SBW Magazine & History Project

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======The Sydney Bushwalker======

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

===No.229. December, 1953. Price 6d.===

|**Editor**|Jim Brown, 103 Gipps St, Drummoyne|
|**Sales & Subs.**|Jess Martin|
|**Typed by**|Jean Harvey|
|**Production and Business Manager**|Brian Harvey (JW1462)|

=====Contents.=====

| | |Page|
|Editorial - No Cheap Miracles| | 1|
|At the November General Meeting| | 2|
|A New Pass From the Grose| | 4|
|All This - And the Nattai Too!| | 5|
|Activities of the Parks & Playground Movement| | 6|
|Brer Rabbit| | 8|
|Some Lightening Facts|John Bookluck| 8|
|Letter to the Editor| | 9|
|Lower Kangaroo and Lower Shoalhaven Rivers| |10|
|Four Dills Dumped in 'Dilly by Dam' Disposal Dinghy|"Rudolf"|12|
|Federation Notes - November|Allen A. Strom|14|

=====Advertisements.=====

| |Page|
|Scenic Motor Tours| 3|
|Siedlecky's Taxi and Tourist Service| 5|
|The Sanitarium Health Food Shop|11|
|The Search For Uranium - Paddy's Advertisement|16|

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=====Editorial - No Cheap Miracles.=====

One feature of the debate an day walks at the November General Meeting was so surprising as to be almost a minor miracle - there was no outcry at the change involved in making day trips "notifiable". Often there is a tendency to close an eye to altered conditions, retreat behind deeply entrenched custom, and decry anything resembling a change in long-standing practice. Evidently, however, the members present for the November meeting were aware of the unsatisfactory conditions surrounding day trips, and believed leaders of these trips should be protected from the necessity of turning out for unattended walks.

The change may have the result of producing day-walk leaders. Or it may not. We should be chary of assuming that the decision of the November meeting will bring about another miracle, and cure all the ills associated with Sunday trips. In fact, where walking activity is concerned, it is doubtful if any resolution carried at a meeting will have the slightest effect unless members generally are prepared to lead walks and other members want to attend them. At present relatively few members are interested in Sunday trips, even fewer are willing to commit themselves, months in advance, to leading a day walk.

Of course, some move to counter the unhappy position was desirable and the experiment is a worth-while one, but we should not promise ourselves miraculous results.

----

===To our readers:===

May we wish you the very best for Christmas, and Happy Walking in 1954... and, if you're doing an extended trip over the summer holidays, let us know about it - afterwards! The stock of trip stories runs low about this time of the year, and we want to hear from you for the February issue.

The Editor.

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=====At The November General Meeting.=====

For the November General Meeting, held on an evening of incredible stuffiness, quite a fresh breeze of debate blew through the torpid air: about 50 members were there, and Allen Strom occupied the chair, tendering the apologies of the President, who was unavoidably absent. In correspondence we learned sundry things, that several belated subscriptions had been received, and members restored: while others had successfully scaled themselves down to non-active status. There were circulars from Brian Harvey advertising two forms of insurance available to bushwalkers - a personal policy to cover costs incurred by injury in the bush, and a special camera policy: and there was an advertisement from a firm recommending "Dimph" for our mosquito and sandfly repellent.

Conservation Secretary Tom Moppett produced several letters, one concerning further dealings with the Blue Mountains Flora and Fauna Protection Society, which was now angling for dedication of the central part of the Blue Mountains as a reserve: another from the Conservation Department acknowledging our information about timber cutting in Mark Morton, and stating that the foresters had found a penetration of 2-chains depth into the Reserve, which had been halted. The Minister for Lands had declined to alter the proposed boundaries of National Park and Garawarra.

After the Federation Report, Allen Strom called for volunteers to patrol the Bouddi Park, and we came to General Business, the first item being presented by Tom Moppett on behalf of the Walks Secretary.

Sunday walks, he said, were proving very difficult to obtain for the coming programme, and it appeared that one reason was the dismay of leaders who were obliged to appear, whether they had received notification or not, and frequently found they had no party to lead. He moved the alteration of the significant by-law (Section K, number 8) so that leaders of day trips should be notified by the previous Friday evening and in absence of advice, may cancel the trip. Speaking of day walks (of course) he said the convenience would still be there if people wanted to use it.

Edna Garrad enquired when this rule would come into effect, and Tom reserved the right to add two further motions later, regarding date of implementation and method of advice.

After a few comments which contributed little to the discussion, Alex Colley moved an amendment that the new practice apply only to the months November to March, but Roy Bruggy held that the leader should be told, irrespective of season, and Kath Brown pointed out that leaders had been let down just as frequently in the good walking months. Jack Wren observed that only those people who wanted to go on Sunday walks supplied their names as leaders, and Allen Hardie, supporting the original motion, said we may as well fill the programme with fictitious trips, and if this would help to provide an imposing-looking programme, he favoured it. One went to just as much trouble preparing for a day walk as for a camping trip.

At this stage Ken Meadows entered on the problem of contacting the leader if he had no telephone number, and suggested a kind of clearing house, but when it became evident that this was part of Tom Moppett's remaining motions, it was put aside until we had scrubbed the amendment, and carried the original motion.

Tom now moved that it be necessary for a 'phone number to be furnished by leaders of day walks for publication on the programme, and this ran into quite a cross-fire from those class-conscious about the lack of a 'phone, and those who felt we had given to leaders with one hand, and would now take with the other: also from those who "wouldn't be druv". In short it began to look as though the first motion would be made sterile, and the motion was presently withdrawn, Alex Colley substituting that leaders of Sunday walks should provide a number where possible, and that a "panel" of 'phone numbers be made available for the lower-income-group. In this form, after a few more comments, the notion was carried. Tom Moppett's final motion, that the new policy be introduced from January 1st was carried without dissent.

A small crop of announcements brought us to a motion by Ken Meadows that all disbursements from Club funds be made by cheque direct to the individual or body to be paid, rather than to a Club officer, so ensuring that we should have a record of the transaction, but it was pointed out that Committee had itself made such a decision the previous week, and the motion lapsed.

As a conclusion the Assistant Walks Secretary notified that the coming walks programme was in a parlous condition, needing large infusions of trips, and we closed the night's business at 9.10 p.m.

----

=====A New Pass From The Grose.=====

In the "Annual" magazine of 1935 (in the days when S.B.W. produced an Annual magazine, and before Federation virtually took over this phase), there was an article by Marie Byles describing the first ascent by bushwalkers of the gap known as "Walford's Pass", about 5 miles down the Grose from Blue Gum, and about two miles east from Mount Hay. Since that time several parties of walkers have made their way out from the Grose by this route, passing by Mt. Hay and so back to Leura. Marie also remarked that, though various parties had explored widely, no other pass from the Grose to the tops had been located between Lockley's Pylon and Walford's route.

Well, evidently there is another way out from the Grose, for John White and a small party went that way in September of this year. Apparently their course was by a gully somewhat higher up the river than Walford's route: nor were they the first to negotiate it, as they found the marks of nailed boots on some of the rocks, and this led them to believe they were actually on the pass described by Marie and known to other members. __However__, John White does not recommend this way to people with indifferent nerves, as some rather ticklish rock climbing was involved. It would be interesting to learn who preceded them.

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=====All This - And The Nattai Too!=====

Four "Samsons"to carry the food, and "Delilah" to do all the cooking. But when two of the party drop out and the poor girl carries a 32lb. pack as well as being Chief Cook __and__ Bottle Washer - gee, that's tough! What's tough? Life - What's that? A magazine -- Aw, Forget it! By the way, if a "prospective" wants to know how to get breakfast served in the sleeping bag - and by a Committee member - ask Dick Hoffman.

The cause of a tidal wave at Burragorang! The 32lb. pack, with the Treasurer, in harness, fell off a log into the Nattai. Where were the cameras? She sported bruises next day to which no colour slide could have done justice!

Halloween, and the spooks were walking. Mental telepathy round the campfire. What is the most mysterious age? Why - a S-A-U-S-AGE! Ghost stories in the gloaming deprived the worried leader of his peaceful slumbers.

Returning, two "bona-fide" members of the party were fortunate to land a hitch. Camden to Sydney at an average of 42 m.p.h. They'll never be the same again.

Charred Fritz for Sunday breakfast, but one little dog at Hilltop had a good meal of bacon for Friday night's supper. Why not? Everyone else was consuming hot drinks and eats, and never thought of offering him anything!

For lightweight walkers. No patent has been taken at on the plastic tent seen down the Nattai. Very light, very cheap, can be recommended by the inventor.

----

=====Activities Of The Parks & Playgrounds Movement.=====

Supplied by Mrs. H. Stoddart.

The following is a brief report of the mart important matters dealt with by the Movement during the past few months:

===Harbour pollution:===
Evidence collected and forwarded to Maritime Service, with request that the harbour be cleaned up for the Royal visit.

===Pollution of ocean beaches:===

Investigation proceeding.

===Camperdown:===

New park suggested opposite Children's Hospital.

===Hyde Park amenities building:===

City Council yielded to pressure by the Movement and others, to demolish the partly erected building in the park facing College Street, and place it underground.

===Women's rest rooms in Hyde Park:===

City Council refused request from Movement to remove show windows from the Park Street frontage of the building.

===Wartime buildings in parks:===

Representations made to Federal authorities for removal of buildings erected in parks for temporary wartime purposes.

===Ashfield Park bowling greens:===

The Minister for Lands advised the Movement that he has refused permission to Ashfield Council to grant additional land in Ashfield Park for bowling greens.

===North Harbour Park:===

Movement participated in deputation to Minister for Lands, to protest against Manly Council's grant of a 50-years' lease of an area of 1 acre of park land, to a newly formed bowling Club. As a result the Minister refused permission to Council to grant the lease.

===Progress Park, Auburn:===

The Cumberland County Council asked for Auburn Council's views on a proposal to re-zone portion of this park as a living area. Following on representations from the Movement, Auburn Council decided to oppose re-classification of the area.

===Victoria Park olympic pool:===

The Movement wrote to the City Council in support of "Waratah's" suggestion in the "Herald" that the swimming pool be re-located, away from the University on the City Road frontage of the park, also that the existing pool be retained and improved.

===Paddington:===

Representations made to the City Council for provision of a children's playground, instead of tennis courts, an a small level area overlooking Trumper Park.

===Cook Park, Kyeemagh:===

Protest made to Rockdale Council against the grant of a site on the shore of Botany Bay for a Clubhouse for R.S.L.

===P.S.A.A.A. athletic field at Parramatta:===

The Movement is endeavouring to have a 3-acre area at the corner of Hassell and Harris Streets developed as a playing field.

===Gymea park proposal:===

The Movement induced Sutherland Shire Council to ask the Housing Commission to make available for park purposes a 3-acre area at Gymea, which local residents wanted for a park.

===Harbord:===

The Minister for the Army informed the Movement that, following on representations from Warringah Shire Council, Manly Council, and the Movement, he has instructed the Army authorities not to take for an observation post, an area of 10 acres at Harbord, which is wanted for a playing field for new Boys' and Girls' High Schools.

===Quarantine Station, North Head:===

The Movement continued its efforts to secure retention of this area in public ownership.

===Dee Why Lagoon:===

The Movement supported requests made by the National Trust to various authorities, to have preserved as a bird sanctuary, the natural vegetation surrounding the lagoon, between the main road and the lagoon.

===Housing Commission:===

In response to protests made by the Movement direct to Mr. Clive Evatt, Minister for Housing, Mr. Evatt has furnished the Movement with a list of about 30 areas made available by the Commission for park purposes.

===Currarong National Park, Jervis Bay:===

The Movement has asked the Minister for Lands to refuse permission to subdivide portion of the above reserve near Beecroft Peninsula, for an extension of Currarong Township.

===Era and Little Garie beaches land:===

Letter received from Minister for Lands, advising that this 350-acre area has been approved for dedication for public recreation, and proclaimed a park. The land is to be incorporated within National Park, under that Trust.

===Hawkesbury River:===

The Movement is working in collaboration with the National Trust on a plan for the Preservation of the scenic beauty of the Hawkesbury River Basin.

===Greater Blue Mountains National Park scheme:===

Progress report received from Myles Dunphy.

===Warrah Sanctuary and Lion Island:===

The Movement has informed Miss Minard Crommelin that it will give every support in its power to her proposal to have these areas dedicated a National Botanical Gardens and Arboretum, and for the promotion of study, and the protection of native flora and fauna.

===Wildflower protection:===

The Movement took part in a conference to prepare a dossier on wild flower protection, which was submitted to the Local Government Department. The conference recommended that boronia ledifolia, flannel flower and waratah be added to the list of native plants banned from sale. The Department has now informed the conference that the following species must not be offered for sale in the 1953 season: Native Rose, Pink Boronia, Rock Lily and Giant Lily.

===Whale Beach:===

In response to a request from the Movement, the Warringah Shire Council agreed to construct a pedestrian pathway from Whale Beach Road to The Strand, thus providing convenient access to the beach.

===T.H. Kelly estate at Narrabeen:===

The Movement (with partial success) urged upon the authorities, the importance of retaining this 1280 acre area for public recreation purposes. It is expected that, as the result of representations made, the whole area will be secured later on.

===Seaside campers:===

The Movement urged the authorities to have all permanent camps removed from seaside reserves, and to confine future lettings to legitimate holiday makers, also to have all unsightly shacks removed.

===Mark Morton Primitive Area:===

The Movement is supporting a request by the Forestry Advisory Council for an assurance from the Lands Department, that all steps necessary for preservation of this area have been accomplished.

===Moorefield Rececourse:===

The Movement is campaigning to prevent the sub-division of this 100-acre area (no longer required for racing), and its conversion to playing fields, for which there is a pressing need in Sydney at present.

Numerous other park matters of lesser importance were dealt with by the Movement in the past few months.

----

=====Brer Rabbit.=====

Do you remember Allen Strom's lecture on the Fauna Protection Panel several months ago, when Dormie expressed concern lest myxamatosis wipe out our rabbit population - and Roy Bruggy said, "Well, in that case, we just import two more"?

There was a bit of rabbit history in an article on the Keepit Dam Terrain Survey in the Soil Conservation Journal of several months ago. It reads:

"A census of livestock at Port Jackson in 1788 includes five rabbits, 3 belonging to the Governor. In 1791 an undisclosed number of rabbits came from Cape Town and in 1825 they were reported in hutches, but none was wild. About 1860 they were flourishing on Thomas Hall's estate "The Warren", Cooks River, Sydney. At the same time they were becoming established in Victoria and Tasmania. However, they appeared to spread first from Geelong, Victoria, and crossed the Murray into the Riverina and South Australia.

In N.S.W. they were mentioned in 1879 when they were numerous on the lower Murray and had become known on the Murrumbidgee as far up as Yanco Creek. In a few years they were approaching Queensland. Even so, there were still many areas untouched in N.S.W. including the whole of the coastal division. In 1885 they were 130 miles from the border of Queensland and N.S.W.

In 1883 the Rabbit Nuisance Act was passed whereby inspectors were authorised to enter lands and enforce rabbit destruction. Between the years 1883-1890 the N.S.W. Government spent £1,543,000 an rabbit destruction. By this time rabbits were becoming a very serious problem indeed.

Local inhabitants are of the opinion that rabbits first made their appearance in the Upper Hunter Valley about 1895. From then on they increased rapidly. Destruction of the pest was, and still is, a problem in the Hunter Valley, due to the hilly or mountainous nature of much of the terrain. Rabbits have made a large contribution to the erosion of the Upper Hunter due to their burrows opening the soil and causing gullies, and to the removal of vegetation, aggravating the over-grazed condition of the pasture land."

----

====Some Lightening Facts.====

By John Bookluck.

Having read Brian Harvey's article, "Have You Ever Been Smitten?" in the October magazine, my answer is NO. I have read similar articles and used to shudder with fear, because there is nowhere a safe place when lightning plays, unless one walks around in a wire cage or earthed sphere... Until I read some more scientific facts. Your chance of being struck dead by lightning is 1 in 100,000 for 1000 years' life span, or 1 in 1,000,000 for 100 years. Even these figures are low! Nevertheless, it is handy to know the medical treatment for lightning stroke.

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"6 Cocpernook Avenue,
Gymea Bay,
November, 3rd 1953.

"The Editor, "The Sydney Bushwalker".

Dear Sir:

News has it that protests against the taking of timber from the Morton Primitive Area via the dedication of the Area as a Flora Reserve under the control of the Forestry Commission have so far averted the consummation of the deed. Authority has been shown that quite a number of folk do not agree that the Forestry Commission should be given a free hand on the "say so" of some of its officers. I feel that Ministers and Under Secretaries can be quite out of touch with the knowledge that an area is widely used for recreation and that those that use it are very opposed to having it destroyed by timber-getting. Letters from Societies and Clubs are often received as expressions of opinions by the writers themselves, but when numerous, more-or-less private citizens join in the correspondence, there is a greater need to sit up and take notice.

"It is gratifying to know then, that our many friends have supported the appeal to authority published in the October Number of our journal; but we would be blindly optimistic if we thought the battle was won. May I renew the plea to your readers "to be in it"? If they have already written, could they influence their friends to do likewise? The decision on the fate of Morton may now rest with the Department of Lands. Maybe your readers (whether they have helped or not) could ask the Minister and/or the Under Secretary of that Department to use his influence in having the Area so dedicated that only an Act of Parliament could interfere with its primitive nature. We do not want Morton desecrated, nor do we want it left to "waste away"; it must be used, used by the Nation, in such a manner that it will remain for all time, an ecological unit of natural beauty.

Yours sincerely,

(Sgd.) Allen A. Strom. WE 2528."

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=====Lower Kangaroo And Lower Shoalhaven Rivers.=====

Data based on trip carried out July 31st, August 1st/2nd/3rd, 1953.

Route: Moss Vale - car to Sandy Creek - Meryla Pass - Yarrunga Ck. - Kangaroo River - Shoalhaven River - Budgong Creek and road to Bomaderry (Nowra).

The one-time coach road down Meryla Pass is in quite good condition, and makes easy walking. About 3/4-mile past the ford of Yarrunga Creek, we followed a side track down to the Kangaroo, which we crossed just below the junction of Yarrunga Creek. We followed down the south-east bank of the Kangaroo (the easiest bank as far as Bundanoon Creek), and camped at the junction of Kangaroo with Shoalhaven, having made about 13 miles for the day.

The following day we went down the Shoalhaven. Going for the first 1/2-mile on the north bank was bad, and we then crossed. Recommend crossing the rivers near the junction, and keeping to the southern bank of the Shoalhaven, which gives the best going most of the way. In all, we made six crossings to obtain the best going, but this would be influenced by the state of the river. At the beginning of August there had been three months of drought, but we could see debris thirty or forty feet above our heads in trees. After wet weather it is doubtful if the trip could be made, as the north bank of the Shoalhaven is the rougher. Provided the crossings can be made it is quite attractive walking over agreeable flats, with honeycombed cliffs, several hundred feet in height, rising on both sides of the valley. Crossings become less frequent after passing the junction of Yalwal Creek. We camped about 1/2-mile up Budgong Creek on the Sunday night, with about 12 miles covered for the day.

At the junction of Budgong Creek farms begin to appear on the side streams joining the Shoalhaven, and a few miles below tidal influences commence. We walked out on the Monday by back roads to Bomaderry, and it would appear that similar roads lead out from Burrier on the southern bank. The Yalwal military map, lacking in much detail, appears reasonably accurate in its road information and it seems probable that one could easily go out on the south side of the Shoalhaven by the track shown as leading into Yalwal Creek. From Budgong Creek it is about 13 miles by roads to Bomaderry.

----

"They (Boy Scouts) are a pack of little monsters - each a practising juvenile delinquent". No - not quoted from one of our General Meetings but Clifton Webb in the film "Mister Scoutmaster". (The foregoing does not necessarily represent the views of this journal.)

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__Home on the Range__... but the Range was the Rifle Range at Long Bay, and the day trippers from Maroubra to La Perouse on November 1st gave a passable re-enactment of the first wave of Marines going ashore on Iwo Jima when the machine guns opened up. Committee seemed to think it may be considered a test walk. The duo-leaders didn't stop running until they reached La Perouse, where they joined a tram away ahead of their weaker followers.

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=====Four Dills Dumped In 'Dilly By Dam' Disposal Dinghy.=====

By "Rudolf".

Ah, what a fine day it was as I flowed between the majestic walls of the Burragorang Valley! Flowing between the tree-lined grassy banks I felt at peace with the world. There were no canoeists racing over me - no bushwalkers with hobnailed boots treading in me, no tourists throwing tins and rubbish at me - indeed, this seemed to be my lucky day. At my favourite rapid near Central Burragorang I laughed as I was thrown around by the rocks but, as I turned the bend my laughter changed to horror. There on the bank were four ridiculously clad creatures carrying a large one-man dinghy. Yes, it was the R.A.A.B. (Royal Australian Assault Boat ) "LOVERDUCK", with four members of the S.B.W. (Sydney Blimp Wreckers). As I looked across her broad bow I saw on the bridge:-

  * Ken Angel - under-water expert and navigator
  * Bob Abernethy - chief engineer and saboteur
  * Brian Anderson - otherwise known as "The Admiral"
  * Jim Hooper - chief photographer and the man who couldn't stand wet pants.
  
As the smashing of champagne bottles ended, RAAB LOVERDUCK was thrown into the water. With gear packed away in kero tins and a kit bag, the crew jumped aboard, and started on their mission "Operation Loverduck". I can still see them, the way they laughed when the first rapid was passed successfully. Oh, what conceited confidence - I thought - just wait until they reach the next rapid. I'll show them who's master. Down the rapid they go with the dinghy jumping up and down, but... hullo! Brian, who was rowing, has stopped, and grabbed the opposite rowlock for support. I say, what a shame! He's knocked Jim overboard. Come, Mr. Hooper, you'll have to run faster than that to catch the dinghy... Oh dear, these clowns will never learn!

Of course, I forgot to mention that every hour or so our glorified boatmen had to go ashore, empty the dinghy and pump it up. During the process air leaks were stopped with Bostick Rubber Solution, which also stopped some of the crew from going overboard if they sat on enough of it. At last, after much discussion, Ken and Jim came to the conclusion that Bob and Brian are hopeless as a pair so, as they race down the next rapid, Ken and Bob are at the oars... well, for a while, when Bob seems to have taken the plunge.

The sun was going down and the air becoming cooler so I thought that one more piece of b... was needed to put the crew of "Loverduck" in the right mood before they camped. Having only suffered two mishaps (the departure of Bob and Jim into the water) they were feeling so confident that to survey the rapids in the turns seemed an unnecessary action. Well, I'll soon change that, I thought, what a surprise they'll get when they come around the bend into a rapid and find a bridge with only two feet clearance. Here they come - MY! what panic has broken out. It's the first time I've seen a bushwalker pull his head in, let alone four at once... the dinghy is spinning around in the turbulent water but - curses! - they passed under without mishap. Ah, this is the sight I've waited all day to see. As Jim yells "Look out!" the dinghy hits a submerged tree. With the force of the water the dinghy flies up on its side and four amazed faces are hurled into the water one by one. Like all ship stories, the Admiral hangs on to the last, but an unknown saboteur gives the craft a final pull as he goes over, and the Admiral follows his shipmates into the river. (How could you do such a thing, Bob?)

Bob, Jim and Brian have appeared, but where's Ken? Trouble does not end at this stage for Ken. Bob, who catches up with one of the floating kero tins, hurls it on to the top of the upturned dinghy. Ken caught under the dinghy, receives the tin fair and square on the head, with the result that a pair of feet, with Ken following them, fly out from underneath. These dare-devils of the dinghy sure look a sight - the four of them shivering with the cold, waist deep in water, gear floating everywhere, and the dinghy upside down. Unable to take any more water work, camp is made for the night.

As on any expedition, mutiny is always liable to break out amongst the crew. I fear that Bob's reasons for mutiny were poor but I suppose anyone would feel rebellious, standing around in wet clothing, unable to get dry clothing because of the ridiculous knot Ken had tied an the kit bag. Well, at last a fine meal of six green peas and half a cup of tea sweetened with sand, and the intrepid adventurers settled down for a night's sleep clad in warm T-shirts and shorts. Needless to say, little or no sleep was had by all.

At the break of dawn my banks burst into action again as the four bodies prepared for the second day of the journey. Again there was a near crisis. It was discovered that Jim Hooper had eaten one more baked been than the rest, but owing to an oversight by the Admiral they were unable to make Jim walk the plank, so he was posted to the pumping room for five hours.

Many a tourist on the way to Bimlow was impressed by the sight of that dinghy and eight legs running down my shallow rapids. With only 1 1/2 miles to go (4 hours dinghy time), tragedy befell this group of dead losses. In a wide open part of the river Admiral Anderson stood up in the boat to survey a rapid 150 yards ahead. As he did this, Bob looked at Jim, Jim looked at Ken - and the poor Admiral fell overboard. Attempting to climb back into the dinghy the Admiral received a rude shock - trying to climb into the dinghy from the water has the effect of tipping it up, so the Admiral began the dangerous 30-yards swim (in a lifejacket) to shore, where the others picked him up. It would be bad luck for a voyager to fall overboard in the middle of the Pacific - one would have an awful long way to swim before getting back in.

At approximately 2.0 P.m. RAAB LOVERDUCK was pulled out of the tide at Bimlow, after the roughest trip it had ever undertaken.

----

Well, members of S.B.W. - you can see that dinghy transport is now quite the thing - so what about it. The crew of RAAB LOVERDUCK will challenge any other crew, in a similar type craft, to a race from Bimlow to the Nepean River, via the Warragamba River. But, before you take up this challenge, remember you must have certain qualifications. Firstly, a craft similar to RAAB LOVERDUCK - a crew of bright, brainy, breezy boys and girls - but most of all, each crew member must be a Prize ratbag.

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====It Will Cost You Only 9d A Weekend...====

===To insure your camera on your walk.===

It isn't a question of whether you can afford it -
the question is - can you afford to be without it??

|Camera & Photographic Gear| |Personal Accident Insurance| |
|Value|Premium|Benefits| |
|£5|7/6d|Death by Accident|£100|
|£15|10/-d|Total Disablement|£100|
|£25|12/6d|Partial Disablement|£50|
|£50|15/-d|Weekly Benefit whilst temporarily Disabled|£2|
|£75|17/6d|Medical Expenses|£3/3/0|
|£100 or over|20/-%| | |
|Covers on Australian Mainland & Tasmania & New Zealand Risks| |Premium|£1/2/6|
| | |Additional for Skiing|£2/6|
|Aircraft travel insurance|2/- per £1,000 per day| | |

Other Insurances Effected and Supervised -

Householders Comprehensive - Fire - Motor Car - Workers Compensation - Public risk - Loss of profits.

See Club Member Brian G. Harvey, 12 Mahratta Avenue, Wahroonga. JW1462.

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====Congratulations To:-====

Elsa and Malcolm McGregor - a son, born November 17th. To be named Robert.

Ruby and Bill Hall - a daughter - we understand born about mid-November.

Freda Dawborn (Newman), whose marriage early in October was followed by a honeymoon trip to Western Australia.

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=====Federation Notes - November.=====

By Allen A. Strom.

The Bulletin" (Newspaper) is preparing an Australian Encyclopaedia of Sport and has asked the Federation to supply certain information concerning bushwalking.

===Colong Caves:===

The Rover Ramblers/ Club supplied information concerning shooting within the sanctuary associated with the Colong Caves. An affiliated Club will be contacted on the matter.

===Search and Rescue Section:===

The resignation of Tom Wardhaugh from the position of Secretary of the Section was reported.

===Rubbish on public reserves:===

The Parks and Playgrounds Movement has been considering the matter of clearing rubbish from Public Reserves. The Movement would like to know whether Bushwalkers would care to assist with clearing work if Councils or Trustees provided vehicles.

===Morton Primitive Area:===

Quite a lot of support was given to the appeal for protests to be made against the declaration of Morton Primitive Area as a Flora Reserve under the Control of the Forestry Commission. The matter has been quietened down, probably to be carried on behind the scenes. Clubs are therefore asked not to let up; every available person should let the Departments of Land and Conservation know that the only way to give satisfaction is by making Morton secure from the timber getting.

===Bouddi Natural Park:===

Encroachments are taking place on the northern sections of the Park (between Little and McMaster's Beaches). The Trust (which has four bushwalker representatives out of seven members) needs more volunteers for patrols. These patrols keep the Trust informed on conditions within the Park, assist with clearing and cleaning at campsites and along tracks and spread propaganda for keeping the area primitive. This Park was created by the efforts of bushwalkers and as we receive very little financial assistance from the Government, we need all the help that is possible.

===Bungonia Gorge:===

An interview has been held with the Chief Inspector of Mines on the subject of having the Gorge declared a National Monument. Two geologists are at present conducting a survey in the area, after which some decision on the Department of Mines' attitude may be expected.

===Kariong project:===

Frequent surveys of the area proposed are being made. Members are invited to join these and to bring along persons whom they think might be interested in the work. Details from A. Strom at WB2528 or UA2983.

===Beecroft Peninsula:===

Report that portion of the Peninsula may be subdivided is being investigated.


===Bushfire Patrols:===

Organised by the Federation within the National and Garrawarra National Parks have commenced. They have been well received by both Park authorities and the Sutherland Shire Bushfire Fighting Organisation which has undertaken to assist with fighting fires within the National Park. All fires within the Shire (including the National Park) should be reported to LB2511 (continuous service). For further details and for those who wish to volunteer for patrols, ring Paul Barnes, UB1351.

Reports that a Stock Route is being cut into Kedumba Valley from near the Queen Victoria Homes will be the subject of enquiry to the Blue Mountains Shire Council relevant to the Blue Mountains National Park Proposal.

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=====Paddy Made.=====

===The search for uranium.===

Ever used a Geiger counter? They're cute things. When switched on they give a pleasant little hum with little clicks coming at random. The clicks are caused by cosmic particles coming in from outer space - Romantic, isn't it. When uranium is about, however, the Geiger counter goes frantic - clicketty click - click click. It's as simple as that!

Paddy (ever to the fore with such Bushwalkers' necessities) can hire you one £3.10.0 first week and £2.10.0 each week thereafter. If you insist on buying one Paddy will oblige.

All good wishes folks for Christmas. Peace on earth. Goodwill to all men henceforth and for ever more.

Paddy Pallin. Lightweight Camp Gear.

201 Castlereagh St Sydney. M2678.

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