SBW Magazine & History Project

A monthly bulletin of matters of interest to the Sydney Bush Walkers, Box 4476, G.P.O. Sydney, N.S.W. 2001. Club meetings are held every Wednesday evening from 7.30pm. the Wireless Institute Building, 14 Atchison Street, St. Leonards. Enquiries concerning the Club should be referred to Mrs. Marcia Shappert - telephone 30.2028.

Drawing by Dot Butler, The Bushwalker.1937.

Once a month you are liable to find your correspondent in a mood of deep depression, internally tormented, and pensive. It's no easy task, after all, thinking up new subjects for “Bushwalker” editorials. What on earth will I write about this month? Sometimes I wonder why on earth I took the job on. After all, what does a person of my vocation, dealing all the time in figures and numbers, know about putting words together. “I am a numerate rather than a literate person”, I told myself. I hearkened back to a week or so ago, when a work colleague had said to me, “I admire your absolute ability to think figures instead of words.” I don't know if it was meant as a compliment, but it doesn't help me in my editorial endeavours. I could hardly present you with a page of yield calculations and call it an editorial. “What indeed”, I asked myself again, “prompted me to take this job on.” My mind wandered again (it wanders a lot when I'm trying to write an editorial) to the lunch I had last Monday with a merchant banker friend, whose judgement, I might add, I trust implicitly. After pre-lunch chatter over gin-and-tonic, ranging through percentages, yield curves, discount factors and gross-ups, my friend happened to mention, “You know, I've learnt a lot about people by studying their birth signs.” Being an astrological cynic from way back, it was my first inclination to ignore the remark and change the subject by asking whether he thought 9.5% November 1980's were a good buy. But as I said, I trust this fellow's judgement implicitly so I let him go on. “Yes”, he said, “I've found that with practice I can accurately anticipate the reaction I will get from someone with whom I'm negotiating, simply by knowing their birth sign.” The conversation was terminated at this juncture by the adrival of my turtle soup, and I forgot it for the time being. But as I lumbered back to the office under the influence of the poulet a is bourguignonne, the half bottle of Elizabeth riesling, and the glass of Portuguese port I'd just consumed, I stopped in at Dymocks and bought a copy of Linda Goodman's “Sun Signs” which, according to the blurb on the cover, has sold more than a million copies. Back at the office I asked my assistant to do a quick survey of money market dealers' birthsigns. From this rather limited survey I found that there are more Geminis in the Sydney money market than other sun signs. This, according to Linda Goodman, would be because Geminis are such fast-thinking, agile minded, imaginitive people who can come to a decision quickly (my Co-editor Spiro is a Gemini by the way). Maybe there is something in it after all. At this point my mind reverts to the subject of my editorial. Perhaps I could write about what birth signs make the best bushwalkers. I wonder what she says about Virgo (that's me)? Turn to page 254: “Virgos usually shine in businesses such as publishing, the literary field…. service agencies, bookkeeping and accountancy.” How about that? Virgos must enjoy the dual abilities of literacy and numeracy. Say, I must remember that idea about bush walkers sun signs for next month's editorial.

By Peter Harris

Some few months ago Spiro delicately dropped a hint that The Sydney Bushwaiker was in dire need of articles. And. so, with rather a carefree sweep of my hand I shall temporarily cast aside all environmental work, and put pen to paper, to record basic information on tracks and access, scenery and impressions of walking in southern Fiordland.

For here is scenery unequalled in the southern hemisphere. Here indeed is the true concept of beauty. And here one can experience a deep love of naturels raw, rampant creations: the magnificent deep glacial valleys, forests of lichen and mosses on a jungle of red and mountain beech trees, numerous beautiful glacial lakes and tarns of vibrant colour; the deep inlets of the many fiords, still and deep, lost below gigantic cliffs rearing to the sky.

And above all else, the peaks of the central ranges. Here indeed is the roof of the world: A jagged cross—cut series of jumbled, phallic, granitic and quartzite peaks — each beckoning to be climbed, each one dalling out but lost in the drowning voice of a concerted cry of nature: I am beauty! I am the paradise! I am the Call of the Wild!

Do not fail to answer the beckoning call of Fiordland! For here is one of your unwritten chapters of life.

There are two major walking tracks, being the Routeburn and Milford Tracks. There are two lesser tracks, one connecting Lake Hauroka with Dusky Sound, and the other connecting Lake Hankinson with George Sound. A shorter track connects the Hollyford River with Lake Adelaide via Moraine Creek. A longer track, mostly out of the Park, extends down the Hollyford River to Martins Bay and on to Big Bay. It is possible to return via the Pyke Valley.

Moirs Guide Book, Southern Section by Gerald. Hall—Jones is recommended as a standard accompaniment to walks in Fiordland, and can be regarded as indispensible for the George Sound and Dusky Sound Tracks.

Moire Guide Book, Northern Section by Peter Chandler is advised for persons planning trips into Westland or Mt.Aspiring National Parks from the Pyko Valley. (Above books published by New Zealand Alpine Club Inc. P.O. Box 41038, Eastbourne, New Zealand)

Milford Trails by W. Anderson - giving an historical and descriptive account of 'the Ma-ford Track and Milford Sound. Published by A.H. & A.W. Reed Ltd, 51 Whiting St., Artarmon N.S.W. 2064.

Dusky Bay by A.C. & N.C. Begg. A very treasured and interesting book giving early account of the history of Dusky-Sound from Capt. Janes Cook through to ornithologist Richard Henry. Whitcombe and Tombs Ltd., P.O. Box 1465, Christchurch, New Zealand.

Murihiku by Robert McNab. An account of history and sealing on the southern Fiordland Coast. This man travelled the world to gain information. Wilson and Horton Ltd. Queen St., Auckland N.Z.

Pioneers of Martins Bay by A. Mackenzie. An account of the history of the lower Hollyford River.

Further lists, particularly those dealing With specialist subjects, such as geology and ornithology may be found in the reference section of Moirs Guide Book, Southern Section.

Maps: In one word - Disastrous! The map coverage is very poor. For this reason alone, the New Zealand backcountry is no place for the inexperienced. Moirs desuriptions are usually better than the standard coverage maps- “Fiordland National Park 'NZMS 122' Scale l:300,000.”

A rather useless sketch map of the Darran, Earl and Wick Mountains is obtainable from thc Fiordland Park Board. Sketch maps of the Milford Track are common, and are standard fare on application to walk that track. Sketch maps of the Routebarn Track are hard to obtain.

Aerial photos are available from the Dept. Lands, Invercargill, but the specific required area must be given if the correct photo is to be returned.

The Milford Track. Overcome that 'prestige factor' and join the queue for what must still rank as one of the finest walks in the world. The Clinton River is the moot beautiful in Fiordland. Occasional mists provide sensuous colour. The Mackinnon Pass presents some unparalleled views domn the Arthur Valiey. The adventurous might break the rules in fine weather for a quick trot up Mt. Hart or Mt. Balloon. The Sutherland Falls (1904') are the highest in the southern hemisphere - alone worth the trip! Roaring Creek includes some beautiful falls. The Arthur Valley is beautiful, as is Lake Ada. Terminate at beautiful Milford Sound and stay overnight. Whatever you do, don't camp, the sandflies are unbearable. (Johnsons Hostel is relatively cheap.)

The track Is one-way traffic only (from To Anau to Milford) and bookings are necessary to avoid overcrowding at Park Board Huts. This is the full-pack, or freedom walk. The alternative is to book in with Tourist Hotel Corporation and carry day packs only. Stay at T.H.C. Huts along track, which are similar to guesthouses. Use linen sheets. This eliminates_carrying all equipment.

The Milford Track can be gained via Dore Pass near the Englinton Valley. This arduous, trackless climb merely saves the initial boat journey from Te Anau to the mouth of the Clinton River which is a highlight in itself. In addition, the unwritten code of ethics compels these persons to camp (tent) in the valleys. An unbearable experience, due to sandflies.

Further information and application forms for bookings obtainable from The Chief Ranger, Fiordland National Park, P.O.Box 29, Te Anau, N.Z. The track is usually open in summer only.

The Routeburn Track. Equally as magnificent as the Milford Track. A beautiful and picturesque way of arriving in To Anau from Queenstown. Bus from Queenstown, walk to Routeburn Falls Hut. A superb Burn. Climb is steep to Harris Saddle, then outstanding views into the glaciers of the Darran Mountains and down the magnificent Hollyford Valley to Martins Bay. It is possible to 'short-cut' after Harris Saddle and descend to camp in Murray Gunns Hollyford Camp (book for December-January period). Alternately continue along track to Howdon Hut. Key Summit is worthy of a brief detour to view Lake Marion below Mt. Christina. (One may walk to Lake Marion), Continue on to road. Afternoon bus leaves Milford Sound at 3.00 p.m. and should pick you up at track-road confluence at about 3.45 p.m. Bus goes to Te Anau. Cheap accommodation at Motor Lodge, out of town, southern edge of lake.

It is also possible to undertake this as a guided walk, but full packs must be carried as there are no caretakers at the T.H.C. huts. Check! The full-pack, or freedom, walkers will find sleeping accommodation at the huts a case of 'first in best dressed'. It is not uncommon to see people running along the Routeburn Track in order to gain a bed in one of the huts. Sandflies would make tent camping extremely unpleasant.

Further information from Fiordland National Park Board at above address.

The Moraine Creek Track. Of a harder standard than the previous tracks as it ascends some 3000' through dense beech forest to Moraine Creek Hut. This hut accommodates about 5 persons in bench-like arrangements. Fire smokes very badly. We ended up cooking outside. Belongs to N.Z.A.C. and application for use should be made to them at aforementioned address.

The hut is a good base for climbs, including The Sentinel, the Twins which may be undertaken without alpine equipment. The former presents one of the most awe-inspiring views down the Gulliver River to Milford Sound. Peaks of about 7000-8500' Surround the glacial cirque at the head of Moraine Creek, and beautiful Lake Adelaide provides a feeling of inner peace. The track leaves the Hollyford River Road north of Murray Gunns Hollyford Camp, with a swingbridge over the Hollyford River. It is an arduous day from here to the hut.

The George Sound Track. The approach to the George Sound Track and George Sound itself are reason enough to undertake this very rough track. It is a route only, occasionally very overgrown and altered by changing watercourses, particularly around Deadwood Lagoon, As much common sense as bushwalking skill is needed to follow it properly. In periods of extremely wet weather it would be an impossibility as the unnamed river flowing into Lake Catherine must be forded. It is a long, merciless 10-12 hour day from Thomson Hut near Lake Thomson to George Sound Hut. A welcome haven from hordes of voracious sandflies. The N.Z. Government should employ a person to pin medals on the chests of all who arrive overland to George Sound. My memory of the Henry Saddle which is traversed to reach the fiord is one of 'white—out' in about 20 inches of rain, and when an apple was offered I hungrily bit off a huge mouthful despite mY allergy to this fruit. Lake Hankinson must be traversed in a boat which is provided. A full day should be allowed for the shuffle of boats here. Hankinson Hut is at the lead of the lake. It is necessary to get from Te Anau, across Lake To Anau, to the north—west arm of the Middle Fiord. We crossed by courtesy of the Park Board's launch, but the circumstances were different. Fiordland Travel Pty.Ltd. Te Anau, N.Z. will provide access across Lake To Anau.

A walk to Lake Alice from George Sound is worthwhile, as it is around the very impressive shoreline of this fiord locked in by majestic peaks. Arrangements for the return trip across the lakes must be made in advance. It is possible to return via Lake Alice. The reader will be referred to Moirs Guide Book, Southern Section.

Alternatively, arrangements may be made with a fishing vessel in advance for transport from George Sound to Milford Sound, or else to Dusky Sound where the walk is as follows. Information on such a willing fishing vessel (spartan conditions) will be given by the Fiordland National Park Board, or by myself.

The Dusky Sound Track. Approaching overland, one will see very little of Dusky Sound, and the view from Supper Cove Hut at its head is of only a very small portion. I rate Dusky Sound as the most beautiful of all the fiords. And its history makes it worthy of spending several days cruising around its many placid coves and islands. (Read up before you go). There is supposed to be a boat at Supper Cove Hut for use of itinerent hunters and walkers. Last time I was there, it wasn't. The sandflies here are soul—destroyihg.

The walk up the Seaforth Valley from Dusky Sound is chiefly through beech forest, but some pleasant views of the Seaforth River compensate for the long slog up to Loch Marco. Just before leaving the hut, it is possible to go around the banks of the estuary to the old hut. But do it in low tide only. We crossed on the turn of the tide and got trapped. Tides here are as great as 12-15ft, and can prove awkward if trapped on an estuary. I lost my camera here. It drowned. Loch Maree is quite beautiful, and the hut is a welcome respite. This is the division point.

A trackless return over Pillans Pass via Gair Loch to Lake Manapouri is a good walk. I have yet to do this epic walk, but have been assured of its quality. The track continues, crossing Deadwood Creek on the longest ,wirecrossing in the Park. It is not unusual to give up halfway across, and flop into the river to wade across.

Now begins the climb of almost 4000' to Lake Roe Hut, above the treeline. Indeed, the alpine area is the highlight of the walk, and much time could be spent at Lake Roe Hut as a base for easy climbs and longer walks. This is a different world to the beech forests of the lower valleys. And a blessed haven from sandflies. In fact it is possible to strip off outside the hut to wash the body - a feat no one would dare for fear of loss of life in the valleys. There is a track all the way from Lake Roe Hut to the head of Lake Hauroka, and it is possible to undertake this distance in a long day, but another hut, aptly called Halfway Hut, is located halfway down the Hauroka Burn. The Hauroka Burn is a very pretty river, and it is with some regret that one arrives at the head of Lake Hauroka, at Hauroka Hut.

It is not possible to walk around the lake. Arrangements for a 'pick-up' should be made in advance, and confirmed in writing, and from New Zealand immediately before departure, with Mr. Don Dickens, Private Bag, Tuatapere, New Zealand, Southland. The boat will take you to the road-end at Lake Hauroka.

1. The sandflies exist in prolific numbers in the valleys up to the treeline and along the coastline. They don't appear to be very concentrated on the water itself (boat) or above the treeline.

There are less sandflies on windy days. More on hot days. None in the rain.

DIMP is effective for short periods. A lot needs to be taken with you. Mosquito coils are effective in the huts when necessary. A pressure-pack spray, whilst heavy, is desirable in huts.

Antihystamine tablets may be necessary in order to sleep at night.

The bite lasts about 4-7 days, compared with the Aussie sandfly bite lasting up to about 3 months in some cases. Calamine lotion is the most effective treatment.

2. Weather on the west coast is up to 300 inches per year. The most stable periods are similar to those of S.W.Tasmania, i.e. November and February extending into March. Wet and dry seasons do exist. The danger of avalanche and rockfall is ever-present, but particularly in spring.

3. Water is in abundance. Moirs Guide Book is essential for the George Sound Track. The maps are rather useless. Topographic maps are in the process of compilation, but because of the ever-changing courses and sizes of watercourses, glaciers, moraines, etc. and the creation of new lakes, etc. they must be treated with some degree of doubt.

4. The Fiordland coastline is unlike anything I have previously seen. It alone is worthy of attention, either by flight (Mt.Cook Airlines, Te Anau), by amphibian, or by charter boat from Milford Sound. The latter is probably the only successful way of viewing the fiords, and experiencing a new awakening to life as I did.

Let yourself go and fall in love with Fiordland!

“What's the betting we make the front page in tomorrow's papers?”

About 35 members were present at the clubrooms for the last meeting of the year Peter Sargent and Len Newland were welcomed as new members of the club. Hon. Assistant Secretary Leslie Page then read the minutes of the last meeting which raised no comment from the audience.

A letter from the Electricity Commission relating to compensation variation for the easement through Coolana requested by the club would be based solely on the effect the works of the easement would have on the value of the property.

Next a letter from Dorothy Butler, informing the club that her late husband Ira had bequeathed a sum of $2,000 to the club invested through the solicitor George Beswick, a Managing Director of Natural Areas Ltd. The interest from the investment was for the purpose of paying the rates on our property Coolana in the Kangaroo Valley. It was estimated that the investment would yield $200 per annum payable from 31st January, 1976. President Barry Wallace thanked Dorothy for the bequest, who replied that it was Ira and not she that deserved the thanks.

The Treasurer's Report was read and received, closing balance $1,480.70.

Delegate Jim Vatiliotis then proceeded with the Federation Report. Paddy Pallin has donated a sum of $5,000 per annum for the benefit of all “rucksack” sports. A committee with representatives from various organisations is to be set up to decide on the distributions of funds to interested bodies, mountaineering expeditions, etc. The fund is to be a self—perpetuation one, the money being supplied by Paddy Pallin Pty.Ltd. Federation is to set up an independent Conservation Committee to deal with the conservation problems associated with land development, mining, road. building, etc. and has called for assistance from individuals with information and photographs. A 24—hour orienteering contest is to be organised, contestants are to be able to choose their own route and check points. Further concern has been expressed at the proposal to mine granite in South—West Tasmania and the building of an airport. And finally the road to Claustral Canyon, Mt. Tomah has been closed.

Then on to the Walks Report. On the weekend 15/16 November Hans Beck led 9 members on his walk from Hilltop, Reedy Creek, Martins Creek, Nattai River, Starlights Trail. On the last day the party encountered a farmer clearing his land with a bulldozer who directed them onto a fire—trail which cut out a lot of the river walking as a thunder—storm was approaching. Tony Denham took over Peter Scandrett's walk on the 16th November as Peter was ill. It commenced from Megalong Crossing, Six—Foot Track, Tin Pot Track, Carlon's Farm. 5 starters.

Then on the weekend 21/22 November Bill Burke stood in for Barry Wallace who was in hospital with appendicitis. Bill took advantage of the warm weather and changed the trip to enable the party of four to have two glorious days taking it easy on the Cox. Bob Hodgson's Saturday trip to the Crater lured 11 starters. Apparently there was a near white-ant on the Wollongambe but Bob over-ruled the dissident minority and the walk proceeded as per programme, the enforced canyon swim coming as a surprise to a couple of the prospective members. Bob reported sighting the biggest stands of waratahs he has ever seen. The next day Sunday 23rd November Bill Hall's Woronora River swimming trip was attended by 28 people.

Jim Vatiliotis's party of seven S.B.W. Bods met up with 15 Newcastle Walkers, who had arrived in their club mini-bus on the weekend 29/30 November, The walk, Gingra Creek - Pages Pinnacles - Crafts Walls - Kanangra. In order to avoid the heat the party started off very early arriving at the seam cave at 11.30 a.m. and finally back to the cars at 3.00 p.m. On the same weekend Peter Miller led 8 members down to Blue Gum for an easy base-camp type of weekend. The weather was ideal for swimming. Peter described the 30 or so concrete fire-places and toilets 400 metres up Gevetts Leap Creek as a slum. Old tins everywhere and only 6 of the fire-places ever used. A similar cleared and “developed” area was also reported at Victoria Falls Creek. 14 people attended Sheila Binns Waterfall, Kangaroo Creek, Heathcote walk on Sunday 30th November. A recent bushfire had unfortunately swept through the area.

Both John Redfern's and Victor Lewin's trips on the weekend 6/7 December were cancelled but a canyon trip not on the programme, led by David Rostrum, attracted 14 starters. Ross and Margriet Wyborn on a short visit from Canada, were the guests of honour on the trip, David re-scheduling and changing another summer trip for their benefit. Rain marred the start of the trip down Jerrara Creek - Bungonia Gorge, but the next day on the Shoalhaven and Barber's Creek was very hot and sunny, excluding a 60 minute period in the afternoon when the party had lunch in a tropical downpour. On the way out of Barber's Creek a large loose stone almost wiped out a couple of the tail-enders. Twelve starters went on Mary Braithwaite 's trip to the Basin led by Mary's husband Roy. A lazy hot day.

There being no General Business the meeting closed at 9.25 p.m.

by Spiro Hajinakitas.

The first social evening of the New Year will be a Steam Train Slide night on the 21st January provided by Oliver Crawford. Come and see the historic old steam trains of both Australia and Europe.

On the 28th January the club will be treated to a night of photographic excellence. Scuba diving slides underwater and some over water presented by Michael Turner who is a dedicated photographer and has a broad knowledge of fishing.

By Owen Marks

Reading the December Magazine editorial, I saw the usual plea for articles. Ho. Hum. Further on in the magazine were a series of nothings by Alice Wyborn; well, if you can put to print her anecdotes of being entertained by Opera singers in Austria, I shall write about myself and my happenings. I can beat anything that Alice can produce. Such how I was crowned King of the Ethiopians. Now my secret is out. Yes, I was proclaimed “Menelik III, The Lion of Judah.” Just how it all came about will take up a bit of your time, so be patient.

It was in the winter of 1962 and I had just crossed the dbsert from Khartoum and I was making my way north from Asmara to the City on the Seven Hills (like Rome) - Addis Abeba (pronounced Addis A-bay-ba), when on the bus I happened to sit next to a cousin of the deceased wife of Hailie Selassie. As the bus would rock and sway over those fantastic roads that Mussolini built, she would collapse all over me, being always asleep. (Not me! Her!) We started talking and she asked me was I in any way surprised to see her face all tatooed with a design of weaving similar to a fishing net with big diamond-chapel red blotches all over her chin and cheeks. I had noticed but being used to such things in the Sudan (there, they cut lines and wiggles on their foreheads and cheeks and rub in sand to give them that came hither look). I said, Yes, I was curious. I never mentioned she was that Amharic aristocratic Black, and that is a pitch black. Well, when she was a little girl her parents thought that she would look pretty with a tatooed necklace. A whimsy. Alas 50 years later she was a mess. So much for that story. It has nothing at all to do with me being coronated, it just slipped in.

I arrived in Addis Abeba in time for the curfew. All foreigners to be off the streets by 6 p.m. I slept on the school desks pushed together to make a rough bed., in the Christian Hostel for The White Community. Little did I dream that the following day would be so eventful.

Up early and I was soon exploring the town. Passed the Hailie Selassie Park; the Hailie Selassie Hospital; the Hailie Selassie Avenue; the Hailie Selassie Archway; and after a few more Hailie Selassies, I was in the state museum. I was the only person around and I had to have Royal pormission to enter the Jewel Room. Accompanied by this wild-looking maniac with a double-barrelled blunderbuss-looking thing I was soon lost in amazement. One of the cupboard doors had a hole in the glazed section directly next to the lock. On the shelf was the Crown and Orb, an lying against the corner just like a common old broom was the Sceptre. Above the showcases was a portrait of Menelik II in Coronation Regalia. The temptation was too much. I pointed to the picture and then to the showcase. He just looked at me while I put my hand into the hole and undid the latch. A few deft moves and I had the Orb in one hand and the Crown in the other. I proclaimed myself Menelik III and put the crown on. Fished out the sceptre and stood in the same pose as my illustrious ancestor. Glory fades fast; there was movement out in the corridor, and I put everything back, locked the cupboard again and was disgusted to find my only loyal subject with his hand out wanting a tip. Great people have great pride (I read that once) so slipped him a coin and was soon back heading for the Hailie Selassie Post Office to post a letter home to my mum. Not many Australian mums can boast of their sons like what I had just done. I never posted that letter; the postal rates were doubled (anywhere else is cheap by comparison. Rumor had it that the old Queen had the rake off. She owned the monopoly of the brothels too, I might add.)

The best part about leaving Ethiopia is that the train to Somaliland goes over the Great Rift Valley. Awe—inspiring. My fellow companions had a goat carcase hanging off the hat—rack; it swayed for 6 hours. Not so awe inspiring.

No more for the present. I think the most avid readers would be well and truly bushed by now. Perhaps in the New Year more adventures will be forthcoming if public acclaim deems it. I return from Bangladesh and Nepal on the 21st January; maybe some adventures will befall. How was that Alice?

By Jim Vatiliotis

A regular Federation Newsletter is being published and copies will be available in the club rooms. It is hoped to publish extracts from the newsletter in our club magazine.

The Conservation Committee meets regularly and has two main aims. Firstly to put the bushwalkers' point of view and make submissions to various bodies, and secondly to provide a field information service for other conservation groups such as the N.P.A, and Colong Committee. Various organisations were approached and have requested information on the following areas:-

National Parks Association.

(a) Wild Goat Plateau and Long Nose Point (Nattai area) - roadworks.

(b) Debert's Knob - power transmission line and associated roadworks.

© Yerranderie - air strip and other developments, land clearing at Byrne's Gap.

(d) Jooriland - development.

(e) Boyd Plateau - phasmatid defoliation of trees.

(f) Nadgee - logging in Nadgee River catchment.

(g) Brisbane Water National Park - proposed expressway.

Ecology Acton.

Campaign to declare lantana a noxious weed.

Colong Committee.

Details of areas of interest and development in the area bounded by Putty Road, Wollongambe Creek and Mt. Tootie.

Bushwalkers' Federation.

Border Ranges Proposed National Park - details of walks in the area.

Anyone planning to visit these areas or who has any information should ring the Conservation Convenor - Ian Olsen 84-6845 (H) or 92-,0319 (B).

Budawangs.

Permission must be obtained from the “Army Liason Officer” (Phone no. 31-0455 Ext.591) for access to Newhaven Gap.

Legal access has been negotiated with the owners of Wog Wog Station but cars must be left on the Mongarlowe Road.

A 24-hour Orientiering Contest will be organised if there is sufficient interest among club members.

A donation of $50 was made to the N.S.W. Environment Centre.

It has been reported that there are proposals to mine pink granite in the Coles Bay area of Freycinet National Park in Tasmania.

Tas—Air has received a grant from the State Government to build an airport at Bond Bay (Port Davey). Federation has written a letter of protest.

There is a closed gate on the road leading to Claustral Canyon about half—a—mile from the end of the road.

A proposed policy on tracks, track markings and in general the effect of bushwalkers on the environment has been prepared and will be circulated to clubs for their comments.

Paddy Pallin is proposing to set up a “Paddy Pallin Foundation” to encourage “rudksack sports” and also conservation. Paddy Pallin Pty.Ltd. will provide $5,000 in 1976 and a proportion of profits in future years. The fund will be administered by a committee comprising the President of the Bushwalkers' Federation, National Parks Association, Kosciusko Huts Association and a representative from Paddy Pallin Pty. Ltd.

by Bob Hodgson.

Any notices or proposed Constitutional Amendments to be presented to the Annual General Meeting should be in the hands of the Secretary not later than February 11th.

Any change of address or telephone number should be notified as soon as possible, for inclusion in the list of members accompanying the Annual Report.