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195306 [2016/11/18 08:53] – tyreless195306 [2016/11/18 08:58] (current) – tyreless
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 =====Report On Progress At Blue Gum.===== =====Report On Progress At Blue Gum.=====
  
-At the weekend of 16/17th May we inspected the results of the Working Bee. The silt-pack is still there, though slightly battered by the flooding of the previous fortnight. A considerable amount of sand and debris has been piled against the bank end, and there is no flow at this point. Further out, towards the river oak, some of the upright piles have been shifted, and there is a trickle of water here. The old main channel, above the weir, has become a backwater, and about 75% of the flow follows the diversion charnel, now much widened and scoured out.+At the weekend of 16/17th May we inspected the results of the Working Bee. The silt-pack is still there, though slightly battered by the flooding of the previous fortnight. A considerable amount of sand and debris has been piled against the bank end, and there is no flow at this point. Further out, towards the river oak, some of the upright piles have been shifted, and there is a trickle of water here. The old main channel, above the weir, has become a backwater, and about 75% of the flow follows the diversion channel, now much widened and scoured out.
  
 The only pronounced weakness at present is just below the silt pack, where some of the flow of the river leaves the diversion channel and runs around behind the river oak to join the old bed. This is not prone to damage the bank under existing conditions, but further floods could convert it to the main channel, so outflanking the silt pack. Parties travelling through Blue Gum can assist by piling further stones across this deviation and coaxing more water to keep to the midstream channel. The only pronounced weakness at present is just below the silt pack, where some of the flow of the river leaves the diversion channel and runs around behind the river oak to join the old bed. This is not prone to damage the bank under existing conditions, but further floods could convert it to the main channel, so outflanking the silt pack. Parties travelling through Blue Gum can assist by piling further stones across this deviation and coaxing more water to keep to the midstream channel.
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 Tom Moppett reported on the working bee at Blue Gum, with a reference to the "several satisfying gelignite explosions". A motion that we express our appreciation to YMCA Ramblers and Bexley Scouts for assistance given at Blue Gum was carried. Tom Moppett reported on the working bee at Blue Gum, with a reference to the "several satisfying gelignite explosions". A motion that we express our appreciation to YMCA Ramblers and Bexley Scouts for assistance given at Blue Gum was carried.
  
-In Genaral Business Neil Schafer commented on the regrettable tendency at Members' Slide Nights for too many slides to be presented so that the show became unduly protracted. He moved that we restrict the number of slides to be shown by one member on any particular night to about 25 or 30. Other thoughts followed, Frank Rigby pointing out that a member may have a series to show, and suggesting a limit on the total number to be displayed. Kevin Ardill was not for any restriction which would perhaps discourage people from exhibiting, but thought an intermission to allow people to stretch their limbs would be wise. Ken Meadows conjured up an amendment that the exhibitors consult with the Social Secretary (or his deputy) who would arrange a programme and fix time and other necessary limits. This was the way we decided finally.+In General Business Neil Schafer commented on the regrettable tendency at Members' Slide Nights for too many slides to be presented so that the show became unduly protracted. He moved that we restrict the number of slides to be shown by one member on any particular night to about 25 or 30. Other thoughts followed, Frank Rigby pointing out that a member may have a series to show, and suggesting a limit on the total number to be displayed. Kevin Ardill was not for any restriction which would perhaps discourage people from exhibiting, but thought an intermission to allow people to stretch their limbs would be wise. Ken Meadows conjured up an amendment that the exhibitors consult with the Social Secretary (or his deputy) who would arrange a programme and fix time and other necessary limits. This was the way we decided finally.
  
 Efforts for the night were almost spent, and with an announcement extraordinary from the Social Secretary that the Christmas Party this year would be at the R.S.L. Hall in Elizabeth Street an December 4th, tickets probably 15/- per head, we had settled all natters on and off the agenda, and the rest of the evening was ours from about 9 p.m. Efforts for the night were almost spent, and with an announcement extraordinary from the Social Secretary that the Christmas Party this year would be at the R.S.L. Hall in Elizabeth Street an December 4th, tickets probably 15/- per head, we had settled all natters on and off the agenda, and the rest of the evening was ours from about 9 p.m.
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 June 27-28-29: Hill Top - Nattai River - Central Burragorang. June 27-28-29: Hill Top - Nattai River - Central Burragorang.
  
-Leader Frank Barr is being sent to the coantry for a time at that date, and Frank Rigby (Telephone LA4371 (Business), JA5359 (Home)) will lead instead.+Leader Frank Barr is being sent to the country for a time at that date, and Frank Rigby (Telephone LA4371 (Business), JA5359 (Home)) will lead instead.
  
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 Falling into the "home-building" category, it has been my pleasure to entertain SBW friends at backyard campfires, burning up the old stumps cast aside in the days of stump-grubbing and tree-pulling. Having obtained the necessary permit from the Ku-Ring-Gai Council to light a fire during the Bushfire Danger Period, such campfire was held on 21st February, with a goodly assembly of "old" familiar faces drawn from the noble lands of Beecroft, up the line through the woody slopes of Normanhurst, down the North Shore line with its coffee-drinkers, past the Gordon Highlanders and the jaguar forests of Roseville. We even raised couple from Castlecrag. Falling into the "home-building" category, it has been my pleasure to entertain SBW friends at backyard campfires, burning up the old stumps cast aside in the days of stump-grubbing and tree-pulling. Having obtained the necessary permit from the Ku-Ring-Gai Council to light a fire during the Bushfire Danger Period, such campfire was held on 21st February, with a goodly assembly of "old" familiar faces drawn from the noble lands of Beecroft, up the line through the woody slopes of Normanhurst, down the North Shore line with its coffee-drinkers, past the Gordon Highlanders and the jaguar forests of Roseville. We even raised couple from Castlecrag.
  
-Suitable seeds had been sown earlier in unofficial discussions at "lower levels" on the merits of some permanent social organisation to meet the situation which was developing, and when the campfire conversation was skillfully brought round to the subject, it took on like wildfire. Why not a club for "retired bushwalher", someone put forward. Yes, every school has its Old Boys Union - why not a similar ancilliary amongst SBW members. It was pointed out that "old boys" or "worn out" members were not involved but that many hale and hearty stalwarts should be provided. We would form a club with a real bush tang. Just behind, and in the red glow of the fire, stood a straight young turpentine, or Syncarpia. Ah, that was it - "The Syncarpia Club". Mention of the syncarpia conjured up Pleasant memories of Syncapia Camp - that delightful stand of turpentines below Grand Canyon, and from then it was "on", someone having moved that "We do here and now form the Syncarpia Club". It is Perhaps worthy of mention that the turpentine is an evergreen and white-ant resistant - both good attributes for dormant bushwalkers - it augured well!!+Suitable seeds had been sown earlier in unofficial discussions at "lower levels" on the merits of some permanent social organisation to meet the situation which was developing, and when the campfire conversation was skillfully brought round to the subject, it took on like wildfire. Why not a club for "retired bushwalker", someone put forward. Yes, every school has its Old Boys Union - why not a similar ancillary amongst SBW members. It was pointed out that "old boys" or "worn out" members were not involved but that many hale and hearty stalwarts should be provided. We would form a club with a real bush tang. Just behind, and in the red glow of the fire, stood a straight young turpentine, or Syncarpia. Ah, that was it - "The Syncarpia Club". Mention of the syncarpia conjured up Pleasant memories of Syncapia Camp - that delightful stand of turpentines below Grand Canyon, and from then it was "on", someone having moved that "We do here and now form the Syncarpia Club". It is Perhaps worthy of mention that the turpentine is an evergreen and white-ant resistant - both good attributes for dormant bushwalkers - it augured well!!
  
 Pencils and paper were produced; we would have no long-winded Constitution, and there and then drew up and finally decided what would be a workable proposition, inter alia: Pencils and paper were produced; we would have no long-winded Constitution, and there and then drew up and finally decided what would be a workable proposition, inter alia:
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 (f) Subscription: Commencing with 5/- per annum on familial basis, subject to annual review. (f) Subscription: Commencing with 5/- per annum on familial basis, subject to annual review.
  
-It will be appreciated from the foregoing rigid regimentation was not sought. Meetings would be made to coincide as far as possible with social functions, but no doubt there will be more social events than meetings. As provided in the Constitution, admission is by invitation only. A certain amount of tact will have to be used in this regard as we know some folk whose eyebrows would be permanently raised at the "very idea" of associating with the stagnant throng. (A lot has been said about the SBW being stagnant anyhow.) However if there are any "bodies" we have overlooked and think they would be eligible, and would like to be considered, they are welome to pass the word on through the grapevine. A glance at the suburbs from whence the founders at the inaugural meeting hailed will give vital clues as to identity. We firmly believe the formation of this Club has filled a definite want on the North Shore and it is likely others will be formed in other areas, e.g. the St. George District, where one or two we know of are hibernating.+It will be appreciated from the foregoing rigid regimentation was not sought. Meetings would be made to coincide as far as possible with social functions, but no doubt there will be more social events than meetings. As provided in the Constitution, admission is by invitation only. A certain amount of tact will have to be used in this regard as we know some folk whose eyebrows would be permanently raised at the "very idea" of associating with the stagnant throng. (A lot has been said about the SBW being stagnant anyhow.) However if there are any "bodies" we have overlooked and think they would be eligible, and would like to be considered, they are welcome to pass the word on through the grapevine. A glance at the suburbs from whence the founders at the inaugural meeting hailed will give vital clues as to identity. We firmly believe the formation of this Club has filled a definite want on the North Shore and it is likely others will be formed in other areas, e.g. the St. George District, where one or two we know of are hibernating.
  
 The deliberations in drawing up the Constitution had gone on without regard to time and before we realised it it was after midnight. Those with cars slipped away, dropping those less fortunate along the route. It was a lucky coincidence that the Sunday walk next day commenced from Wahroonga Station, about a mile away. Some who intended attending the walk had brought their sleeping bags to the fire. It was a beautiful night and, tired out by this time, they curled up alongside the glowing embers, under the stars. They were all sound asleep next morning when I went out at 6 a.m. to awaken them by pulling their legs, just as I have pulled yours for the past three pages. The deliberations in drawing up the Constitution had gone on without regard to time and before we realised it it was after midnight. Those with cars slipped away, dropping those less fortunate along the route. It was a lucky coincidence that the Sunday walk next day commenced from Wahroonga Station, about a mile away. Some who intended attending the walk had brought their sleeping bags to the fire. It was a beautiful night and, tired out by this time, they curled up alongside the glowing embers, under the stars. They were all sound asleep next morning when I went out at 6 a.m. to awaken them by pulling their legs, just as I have pulled yours for the past three pages.
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 (From Jean Schoen: now working with the Snowy Mts. Authority at Cooma.) (From Jean Schoen: now working with the Snowy Mts. Authority at Cooma.)
  
-The Authority announced last Thurspy (April 24rd) that it would hold a three-day trip to the Geehi - Saturday and Sunday and Monday off on full pay, cost approximately £3.10.0. Only ten people were able to attend this trip, two Holdens being made available, two of the ten volunteering to act as drivers. I no sooner read the circular than I had filled in my application, and was fortunate enough to be one of the ten.+The Authority announced last Thursday (April 24rd) that it would hold a three-day trip to the Geehi - Saturday and Sunday and Monday off on full pay, cost approximately £3.10.0. Only ten people were able to attend this trip, two Holdens being made available, two of the ten volunteering to act as drivers. I no sooner read the circular than I had filled in my application, and was fortunate enough to be one of the ten.
  
-I:ve left Cooma early on Saturday morning, lunching at the hotel at Talbingo. Then on to Tumut for petrol and a visit to the Authority's representative there. Batlow, Tumbarumba, Tooma, Tintaldra and finally Corryong in Victoria, which was our destination for Saturday night. As you can imagine, our speed was amazing. We practically took off from Cooma and touched down only three times before arrival. Had a comfortable night in the pub at Corryong, but only a cold tea, so, when the publican gave us the run of his lounge, including log fire, we finished the day by frying sausages and toasting bread with a guard posted outside the lounge room door. Fortunately, there were very few other guests, and they were pretty far gone, it being Anzac Day. No doubt the host wondered next morning where all the crumbs came from!+I've left Cooma early on Saturday morning, lunching at the hotel at Talbingo. Then on to Tumut for petrol and a visit to the Authority's representative there. Batlow, Tumbarumba, Tooma, Tintaldra and finally Corryong in Victoria, which was our destination for Saturday night. As you can imagine, our speed was amazing. We practically took off from Cooma and touched down only three times before arrival. Had a comfortable night in the pub at Corryong, but only a cold tea, so, when the publican gave us the run of his lounge, including log fire, we finished the day by frying sausages and toasting bread with a guard posted outside the lounge room door. Fortunately, there were very few other guests, and they were pretty far gone, it being Anzac Day. No doubt the host wondered next morning where all the crumbs came from!
  
 Mr. Gilfillan, who is in charge of works in the Geehi region, came into Corryong to meet us the next morning and we followed him in via Bringenbrong and Khancoban (which consists of two houses, one being the P.O.) to Indi Camp, where the surveyors are under canvas. Their tents are neatly set out in two rows, each tent with a nameplate and one labelled "Visitors", the office being a tin shack with a tremendous fireplace. It is located in lovely bushland and the stands of timber are some of the best I have ever seen. Mr. Gilfillan, who is in charge of works in the Geehi region, came into Corryong to meet us the next morning and we followed him in via Bringenbrong and Khancoban (which consists of two houses, one being the P.O.) to Indi Camp, where the surveyors are under canvas. Their tents are neatly set out in two rows, each tent with a nameplate and one labelled "Visitors", the office being a tin shack with a tremendous fireplace. It is located in lovely bushland and the stands of timber are some of the best I have ever seen.
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-Three years ago at the end of May Fireworks Ridge at Euroke Clearing was named. This year the Instructional Weekend of May 23/24 formally dubbed Rocket Ridge and Cracker Camp. No burns requiring first aid were recorded. No one took off at the tail af a rocket. It was a quiet weekend (well, almost).+Three years ago at the end of May Fireworks Ridge at Euroka Clearing was named. This year the Instructional Weekend of May 23/24 formally dubbed Rocket Ridge and Cracker Camp. No burns requiring first aid were recorded. No one took off at the tail of a rocket. It was a quiet weekend (well, almost).
  
 Perhaps the elusive George contributed to that quiet. He sneaked into the Ardill car somewhere between Sydney and Glenbrook and hid the half-dozen detonators Kevin had acquired for the occasion. Otherwise George was on his best behaviour, and no erratic compasses or misled parties were noted. Perhaps the elusive George contributed to that quiet. He sneaked into the Ardill car somewhere between Sydney and Glenbrook and hid the half-dozen detonators Kevin had acquired for the occasion. Otherwise George was on his best behaviour, and no erratic compasses or misled parties were noted.
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 Now the park plan has been revived owing to the offering for auction sale on 5th March last of 1280 acres (Portions 73, 76 and 77, Parish of Narrabeen) in the Estate of the late T.H. Kelly. These Portions are zoned as Rural Area in the County Plan, and therefore cannot be subdivided into blocks of less than 5 acres. The price required is only £6 per acre, but no buyer for the land has been found yet. Now the park plan has been revived owing to the offering for auction sale on 5th March last of 1280 acres (Portions 73, 76 and 77, Parish of Narrabeen) in the Estate of the late T.H. Kelly. These Portions are zoned as Rural Area in the County Plan, and therefore cannot be subdivided into blocks of less than 5 acres. The price required is only £6 per acre, but no buyer for the land has been found yet.
  
-The Parks and Piaygrounds Movement has asked the Government, the Cumberland County Council and the Warringah Shire Council to act quickly and secure this fine recreation area to form the nucleus of the proposed national park.+The Parks and Playgrounds Movement has asked the Government, the Cumberland County Council and the Warringah Shire Council to act quickly and secure this fine recreation area to form the nucleus of the proposed national park.
  
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 =====The Quarantine Station At North Head.===== =====The Quarantine Station At North Head.=====
  
-A great many residents af Manly have been trying for half a century to get the Quarantine Station moved from their vicinity.+A great many residents of Manly have been trying for half a century to get the Quarantine Station moved from their vicinity.
  
 From the public point of view the station (658 acres in area) is admirably located, and it has been developed and equipped to cope with any emergency in the event of a threat of the introduction of an epidemic from overseas. From the public point of view the station (658 acres in area) is admirably located, and it has been developed and equipped to cope with any emergency in the event of a threat of the introduction of an epidemic from overseas.
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 The papers were hard hit - their famous, or should I say 'infamous' headline "Lost Hiker" was no longer of use. There were no hikers; splashers, wallowers, drifters, floaters, yes, but no hikers. There could be no dramatised search. Where could one look? Mud, slush and water held no trace or if it did it was soon washed away by the incessant rain. Either one came back or one didn't, and that was that. The papers were hard hit - their famous, or should I say 'infamous' headline "Lost Hiker" was no longer of use. There were no hikers; splashers, wallowers, drifters, floaters, yes, but no hikers. There could be no dramatised search. Where could one look? Mud, slush and water held no trace or if it did it was soon washed away by the incessant rain. Either one came back or one didn't, and that was that.
  
-The ban against fires was lifted in 1950 - later replaced by one banning the extinguishing of fires. This was regarded as a bit of a joke as it took the utmost ingenuity to get one going. The time honoured scout method was useless without the addition cf some inflammable petrol, kerosene or the Stead Secret Sodium which burns in water.+The ban against fires was lifted in 1950 - later replaced by one banning the extinguishing of fires. This was regarded as a bit of a joke as it took the utmost ingenuity to get one going. The time honoured scout method was useless without the addition of some inflammable petrol, kerosene or the Stead Secret Sodium which burns in water.
  
 The frame pack went out of fashion, being replaced by two water-proof duffel bags lashed together and separately tied at the top to be watertight, thus being ready at all times to be used as a float. The frame pack went out of fashion, being replaced by two water-proof duffel bags lashed together and separately tied at the top to be watertight, thus being ready at all times to be used as a float.
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 It was an amazing sight - 300 members, 300 fires, meta tablets, resin, pitch, petrol, kero, meth, persuaders, everything had been used to get the fires going. It was an amazing sight - 300 members, 300 fires, meta tablets, resin, pitch, petrol, kero, meth, persuaders, everything had been used to get the fires going.
  
-Then it happened! Some said it was the concentrated heat turning the rain into steam and sending it up again. Some said it was the up draught forcing the clouds away, but whatever it was it stopped the rain and the whole forest was catching alight. The canvas bucket brigade was totally inadequate. We were soon beaten back - water buskets burning. The heat was too much for me. I fainted, and when I came to - the sun was shining right on me in the tent.+Then it happened! Some said it was the concentrated heat turning the rain into steam and sending it up again. Some said it was the up draught forcing the clouds away, but whatever it was it stopped the rain and the whole forest was catching alight. The canvas bucket brigade was totally inadequate. We were soon beaten back - water buckets burning. The heat was too much for me. I fainted, and when I came to - the sun was shining right on me in the tent.
  
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 Don't miss the Walks Programme - September to December. Don't miss the Walks Programme - September to December.
  
-Batten on the Walks Secretary with details of your walk before teh end of June - it goes to press in July.+Batten on the Walks Secretary with details of your walk before the end of June - it goes to press in July.
  
 1 1/2 and day-walks in great demand (by Walks Secretary). 1 1/2 and day-walks in great demand (by Walks Secretary).
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 ===Buildings in National Parks:=== ===Buildings in National Parks:===
  
-Discussion and report from Clubs could be summarised: "No objection to the ereetion of Hostel at Garie; buildings in National Parks generally, should be dealt with as they arise and on their merits". No declared policy was approved.+Discussion and report from Clubs could be summarised: "No objection to the erection of Hostel at Garie; buildings in National Parks generally, should be dealt with as they arise and on their merits". No declared policy was approved.
  
 ==="The Bushwalker" - Edition No.12:=== ==="The Bushwalker" - Edition No.12:===
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 Coast and Mountain Walkers' Annual Photographic Exhibition will be held in Room C, Y.M.C.A., on June 11th. Coast and Mountain Walkers' Annual Photographic Exhibition will be held in Room C, Y.M.C.A., on June 11th.
  
-===Christams Cards:==+===Christmas Cards:==
  
 Enquiries will be made as to the possibilities of printing Christmas Cards with a view to profit-making. Enquiries will be made as to the possibilities of printing Christmas Cards with a view to profit-making.
195306.txt · Last modified: 2016/11/18 08:58 by tyreless
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