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-THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER
+====== The Sydney Bushwalker. ======
-A monthly-bulletin of matters of interest to the Sydney Bush Walkers, c/, Ingersoll Hall, 256 Crown St., Sydney.
-JANUARY, 1951 Price 6d,
-Editor: Alex. Colley, 55 Kirribilli Reporters: Jim Brown,Kath McKay
- Ave., Milson's Point. Sales and Subs: Shirley Evans
-Tel. X..1255 Typed by Jean Harvey and Jessie
- Production and Business Manager: Martin.
-Brian Harvey
-ilm..1.1101=11.71.1.01...Irmnaummeml
-CONTENTS Page
-Editorial - The Kosciusko State Park
+A monthly Bulletin of matters of interest to the Sydney Bush Walkers, c/- Ingersoll Hall, 256 Crown St., Sydney.
-Social Notes for January 2
-At the December General Meeting 3
+----
-Summer Test Walk, by Kath Brown 4
-Orchid Ballet - Photograph by John Noble 8
+=== No. 194. January, 1951. Price 6d. ===
-Capers Around Carlons, by Bob Bull,
- illustrated by Mary McGregor 9
+|**Editor**|Alex Colley, 55 Kirribilli Av., Milson's Point. Tel. XA.1255|
-Wombeyan Caves Walk - Notice from Allan Hardie 12
+|**Production and Business Manager**|Brian Harvey|
-Fun & Games Section, by Kevin Ardill 12
+|**Reporters**|Jim Brown, Kath McKay|
-I Pay the Piper, by Jim Brown 13
+|**Sales and Subs**|Shirley Evans|
-Federation Notes, by Brian Harvey 16
+|**Typed by**|Jean Harvey and Jessie Martin|
-Disaster in George St., (Paddy's Advt.) 17
-EDITORIAL.
+===== In This Issue: =====
+| | |Page|
+|Editorial - The Kosciusko State Park| | 1|
+|Social Notes for January| | 2|
+|At the December General Meeting| | 3|
+|Summer Test Walk|Kath Brown| 4|
+|Orchid Ballet - Photograph|John Noble| 8|
+|Capers Around Carlons|Bob Bull, illustrated by Mary McGregor| 9|
+|Wombeyan Caves Walk - Notice|Allan Hardie|12|
+|Fun & Games Section|Kevin Ardill|12|
+|I Pay the Piper|Jim Brown|13|
+|Federation Notes|Brian Harvey|16|
+===== Advertisements: =====
+| |Page|
+|Disaster in George St., (Paddy's Advt.)|17|
+----
+===== Editorial - The Koscuisko State Park. =====
+According to Webster the word "park" has several meanings, but there can be no doubt that the sense in which it is used in the above title is "A tract of land set aside to be preserved as near its natural state as possible... to which the public have access for recreation and enjoyment".
+The Kosciusko area is not well situated for a park, because is too far to be seen and enjoyed by the average person. Compare it, for instance, with the Blue Mountains area, which is perfectly situated because it is within easy reach of most of the inhabitants of the State. Better transport might have made it more accessible but there have been no improvements in transport for many years. The night train takes nearly 10 1/2 hours to cover the 267 miles to Cooma and it is usual to waste some five hours in covering the remaining 50 miles by bus to the hotel.
+The park is used by many classes of people seeking recreation - skiers, walkers, campers, hikers, hitch-hikers, motorists, fishermen and some who just like to sit about in hotels. None of the users of the park have representation on the Park Trust. Before it was made a park a lot of money was spent in erecting the Hotel and Chalet, mainly for the benefit of skiers, whose sport is heavily subsidised by reason of the large annual loss shown for many years by the Hotel and Chalet - a loss borne by the State. But there have been no additions to, or improvements in, accommodation since the park was created six years ago. Nearly two years ago the Department of Touris t Activities eichibited plans and models for a tourist hotel and cabin colony for 1,000 guests at Smigginis Holes, together with several 108-bed ski schools. The foundations of a building at Smiggin's Holes, which were presumed to be the start of these great plans, have now been swept away to make room for a workmen's camp. Foremen's Hut, for many years a boon to skiers and hikers, has been removed by the owner. There is only one small hut in the summit area which can be used by those who cannot afford accommodation at the Chalet or Bett's Camp.
+Though nothing has been done specifically for the walker, he has nevertheless obtained some indirect benefits from the creation of the park. On the credit side there is the almost complete absence of bush fires over the past few years, a considerable reduction in the fly population, and an abundant growth of wild flowers. These improvements are probably due to the removal of stock. Round every stockman's hut there remain grim reminders of former fires in the shape of hillsides covered with dead trees, but between the dead trees there is now a healthy growth of young saplings, so far unscathed.
+On the debit side there is the large scale destruction of the natural beauty of this unique area by reason of the Snowy River scheme. Already hillsides are scarred by roads; huts and tents are springing up everywhere, oildrums and other of the impedimenta of public works litter the landscape. When the dam is completed it will, like all dams, be an ugly stretch of water surrounded by dead trees, bare rocks and mud, and will disfigure the Chalet area. In contrast to the stagnation in expenditure on "recreation and enjoyment" some £185,000,000 is to be spent on public works within the park. It is, to say the least, a strange procedure to call a place a "park" and then tear into it with bulldozers and explosives.
+All this is being done in the sacred names of "progress", "security", and "development", the costs of which in terms of landscape disfigurement only a few misguided nature lovers will count. But we at least have a right to protest against the misuse of the term "park". The area is a large catchment area and little else. Any benefits received by walkers are merely incidental. And our case for the creation of a large natural park in the Blue Mountains is strengthened. Though the Blue Mountains too will be disfigured by a great dam, large areas could be preserved for the enjoyment of the people.
+----
+===== Social Notes For January. =====
+There is an alteration in the January Social programme. Instead of the Play Night on 19th, there will be a dance. The play will be presented on 23rd February. This change is necessary since so many people with parts in the play will be holidaying over Christmas and well into the New Year and rehearsals are impossible. Grace Noble will be producing the play - an adaptation of Thurbers "The White Deer", and already a great deal of work has been done.
+----
+===== At The December Meeting. =====
+December's General Meeting would rank as a perfectly normal, undistinguished one. The President was in the chair, about 60 members present, and three new hands welcomed: Betty Sisley, Olive Symons and Bill Harrison. Mr. H.A. Lindsay of the Adelaide Bush Walkers was with us as a visitor.
-THE KOSCIUSKO STATE PARK.
-According to Webster the word "park'' has several meanings, but -there can be no doubt that the sense in which it is used in the above title is T'A tract of land set aside to be preserved as near its natural state as possible   to which the public have access for recreation and enjoyment'.
-The Kosciusko area is not well situated for a park, because is too far to be seen and enjoyed by the average person. Compare it, for instance, with the Blue Mountains area, which is perfectly situated because it is within easy reach of most of the inhabitants
-of the State. Better transport might have made it more accessible but there have been no improvements in transport for many years. The night train takes nearly 103; hours to cover the 267 miles to Cooma and it is usual to waste some five hours in covering the remaining 50 miles by bus to the hotel.
-O.
-The park is used by many classes of people seeking recreation - skiers, walkers, campers, hikers, hitch-hikers, motorists, fishermen
-and some who just like to sit about in hotels. None of the users of the park have representation on the Park Trust. Before it was made a park a lot of money was spent in erecting the Hotel and Chalet, 'mainly for the benefit of skiers, whose sport is heavily subsidised by reason of the large annual loss shown for many years by the Hotel and Chalet a loss borne by the State. But there have been no additions to, or improvements in, accommodation since the park was created six years ago. Nearly two years ago the Department of Touris t Activities eichibited plans and models for a tourist hotel and cabin colony for 1,000 guests at Smigginis Holes, together with several 108-bed ski schools. The foundations of a building at Smigginib Holes, which were presumed to be the start of these great plans, have now been swept away to make room for a workmen's camp. Foremen's Hut, for many years a boon to skiers and hikers, has been removed by the owner. There is only one small hut in the summit area which can be used by those who cannot afford accommodation at the Chalet or Bettis Camp.
-Though nothing has been done specifically for the walker, he has nevertheless obtained some indirect benefits from the creation
-of the park. On the credit side there is the almost complete absence of bush fires over the past few years, a considerable reduction in the fly population, and an abundant growth of wild flowers. These improvements are probably due to the removal of stock. Round every stockman's hut there remain grim reihinders'of former fires in the shape of hillsides covered with dead trees, but between the dead trees there is now a healthy growth of young saplings, so far unscathed.
-On the debit side there is the large scale destruction of the natural beauty of this unique area by reason of the Snowy River scheme. Already hillsides are scarred by roads; huts and tents are springing up everywhere, oildrums and other of the impedimenta of public work 6 litter the landscape. When the dam is completed it will, like all dams, be ah ugly stretch of water surrounded by dead trees, bare rocks and mud, and will disfigure the Chalet area. In contrast to the stagnation in expenditure on "recreation and enjoyment" some 185,000,000 is to be spent on public works within the park. It is, to say the least, a strange procedure to call a place a "park" and then tear into it with bulldozers and explosives.
-All this is being done in the sacred names of "progress 9
-"security", and "development", the costs of which in terms of landscape disfigurement only a few misguided nature lovers will count. But we at least have a right to protest against the misuse of the
-term "park". The area is a large catchment area and little else. Any benefits received by walkers are merely incidental. And our 01ase for the creation of a large natural park in the Blue Mountains
-,
-is strengthened. Though the Blue MoUntains too will be disfigured by a great dam, large areas could be preserved for the enjoyment of the people..
-.11MT...OMINIMa. ranisiewi
-SOCIAL NOTES FOR JANUARY.
-There is an alteration in the January Social programme. Instead of the Play Night on 19th, there will be a dance. The play will be presented on 23rd February. This change is necessary since so many people with parts in the play will be holidaying over Christmas and well into the New Year and rehearsals are impossible. Grace Noble will be producing the play - an adapta- tion of Thurbers "The White Deer', and already a great deal of work has been done.
-AT THE DECEMBER GENERAL MEETING.
-December's General Meeting would rank as a perfectly normal, undistinguished one. The President was in the chair, about 60 members present, and three new hands welcomed: Betty Sisley, Olive Symons and Bill Harrison. Mr. H,A, Lindsay of the Adelaide Bush Walkers was with us as a visitor.
 Minutes and correspondence took their normal course, and the meeting was informed by the President (in answer to a question regarding valuation of Portion 7 at Era) that the form of protest against the Valuer General's figure was being submitted.
-The Federation Report called for a few comments and decisions, for it canvassed Club opinion on an offer of volunteer fire watchers in National Park during the bush fire danger period. Brian Harvey mentioned that a similar offer had been made to the National Park Trust several years before but no re ply had been received. It was felt that the offer should be repeated, and, as only a dozen or so weekends were involved, no volunteer could expect to be called on frequently. Several questions were asked: Who would watch on Mondays to Fridays? Would fire fighting equipment and communications for the isolated watchers be available? The answers were that the risk Of fire was less during the week with fewer irresponsibles abroad, and that it would be up to the Park Trust to supply egaipment Lad communications. The Club then gave its blessing to the scheme, aid fifteen members volunteered to take their turn as watchers.
-r.
+The Federation Report called for a few comments and decisions, for it canvassed Club opinion on an offer of volunteer fire watchers in National Park during the bush fire danger period. Brian Harvey mentioned that a similar offer had been made to the National Park Trust several years before but no reply had been received. It was felt that the offer should be repeated, and, as only a dozen or so weekends were involved, no volunteer could expect to be called on frequently. Several questions were asked: Who would watch on Mondays to Fridays? Would fire fighting equipment and communications for the isolated watchers be available? The answers were that the risk of fire was less during the week with fewer irresponsibles abroad, and that it would be up to the Park Trust to supply equipment and communications. The Club then gave its blessing to the scheme, and fifteen members volunteered to take their turn as watchers.
-.
-Also questioned by the Federation, the Club agreed that joint walks organised between thA Oliabs would be worth while in establishing good relations.
+Also questioned by the Federation, the Club agreed that joint walks organised between the Clubs would be worth while in establishing good relations.
-Alex Colley enquired if Federation had discussed the report of its delegates to the Forestry Advisory Conference, and was inform:that no report had been presented to the Council.
-Brian Harvey drew Attention to the proposed amendment to Federation constitution, requiring an increase in delegates and club; represented to provide a quorum for meetings. He felt that the proposed amendment didn't go far enough, and moved that our delegates seek a further increase to 15 members representing 8 Clubs, After a: few polite enquiries as to the numbers normally attending Federation  meetings, we espoused the cause.
+Alex Colley enquired if Federation had discussed the report of its delegates to the Forestry Advisory Conference, and was informed that no report had been presented to the Council.
-The President announced that Jack Wren had left the Committee, and accordingly a replacement Committee Member would be elected at  the January meeting.
-We approached the matter of the Annual Re-union: unlike the motley array of- last year, there was only one location nominated - EurOka Clearing, We went on to elect a convenor of the appropriate sub-camthittee which wag Gil Webb: and we appointed as committee members, Edna Stretton, Kevin Ardill and Ernie French (vested with the customary power to co-opt).
+Brian Harvey drew attention to the proposed amendment to Federation constitution, requiring an increase in delegates and clubs represented to provide a quorum for meetings. He felt that the proposed amendment didn't go far enough, and moved that our delegates seek a further increase to 15 members representing 8 Clubs. After a few polite enquiries as to the numbers normally attending Federation meetings, we espoused the cause.
-As the business ended, Mr. Lindsay spoke briefly on the need for more creature $ anctuaries and National Parks, pointing to projects taking shape in Victoria and along the Murray Valley, and mentio ning that a move for res ervation of an area in the Mount Lofty Ranges behind Adelaide was under way. He mentioned his association with the Rural Broadcasts Organisation, and stressed the necessity for co-operation in all conservation programmes.
-The meeting closed quietly at 9.0 p m.
+The President announced that Jack Wren had left the Committee, and accordingly a replacement Committee Member would be elected at the January meeting.
-IM.1111...1 11.....
-SUMIVIER TEST-WALK.
+We approached the matter of the Annual Re-union: unlike the motley array of last year, there was only one location nominated - Euroka Clearing. We went on to elect a convenor of the appropriate sub-committee which was Gil Webb: and we appointed as committee members, Edna Stretton, Kevin Ardill and Ernie French (vested with the customary power to co-opt).
+As the business ended, Mr. Lindsay spoke briefly on the need for more creature sanctuaries and National Parks, pointing to projects taking shape in Victoria and along the Murray Valley, and mentioning that a move for reservation of an area in the Mount Lofty Ranges behind Adelaide was under way. He mentioned his association with the Rural Broadcasts Organisation, and stressed the necessity for co-operation in all conservation programmes.
+The meeting closed quietly at 9.0 p.m.
+----
+===== Summer Test Walk. =====
 By Kath Brown.
-Most people dislike being too energetic in the hot weather, and club members, perhaps wisely, invariably prefer a lazy camping trip with swimming facilities to walking, let alone test-walking, on summer week-ends. Jim and I are no exception to this rule, but just the same, prospective mutt be given tome opportunities even in summertime to complete the necessary tests, and anyway Jim has a theory that walking in hot weather is possible and even enjoyable if you start early, have a long, long rest in the middle of the day,
-.
+Most people dislike being too energetic in the hot weather, and club members, perhaps wisely, invariably prefer a lazy camping trip with swimming facilities to walking, let alone test-walking, on summer week-ends. Jim and I are no exception to this rule, but just the same, prospective must be given tome opportunities even in summertime to complete the necessary tests, and anyway Jim has a theory that walking in hot weather is possible and even enjoyable if you start early, have a long, long rest in the middle of the day, and have fairly frequent opportunities to plunge the body into cool water, at surf, river or swimming hole. To this I add that a shady hat and scanty clothes are also a help.
-and have fairly frequent opportunities to plunge the body into cool water, at surf, river or swimming hole. To this I add that a shady hat and scanty clothes are also a help.
-So it came about that on the first week-end in December Jim led a party of four prospectives (eager to get in another test), David Ingram and myself, out from Warrimoo to do (in a day and'a half) a trip which by way of Long Angle Gully, Yellow Rock Creek, 5 miles of the Nepean and a long ridge up into the foothills would bring us back in a big loctle to the railway line at Blaxland. This trip has
+So it came about that on the first week-end in December Jim led a party of four prospectives (eager to get in another test), David Ingram and myself, out from Warrimoo to do (in a day and a half) a trip which by way of Long Angle Gully, Yellow Rock Creek, 5 miles of the Nepean and a long ridge up into the foothills would bring us back in a big loop to the railway line at Blaxland. This trip has not (to our knowledge) appeared on any S.B.W. programme before, and although it would not take us far from the well-known railway line and Nepean River, we were hoping it would have all the necessary aspects of a test walk, and would also provide good swimming.
-not (to our knowledge) appeared on any S.B.W. programme before, and
-although it would not take us far from the well-known railway line and Nepean River, we were hoping it would have all the necessary aspects of a test walk, and would also provide good swimming.
+The afternoon had become cloudy and dull, and though I knew I would be cursed by all the Sydneyites who wanted a hot week-end for sunbaking on the beaches, I was praying that it would stay dull because it would be so much cooler and more pleasant for us.
-The afternoon had become cloudy and dull, and though I knew I would be cursed by all the Sydneyites who wanted a hot week-end for
-sunbaking on the beaches, I was praying that it would stay dull
+An easy walk along road and track brought us to Long Angle Gully, which once had a fine stand of bluegums, is still lovely and green, but the many tree-stumps are mute witness to the depredations of the timber-getters.
-because it would be so much cooler and more pleasant for us.
-An easy walk 'along road and track brought us to Long Angle Gully,
+There is a rough and rocky ridge of about 400 feet which we crossed to reach Yellow Rock Creek, a small stream in a very scrubby valley. We came to a little flat about 4.30 p.m. and decided to camp, although the scrub had to be slightly trampled to make roam for the tents. With 2 1/2 hours of daylight still ahead it was an easy matter to make ourselves comfortable for the night, get our fires going, our dinners cooked and eaten, and then we gathered round one fire for a good chinwag before turning in.
-which once had a fine stand of bluegums, is still lovely and green, but the many tree-stumps are mute witness to the depredations of the timber-getters.
-There is a rough and rocky ridge of about 400 feet which we crossed to reach Yellow Rock Creek, a small stream in a very scrubby valley. We cane to a little flat about 4.30 p m. and decided to camp, although the scrub had to be slightly trampled to make roam for the tents. With 2i hours ofdb.-ylight still ahead it was an easy matter to make ourselves comfortable'for the night, get our fires going, our dinners cooked and eaten, and then we gathered round one fire for a good chinwag before turning in.
+Sitting round the fire we were interested to see a firefly, with a light which flashed on and off, fly from the opposite hillside towards us and then off into the night.
-Sitting round the fire we were interested to see a firefly, with a light which flas hed on and off, fly from the opposite hillside towards us and then off into-the night.
 But fireflies were not our only winged visitors. Mosquitoes were there in their hundreds, and most of us had very little sleep that night in consequence. Reveille at 5.30 was almost welcomed, in fact two prospectives beat the gun, declaring they had had enough of being eaten alive!
-The morning was again dull, which was just as well, because as soon as we started off we had to climb a hill; We could have reached the Nepean by following our little creek down, but decided that although prickly bushes on the ridge were probably no more pleasant than scratchy scrub in the gully , up higher the going would be more open and consequently quicker.
-.
+The morning was again dull, which was just as well, because as soon as we started off we had to climb a hill. We could have reached the Nepean by following our little creek down, but decided that although prickly bushes on the ridge were probably no more pleasant than scratchy scrub in the gully, up higher the going would be more open and consequently quicker.
-So up 400 feet again, then a couple of miles along the ridge top (and the bushes were veL7. prickly) to an-outlook of the river and the plains. The river winding and muddy, but thc farms on the far bank looking very nice and green. A steep hillside led us down to the river and soon we were walking along a little track through deserted farms on the near bank, looking for a suitable swimming spot. It was very muggy now we were down to a lower elevation and
-the thought of a dip in the river (muddy or not) seamed very pleasanO.
+So up 400 feet again, then a couple of miles along the ridge top (and the bushes were __very__ prickly) to an outlook of the river and the plains. The river winding and muddy, but the farms on the far bank looking very nice and green. A steep hillside led us down to the river and soon we were walking along a little track through deserted farms on the near bank, looking for a suitable swimming spot. It was very muggy now we were down to a lower elevation and the thought of a dip in the river (muddy or not) seemed very pleasant.
-The recent floods had left the banks muddy too, but at length we found a place where it was more sand than mud, and a gentle slope, So an hour passed very enjoyably as we splashed or rested (and incidentally acquired quite a lot of sunburn as we found later).
-At this stage we were about 2i miles from our projected lunch spot at the junction of Fitzgerald's Creek with the Nepean, and we felt that another hour would easily see us there. Well, an houil and a quarter did, but not easily. Very soon the old farmland gave way to scrub and tall grass, and a couple'of side creeks grown thickly with lantana had to be negotiated, so this stretch of the river proved much more sticky than expected. HoweVer it lifted the walk from being a "possible" test to a certain one, and did not distress us unduly.
+The recent floods had left the banks muddy too, but at length we found a place where it was more sand than mud, and a gentle slope. So an hour passed very enjoyably as we splashed or rested (and incidentally acquired quite a lot of sunburn as we found later).
-At our lunch spot we had another lovely long break - a swim, or rather a splash in the cobbley entrance of Fitzgerald's CPeek as the Nepean was flowing too ' wiftly to be safe just here  a laze - and of course the inevitable and aptreaiated mug of tea with our lunch. The sun had come out by now, but some casuarinas provided pleasant shade.
-We pushed off at 3.30 to do the climb back into Blaxland, taking the ridge immediately behind our lunch spot. It rose steeply about 700 feet but wasquite easily negotiated, Up top there wa more prickly scrub, but before long we picked up a road and by 5.30 had reached Blaxland.
+At this stage we were about 2 1/2 miles from our projected lunch spot at the junction of Fitzgerald's Creek with the Nepean, and we felt that another hour would easily see us there. Well, an hour and a quarter did, but not easily. Very soon the old farmland gave way to scrub and tall grass, and a couple of side creeks grown thickly with lantana had to be negotiated, so this stretch of the river proved much more sticky than expected. However it lifted the walk from being a "possible" test to a certain one, and did not distress us unduly.
-' By this time we were all rather sunburnt and tired, but felt' we had had a really good week-end and were not at all "burnt off", despite the fact that it had been a summer test-walk.
-Mr. E. Caines (Ted) Phillips, of the Cruising Canoe Club, advises that map No.3, illustrating the canoeing possibilities of the three lakes of the "Tuggerah Chain", as well as the extent of the canoeability of the lakes! many creeks, and the Wyong River, is now available for perusal by those interested.
+At our lunch spot we had another lovely long break - a swim, or rather a splash in the cobbley entrance of Fitzgerald's CPeek as the Nepean was flowing too swiftly to be safe just here - a laze - and of course the inevitable and appreciated mug of tea with our lunch. The sun had come out by now, but some casuarinas provided pleasant shade.
-,...A.4....0000.0.0100.0.0wrOmmomilipows
-p
+We pushed off at 3.30 to do the climb back into Blaxland, taking the ridge immediately behind our lunch spot. It rose steeply about 700 feet but was quite easily negotiated. Up top there was more prickly scrub, but before long we picked up a road and by 5.30 had reached Blaxland.
+By this time we were all rather sunburnt and tired, but felt we had had a really good week-end and were not at all "burnt off", despite the fact that it had been a summer test-walk.
+----
+Mr. E. Caines (Ted) Phillips, of the Cruising Canoe Club, advises that map No.3, illustrating the canoeing possibilities of the three lakes of the "Tuggerah Chain", as well as the extent of the canoeability of the lakes' many creeks, and the Wyong River, is now available for perusal by those interested.
+----
 ORCHID BALLET.
 -Photograph placed Second at the S.B.W. 1950 Exhibition by John Noble