsequently reported any reason for his failure. I enquired the Club's views on such cases, expressing as my own that, in the absence of adequate explanation, suspension of membership was not too severe a penalty.

Ken Meadows moved that the Committee investigate the case, and ascertain the reason for the leader's failure, taking what action was considered warranted. He pointed out that the summer programme just published was (as usual) furnished with very few test walks, and failure of a leader in those conditions could place prospective members in a difficult position.

Roley Cotter seconded, and commented that too many walks, including test walks, were being abandoned or altered. There had been cases where test walks had been curtailed and the prospectives cautioned “don't let Committee know”. In the case before the meeting, there should be an enquiry and the member dealt with: members entering the Club signed a declaration that they subscribed to the Club's objectives, and when a breach of behaviour was discovered Committee should deal with the matter without fear or favour.

Bob Bull felt it was time we considered the capabilities and records of members before permitting them to lead test walks. If for any reason a leader was unable to conduct his walk he should at least notify Committee and arrange for someone to turn up at the station. Dorothy Lawry agreed that a substitute leader should be provided as it had been for years past - in instances of failure action was always taken. Recently she herself had contacted the leader of a day walk to find that he had completely forgotten about it: he then led the walk as planned.

Kevin Ardill said we were going about it the wrong way - most sporting bodies suspended an offender and then awaited his appeal, but Roy Bruggy argued that the member should first be heard as he may have become sick or sustained injury just before the Sunday.

Eric Rowen agreed with the motion, but pointed to the risk of leaders forgetting that they were scheduled to take a trip. He thought a reminder should be sent to leaders a week or so before the due date. Leaders were sometimes programmed without knowing it.

Frank Young remarked that there were many modern means of communication available, and leaders who failed for any reason should at least report the matter without waiting for a General Meeting to debate the case.

Walks Secretary Don Frost could see no reason for reminding leaders. They all possessed a copy of the walks programme, and would surely look at it sometime: it was definitely up to the leader to appear. Every leader on the present programme knew very well that he had a walk to lead, and although he had been compelled to “sell” some walks to complete the programme, every leader listed had been consulted.

Claude Haynes thought there was a decided deterioration in the standard of leadership, and in the number of leaders and future leaders. Dorothy Lawry suggested that if consideration were given to the “reminders” notion, sufficient notice be given to allow leaders to make a prior reconnaissance trip over the ground.

Bill Hall moved the closure, and it was resolved on Ken Meadow's motion to investigate the case.

Eric Rowen enquired about the walks without leaders on the summer programme, and Don Frost replied that leaders were needed, and he would receive volunteers later. Perhaps Mr. Rowen would oblige? Willingly, if he could complete his house first, said Eric. How about a working bee there? suggested Don.

Bob Bull now moved, with Jim Hooper's support, that if we were to have a new map library, the means should be provided for members to use it intelligently, and we should purchase several manuals and text books on map and compass work. This met with general assent, Roley Cotter adding we should be certain that instructors at Instructional Week-ends knew what they were talking about, and were capable of imparting that knowledge. Bill Henley recalled a map-and-compass expert of past years who lectured at Field Week-ends, but always managed to mislay his party on walks, and the motion was carried.

It was obvious that the meeting was drawing to a close, and with a flurry of reminders about Christmas Party tickets, volunteers for the unfilled walks on the new programme, and general conversation, the bone was put to rest just after 9.5 p.m.

By Kath McKay.

“Yo ho! Yo ho!” the Walks Sec. said,
“Walks must be led, walks must be led”.

Whether you wake with splitting head,
Tonsils inflamed, a lurid red,
And nose quite uninhibited,
Walks must be led: walks must be led.

Whether your only love has fled,
Or, conversely, you're due to wed
Upon the very date you said
You'd lead a walk - it must be led.

Whether the tax-collector tread
Hard on your heels, or from your bed
The bailiff strip the last poor shred,
Walks must be led: walks must be led.

Despite distraint, disease or dread,
If you're the leader on the sched-
ule, see the walk is led, -
Or get a substitute instead.

Be ye alive or be ye dead,
WALKS MUST BE LED. WALKS MUST BE LED!

By “Gent in the Tent”.

This is almost ancient history, but as nobody has written up the trip, here goes. The final count at Camden revealed 12 starters for Jim Brown's walk down Lacey's Creek one Friday night in August. Together with the other passengers, we just made a comfortable load to Spring Corner (Nattai). At this point we were deposited on to the road to await the return of the afternoon's bus from Yerranderie, which was to pick us up and return to Yerranderie with our party. A further count of heads now revealed the total as 13! A misguided youth bound for Cox's River had heard somebody say “All out” and had alighted with our party. The bus had disappeared into the night, so, after the usual “discussion” we turned his head for Bimlow with our benediction. Further “discussion” ensued and it was decided to walk along the Yerranderie Road and intercept our bus as it returned along that road. A motor cyclist passed with a lady pillion passenger and soon disappeared into the night. After crossing the Nattai Bridge we again encountered the motor cyclist and passenger preparing to camp near a creek. They proved to be two well known S.B.W.'s. We inspected the bike, heard how much noise it could make and had social chit-chat. The atmosphere was so chatty that a cup of tea seemed natural, but just as Alex had a nice fire going, the bus turned up. Leaving the fire to the two motor cyclists, we entered a comparatively luxurious vehicle, which now turned about to negotiate the shocking road to Yerranderie. On the final hill into Yerranderie, some splendid wattle trees in full flower growing over the road created a momentary diversion. We finally reached the “Silver Mines” Hotel after midnight. Then a fast mile or so brought us to a spot considered suitable for an overnight camp, but the site would be waterless in dry weather.

Next morning revealed Bull Island Gap straight ahead. An 8 o'clock start and a sharp descent brought us to the Tonalli River, looking lovely after so much rain. Just before descending to the River, ahead and to the North, a curious detached rock was prominent near the cliff faces. We followed the River in a Westerly direction for a few hundred yards and then started to climb out in a roughly Northerly direction where some lovely Hovea bushes in full flower and some unfamiliar Acacia specimens were seen.

Climbing steadily for over an hour by fairly easy ridges, we reached the base of the curious detached rock formation noted earlier. While the leader did a “recce” to the North East, the energetic members of the party climbed the rock. The leader returned without any news of a pass up the cliff face. On the western side of the detached rock was a large cave most suitable for lunch, as a heavy rain squall from the West came on. The wind blew very chill, and, as we were getting the full blast of it, we didn't waste much time at lunch and evacuated our exposed position, in spite of a fine view.

About 100 yards further on along the Western side of the rock was a wallaby track up through the cliffs to the plateau above. This was assumed to be Lacey's Gap, and is easily negotiable on foot. Here Len Full gave his head a resounding crack on a projecting rock and looked, for a minute, as if he might keep the first-aiders busy. The going was easy but scrubby along the Tonalli Range where there was a good display of seasonal wild flowers.

After negotiating a couple of swamps, we descended on to the head of Lacey's Creek. Within a mile the creek went over a 100 ft fall, and a few hundred yards further on, it was necessary to sidle down into the creek bed as the familiar cliff formation had appeared. The bed of the creek was really rough with lawyer vines and wild raspberry to toughen “the explorers”. After about a mile it was possible to walk along the bank and better progress was made, although the ever-present lawyer vine did its worst.

As the valley slowly widened out a camp spot became the order of the day. A flat site right on the creek bank was selected and was most comfortable in spite of a few leeches. After a lot of warning, a thunderstorm sent us all to bed soon after 8 p.m.

The morning was clear again. A fair amount of “discussion” took place as to just where we were along the creek, so by 9 a.m. we were on our way to find out. The going alternated from rough to fairly open valley with lawyer vines felt more often than seen. The creek was beautiful as it gurgled and splashed along. About mid-day a large valley came in from the right and soon after Lacey's Creek took a plunge down an “S” shaped cascade of about 800 feet. Here Alex, who had been to this spot before, called a conference with the leader and the led, as he recognised the spot as being 3 hours good walk from Bimlow. The result was that six of the party decided to go for the 3.30 p.m. bus while the other six would have lunch and follow later and arrange their own transport.

To avoid a sheer drop it was necessary to keep fairly close to the creek on the left hand bank. At the bottom, the going was rough for about a mile, where several recent landslides of oozy mud didn't help matters. However, the second party halted for lunch as soon as it was obvious that the falling water was losing force.

Refreshed, we went on at about 2 p.m. The creek soon became a succession of flats on alternate banks with stony crossings where necessary. Evidence of timber-getters, who had been washed out by the wet weather, occurred about 2 miles from Bimlow. We finally arrived at Bimlow at 5 p.m. just in time to miss a truck going to Camden. The first person we sighted was the misguided youth who had alighted from the bus with us at Spring Corner. So now we know that he DID get to Bimlow after all.

The walk was originally planned to go on up Brimstone Gully to Oakdale, but as Monday was not a public holiday, the party did not insist that it continue. A bit of ferreting around soon produced a taxi driver with reasonable ideas about the fare to Camden, just as it started to rain again. That taxi man certainly came along at the right time! The journey back to Sydney was uncrowded and uneventful, even if a little later than is usual for S.B.W's. Sufficient to say that we were all home and in bed soon after midnight. An outing for experienced walkers ONLY!

The pound rise in the basic wage had nothing to do with the expensive luxury of purchasing the October issue of this magazine at one penny per page, which, incidentally, is the most any edition has ever cost to the consumer - and which was the greatest rake-off to the Business Manager.

It is not for the Magazine Staff to make any apology to its “public”. Quite the reverse - they expect an apology from Club members for their abject failure to make contributions so that the Production Staff would have been in the happy position of being able to turn out a publication with that degree of pride in which they always indulge.

Personally, I don't give a hoot whether the Club Members objected to paying 6d. for such a dehydrated issue, but the Club has a moral responsibility to the many outsiders who subscribe to this magazine and, who, I know, look forward to receiving their money's worth in some interesting stories or articles. But they won't probably feel so keen to renew their subscription if the six-page October edition is a glimpse of things to come.

It is of little satisfaction to us, the Magazine Staff, to have produced such a mediocre journal as was October - worse than any in the darkest depths of the War period. A vast amount of unflagging time and organisation goes into each issue, from the Editor down to those whose names don't even appear on the official list - but who are always ready to lend their shoulder to the wheel - and to say the least - they were thoroughly disgusted at last month's apathy in contributions. We have quite enough to do without being called upon to bolster-up blank pages, and if members don't play their part, they will at least be looking for another Business and Production Manager.

- Brian G. Harvey.

Congratulations and best wishes to Arthur and Val Gilroy, who are now touring up Lamington way after their wedding last month.

Leader: Allen A. Strom. Some interesting points for the naturalist.

Geology: The greater part of the area is covered in the trip is on rocks of Triassic Age (i.e. rocks formed during the time when Dinosaurs were at their zenith), and, in particular, there are extensive outcrops of sandstone known specifically as Hawkesbury Sandstone because of the great thickness of the beds along the Hawkesbury.River. A quarry at Wondabyne Siding exposes some good “freestone” - an even-grained sandstone prized by stonemasons for building purposes.

A very fine view may be had from Wondabyne Trig. Station, a typical sugarloaf formation. Other sugarloafs in view include Kariong (to the north) and Topham (in the Ku-ring-gai Chase), whilst the whole landscape gives the impression of an elevated plain into which the creeks and rivers have cut their valleys. These phenomena may be explained by reference to the horizontal layering in the sandstone and the gentle, even elevation that has brought an almost sea-level “peneplain” to its present altitude. The action of the headwaters of Mullet, Woy Woy and Patonga Creeks has resulted in leaving Wondabyne Trig, as a “residual” or sugarloaf. The Brisbane Waters, Broken Bay and other tidal watercourses seen from this point, are old streams flooded by the sea when the oceans rose an estimated two hundred feet following the release of waters from the glaciers of the Ice Age.

The uplifting that raised the sandstones to their present elevation was apparently accompanied by some volcanic activity. This was during Recent or Tertiary Times (during the very early history of Man). Remains of two volcanic centres may be seen on our trip - at Dillon's and at Basalt Saddle. The former is obviously a volcanic neck - a little oasis of rich soil in a desert of barren land. Specimens of volcanic breccia - a mass of volcanic rock fragments mixed with solidified lava - may be seen. Basalt Saddle may also be a neck, but it consists of basalt rock that has been badly affected by chemical action from fluids in the volcanic centre.

(If you are interested, you may be able to obtain a copy of “The Geology of Sydney and the Blue Mountains” by Curran, for further reading.)

The plants and animals: The sandstone area is an excellent example of the flora for which the Sydney District is justly famous. The trees are Bloodwoods, Sydney Red Gums, Peppermints and Scribbly Gums, Banksias, Ti-trees, Boronias, Waratahs, Bottlebrushes and their many relatives are all present; there are sure to be many species in bloom.

The volcanic soils (particularly at Dillon's) demonstrate how closely plants and soils are associated, for around the necks (where man has not upset the balance) there is a Rain Forest Flora - Coachwood, Black Wattle, Turpentine, Cabbage Tree Palms, to mention but a few.

And if you are interested in still further noting Plant Communities - there are the Paperbarks and Swamp Oaks on the salty edge of Woy Woy Creek and the Burrawongs on the sands.

The sandstone flora has its Honeyeaters and Rosellas; the Rain Forest its Lyre Birds and Whip Birds - the whole story adds up: rocks give soils - soils determine plants - plants have their particular animal fancies.

If you want to come and talk rocks and plants and animals, the leader will be pleased to help, if he can - but he would prefer you to open up the topic as then he knows you are interested. And by the way - this area comprises part of the proposed Warrah Kariong National Park.

(Maps: Broken Bay and Gosford Military Sheets.)

Leader: Alex Colley.

This is more a week-end camp than a walk being designed to give members an opportunity to see over “Ben Ricketts”. Peter and Rae Page, who always extend a warm welcome to Club members, will be pleased to show the party round.

On the Friday night about 3 miles will be covered - to the foot of the Jamberoo Mountain. Next morning it is less than an hour's walk up the mountain to “Ben Ricketts”, where Saturday night will be spent. There is good country all around for any who would like to spend the day walking without packs.

On the Sunday there is about nine miles to do, mostly downhill, to Kiama.

This is a good opportunity, for those who are unable to do walks, to have a camping week-end. Transport can be arranged between Ben Ricketts and Jamberoo if required. For full details see Club notice board.

Kevin Ardill, Co-M.C. writes:

Well boys and girls, folks and folkesses. This was supposed to be a par to remind you of our ChristmaS Party at the Coronet on Tuesday, December 12th, but seeing the magazine was rather lean last month I'd like to spread a little. In the first place, as M.C. pro tem, I'd like to express my appreciation of the co-operation of almost all at the last two club dances. Having had a fair experience of all kinds of dances I'd like to say that Bushwalkers are on their own as far as entertainment is concerned. They will have a go at just about anything - if you shout at 'em long and loud enough. With the addition of some new blood the band of diehards, who enjoy talking to dance music, is gradually getting smaller and I have hopes that in future our rather rare dances will be enjoyed by all - on the floor. Those who do not dance will be catered for in some way or another and they may be sure they will not be condemned to just “a-settin'”.

Bob Chapman and friends were responsible for an introduction to the Square Dance. Its good to see such enthusiasm, but it seemed to me that quite a great deal of organisation and practice (plus a microphone) is essential for its success. Our dances are few and the dancers themselves make rather spasmodic appearances at Club dances. I fancy the old fashioned Barn Dance is going to take some beating for popularity, but who knows.

Talking of the Barn Dance. At the last Club dance, during the progressive part of the dance, one lady took the opportunity, when changing partners, to leave the floor. There may have been a good reason, I hae me doots. Any person who is passed as a competent walker by admission to membership of the Club should be able to see out a Barn Dance. In any case, the result was rather lamentable. The chap left without a partner had to leave the floor and missed the enjoyment of the dance. Rather a minor matter perhaps but if ever you experience a similar fate you'll find it takes a little of the shine off the evening.

Our Christmas Party is going to be a combination of dance and games. Even if you don't dance - roll along. Roll home too if you like. Anything goes - almost. I'll guarantee the entertainment, and if you have any ideas for dances or games let me have them. Nothing considered too mad and even if not acceptable we may work something out of it. Definitely no alteration of programme on the night itself so raise your voices early. In case there's no microphone at the Coronet, please, oh please, think of my cracked voice and listen when I begin screaming. Be seeing you!

St. Ives - Cowan Creek - Bobbin Head - Mt.Kuringai.

9 miles. Easy. 8.43 a.m. Electric Train Central - Pymble where change to bus for St. Ives. Tickets to Mt. Kuringai via Bridge (return).

Another Lower Income Group Outing!

Reported by Kath McKay.

Despite the dire forebodings of those who did not favour its postponement from June to October, the annual Photographic Exhibition was a resounding success.

In both quality and quantity the exhibits rivalled those of former years, and there was such a crowd that one had to queue up to get a sight of the choicest shots.

Max Dupain, whose work is known to most Sydneysiders, did us the honour of judging the work submitted, and of offering helpful criticism in his remarks at the end of the evening.

He awarded first place to Arthur Gilroy's magnificent New Zealand landscape. In sharp contrast came John Noble's exquisite and ethereal “Orchid Ballet” as second choice; but for the minor placings, Mr. Dupain had difficulty in coming to a decision. Here was an occasion when a photo finish was no help to the judge.

He compromised by bracketing two of Ira Butler's, one a superbly-timed shot of a breaking wave, and one a calm interior study of a camp stove, as third; and for the fourth choice honours were shared by Roley Cotter's Kosciusko landscape, Peggy Bransdon's Tasmanian lake and mountain-scape, entitled Balmoral Peak, and Arthur Gilroy's beautiful picture of a forest road adorned with the figures of two bushwalkers - back view, or course.

In addition Mr. Dupain selected some thirteen or fourteen more as worthy of special mention. Among these were Roley Cotter's Warrumbungles and Snowy River Valley, Peggy Bransdon's unusual picture of tree shadows on a little white church in Burragorang Valley, and her charming portrait of Mary McGregor hard at work with brush and canvas. Another lovely group of pictures by Peg were those of Richmond, Tasmania, framed by the arches of an old stone bridge, the date on it, 1823, testifying to its antiquity.

John Noble's whole series of flower-studies won Mr. Dupain's commendation, notably the strange ice-bloom on gum trees after a blizzard; a simple nosegay of everlastings; and the rhythmic symmetry of a single whorl of umbrella fern.

Two land- and sky-scapes by John Thorpe, Spring Camp by Dorothy Lawry, a landscape by Jack Wren, another New Zealand mountain picture by Arthur Gilroy, with toe-toe in the foreground, and Phil Hall's study of tents in Blue Gum Forest were all held up for our admiration.

Mr. Dupain emphasised the difficulty of making a selection where so much good work was submitted, and said that it was some time since he had seen such a large exhibition of landscape photography.

The majority, one feels sure, were in agreement with his judgment; but there were many photos that held a special and intimate appeal for club members, apart from their technical merits, as for example Jack Wren's priceless study of Peter Page and Ben, patriarch of Rae's famous goat-family, in head-on collision; or Phil Hall's idyll, entitled simply “Eddy” - not, as one might suppose, the backwash of a whirlpool, but a portrait of our social secretary at ease against a tree.

There was George Dibley's candid shot of Marie (laden with his pack, moreover) sidling precariously along a sapling over one of the many torrents in south west Tasmania. What it lacked in grace was compensated for by his delicate study of a spider web slung amongst brushwood.

Olive Simmons' admirable panel of exhibits lent variety to the show, with their glimpses of England and Switzerland; and Wal Roots' entries were up to his usual high standard, one of the early morning mists in a bush camp being perhaps the most appealing. Another early morning one was Ern French's solitary entry, showing wintry poplars and the pool by Sydney's War Memorial.

Frank Young and Ken Renwick's landscape work was pleasing; and Phil Hall's studies of sheep and horses gave an added interest to his pastoral scenes. An odd-shaped rock in one of his photos was, as the title indicated, quite in the Salvator Dali manner.

A feature of Dormie's contributions was their comprehensive labelling. Time, place and sometimes personnel were meticulously noted. No one, we felt, would stand in need of search and rescue in his landscapes.

Malcolm McGregor's work was sadly missed by all. Too busy - moving house.

Ira Butler's portrait of the twins was much appreciated, especially by those who have not been privileged to see them in the flesh.

In such an extensive exhibition it is impossible to make mention of the many attractive photos shown, but we would say, in conclusion, that it was very gratifying to see the splendid sample of work sent along by the Caloola Club. River and pastoral subjects were equally well treated, some were tinted and the mounting was particularly good. Allan Fox and Laurie Ninness were the chief exhibitors.

Thanks are due to Roley Cotter and his helpers for making the exhibition such an outstanding success.

(The Committee has voted the funds for the publication of the first and second placings, which will appear in subsequent issues. - Ed.)

(With apologies to the author of Dolly Ballads.)

By Jim Hooper.

In days of old when knights was bolde
They reached a luv-ley impasse.
Wi' suits of armour all a-glamour
They could nae use the compass.
O'er field an' fell it caused merry 'ell,
They called it quite a rumpus.

Now young Sam one day (not as days of yore)
Put 'e compass away for times, other more.
'Tis plain to see, no map, no compass - 'ee
then quite a rumpus.

Young Sam all a dither ('e be lost you see),
made a B E A U T I F U L S L I T H E R
And going down recieved a large large bumpus.

Three days of sore and Sam looked poor
“Save me” he croaked and then evoked,
The S. & R. from down mountain side.
N'er more quoth he, next time it be
Both map an' compass for me.

'Tis plain to see wot moral be
Take thy map and compass to save rumpus.

The Field Weekend will be held on the 24/25th November in conjunction with Peg Bransden's week-end walk. The campsite will be a pleasant pool above Bushwalkers' Basin. Unfortunately the Camden Military Map which covers this area is out of print, and I will be most grateful for the loan of maps for the use of prospective members during the weekend.

Though, after last month's issue, we have no desire to alleviate the peevishness which pervades these pages, we yet discern one ray of cheer. Several people have, of their own volition, used the magazine to inform members on their walks, or other events to come. The magazine is meant for such uses and we hope the idea spreads. -ED.

Brian G. Harvey.

The Rover Ramblers motion was adopted that all clubs be called upon to co-operate in the compilation of a report of every official walk so that a Walks Record may be available for the information of the general bushwalking public at Paddy's. The Walks Secretaries will be expected to fulfil this obligation. A Committee of three has been appointed to collate the information supplied.

An unofficial search was made in Kedumba Valley for the lost hiker, but without success. The S. & R. was not called out.

Has decided to hold an Annual Bshwalkers' Ball at The Union Hall, Sydney University, on Friday, 4th May. Tickets 10/6d. More information about dress, etc. later.

For the exclusive use of walkers was put forward, and after much discussion, was considered unpracticable.

Has now been completed. It covers a “weekend” walk from C1ear Hill to Kanangra, finishing up at the junction of Cox and Wollondilly Rivers on the Sunday. Quite an effort. Bushwalkers will be able to see and hear the Australia-wide version in due course.

The Department of Immigration advises that most definite steps are being taken to teach new settlers the range of our Flora and Fauna Protection Laws. Council adopted a resolution that Clubs be asked to assist in the assimilation of New Australians by inviting them to join clubs and so learn our ways and pleasures.

Is being despoiled by the timber getters and so goes another scenic camp for bushwalkers.

Many unmentioned creatures, both animal and plant, stand on the edge of never-return and only the wholehearted efforts of conservators, strengthened by wise legislation and the thoughtful co-operation of the people, will attract them back to their rightful preserves. Otherwise, in spite of any material gains we may bequeath, we shall hand on a world forever emptier, forever saddened by what might have been. It is a vision of stark tragedy that sees the last creature of its race growing old, slinking away in utter loneliness to die, or screaming a last anguished animal cry to the flames.

- John Bechervaise F.R.G.S. - “Walkabout” 1-6-50.

Among the conservation activities described in the 1949/50 report of the Fauna Protection Panel are the following:

The panel decided that it would be desirable to establish the following reserves:

Rain Forest and Snow Gums. (The Barrington Tops and Gloucester Tops regions comprising the plateau lands and the headwaters or the tributaries of the Hunter and Gloucester River systems.)

Open Forest and Sandstone. (The Morton Primitive Area and an extension of that area south over the tributaries of Yalwal Creek and the Clyde River to Mt. Budawang, Mt. Currockbilly and Clyde Mountain.)

Streams and Swamps. (The Macquarie Marshes area.)

Mallee and Mulga. (An area on the western plains.)

The panel requested the Education Department to include in the primary school syllabus information concerning Australian birds and animals and the necessity for their protection. It was also decided to do everything possible to interest school children through school magazines and to encourage the co-operation of teachers through the medium of the Education Gazette. Publicity has been sought and obtained through the press and radio and the panel is considering film publicity.

The Commissioner of Police has asked all officers of the Police Force to pay particular attention to the matter and wherever possible to give personal advice to new Australians in the requirements of the Fauna Protection Act. Arrangements have been made with the Department of Education for instruction regarding fauna protection to be given to classes conducted for new Australians in some 200 centres. The Commonwealth Government has been asked to include information regarding fauna protection in material issued to newly arrived migrants. The Panel proposes to arrange for lectures and talks, illustrated wherever possible by films, to be given to new Australians in migrant centres and in camps under the control of Government Authorities.

Because of the possibility of widespread destruction of native fauna in the area covered by the operations of the Snowy Mountains Hydro Electric Authority, the Panel has proposed the following steps to protect the birds and animals: (1) The appointment, jointly with other interested Authorities, of Rangers whose duties will include fauna protection. (2) The declaration of the whole of the area concerned as a district of sanctuary. (3) Talks and films presented at camps established by the Authority throughout the area.

Being of the opinion that parts of Ku-ring-gai Chase would be ideal for koala sanctuaries, the Panel approached the Ku-ring-gai Chase Trust and representatives of the Trust and members of the Panel selected a site between Bobbin Head and Mount Colah as the most suitable because of its easy access and abundant supply of food trees.

Something new in plastics. Unbreakable plastic beakers with air tight lid converting into handy lightweight container -

• 12 ozs. 2/5d.
• 8 ozs. 1/9d.
• 4 ozs. 1/5d.

Large plastic bread bags 3/3d. and 2/11d. Soap holders 1/11d.

Screw top jars 2/11d., 1/11d., 2/-., 2/10d.

Combination aluminium frying pan and canteen sets 16/- each.

Coming out soon Paddy's new catalogue. Enquire for copy to

Paddy Pallin. Camp Gear for Walkers

327 George Street, Sydney. BX3595.