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THE SYDNEY BUSHIATALKM A monthly bulletin of matters of Ifterest to the Sydney Bushwalker, The N.S.W. Nurses' Association Rooms “Northcote Building,” Reiby. Place,Sydney. Bax No. 4476 G.P.O. Sydney. 'Phone J711462 339 MARCH 1963 Price 1/- Editor: Stuart Brooks, Reproduction: DcAaise Hull 5 Inglara Rd, Wahroonga. Sales & Subs: Lob L Wedlock 434.3,3 Business Manager: Brian Harvey Typed by SliirIL.,y Dean CONTENT S. Page. Editorial 1 At Our February Meeting - A. Colby 3 Letters to the Editor from - 5 Ancient Committeeman. Taro. Anxious Eastwood Mother A.G.Colley 1963 Annual Swimming Carnival 7 Day Walks I'm a Legend in My Lifetime, E.Biddulph Paddy's Ad. 9 The Kosciusko Primitive Area - Manhole 10 The Life and Hard Times of Brian G. 14 - W. Gillam Science Naturally 16 Hat swell's Ad & Roy's Ad. 19 Federation Report 20 Hi, The song of a swan is a sad, sad song. The 'American' Negros, deprived forever of their verdant vuldts gave theirs to fUture generations in pr_apitating, ei4;htz-to-the-bar blues. Shakespeare,“Gilbert'and Sullivan, Chips Rafferty - these have all had their turn and now, I find, it's mine. 2 The Sydney Bushwaker 3Lirch 1963 NNIMwwwo..'…….gIM..aMwllr.=Yl…..ww.,wop..-.....I.Nw,..-..-.,.-+,–,- You, oh astute reader; will. feel compelled to remark that this is not necessarily so.: Statistics, and more particularly those of bush- walkers, indicate a reluctance for change in the status quo. In fact, you will go on to point out, editors usually resign; albeit as subtly and graciously as the situation Remits. _ These,, however, are small crumbs of comfort on the editorial plate. Though, by tradition0. the Brooks from way back have been resigned by nature, they seldom remove themselves voluntarily. There is many a host and proprietor who rues this family failing. But,.with all this, there is a residual element of doubt, and, come what may, a swan-song in March is as appropriate and necessary as a does of sulphaguanadine after a trip down Kedumba Creek. Nostalgicly, one must confess that the lot of editor is not all sack cloth and ashes. In these pages, bne can cry, cajole, coherce ,:nd criticise without causing comment (well, more or less). At home, I would either have to wait my turn, or be told to go and feed the cat. At work, such behaviour would evoke a coldly critical recitation of the appropriate instruction regarding tacit and unquestioning co-operation with top managemunt. These pages therefore afford a safety valve for those normdl repressions which are, for editors in particular, sli,jatly accentuated by the car-es of office. Preparations for departure viuld not be complete without some indication of gratitude to those who strew the editor's path - to the various contributors of articles (may their tribe inarensC), to Dave Ingrain for his punctual and informative notes on Day Walks 2,11:1 the'Federntion Report (we are looking for a stand-in for Dave, by the way), to Alex Colley whose accurate and attractive accounts of GenerAl Meetings turn up at 'my place with the same regularity as the milk bill, and to the girls who, though perhaps not silently, produce the not inconsiderable effort required to type, duplicate, assemble and sell. Win; lose or draw, I am pleased to have had' a part in whipping along the tired old horse for another year. - ANN= GEa7RAL METING. The annual general meeting of the Wild Life Preservation Society will be held on Monday, March l8, in the New Education Fellowship Room, 263 Castlereagh Street, Sydney at 7.45 p m. After the general business there will be an address by Mr. F. Hersey of the Fauna Protection Panel on “Aspects of Wild Life Conservation in N'..S.W..” Wild types especially welcome. March 1963 The Sydney Bushwalker 3 OU1-1 FEBRUARY lEETING Colley. One new member, Peter lent, was welcomed by the President at the start of the meetin. From correspondence we learned that the route to TuLlow Caves through Jack Denis farm was now closed (due to the behe viour of many of the people who used it). However it is possible to drive even closer to the Caves by going 8 miles along a new fire trail, and so a walk is saved. Also in correspondence was a letter of thanks from the Boy Scout's Association for assistance in rescuing the two scouts in Ilrethusa Canyon; and a letter from the Water Board re walking in the Tarragamba catchment. For some areas a permit from the Board is necessary, but for others a badge of membership of a bushwalking Club or a certificate of membership would be sufficient. Of interest to gardeners was a copy of “Living Earth” describing a means of dealing with From the Social Secretary's report we learned that the hall for the Christmas Party had been successfully booked for Friday December 13. CommIttee reported that it had considered the subscription rate for posted Club Magazines, and was of the opinion that it should remain at 15/-. The opinion of the meeting waS sought and the Committee's view was supported without dissent4 The President then awarded prizes to Kevin &dill, whose team won the car trial, and to Peter Reynolds and John Milligan, who came second. In his walks report Wilf Hilder told us that on January 6, Elaine Metcalf took 6 members and 1 prospective from Lilyvale to Burning Palms, Ets and Garie. Although the track was still waterlogged after recent rains, the weather was mild and the swimming at Era good. On January 11-12 and 13, Nilf led 3 members along the 4i miles of granite gorges above Megalong Creek. There were good swimming pools, but it was a long walk as it started from Shipley and went right back. to Katoomba. On 18,19 and 20th Wilf led a track clearing week.,-end (1 starter) to blaze Starlight's trail on the Nattai River. Several by-passes wore cut out of the track and paint blazing used to mark the track in difficult places. Eight members, 5 prospectives and 3 visitors attended the instructional wee-end at O'Hare's Creek on week,-end 18-20th, led by Bob Godfrey and Roy Craggs. On Sunday 9 members and 3 prospectives led by Frank Leyden joined the party and Frank demonstrated the Colin Putt 'method of waterproofing packs, also the Hall- Pelham method and the Paddy Pallin inflatable cushion method. walk on the next, long, weekend was an acouatic and Lastronomic success. The Sydney Bushyalker Nirch 96,3 The weather was fine and hot, the water cleal an(_:, cool, and there blackberries, oranges, lemons, quinces and peaches for those mit enery to reach out and pick thL.m. On the same week-end Alan Round ler', two members from TolwonE Road to the -Tttrema, Jones' Creek P.nr' Edwards Falls. Apache Creek was explored and an impassable waterfall i'iscoveed. Wilf took a party of nine down the Kommung from the Boss Mountain fire trail throuFh the granite section and up Misery Ridge. Frank Leyden's hidden campsite below the Moronc Creek Cascade was located aml used. A 2ft fresh added to the interest of the swims. It also took one member over an 8ft waterfall, but he came up again. At the end of the meeting it was announced that the Water Board gate on the road to Lake Eckersley would be open for those driving to the swimming carnival. Thus another walk was saved. 11141 =ACTS FROM TT;TTEEi. TO FEDEI-“LA.TIal FROM LET ROPOLITAN man?. BOARD. Bushwalldn Restrictions in the Warragamba Catchment Area. “The Board now requires that all persons wishing to bushwalk:mithin the proclaimed Ntrragamba Catchment Area outside the two mile zone from the top level of the stored mater (within -which access is prohibited) must first of all obtain a permit from the Board authorising their entry. For your information, a map is enclosed showing details of the portion of the catchment area in which access is prohibited (shown by red tint) and the area in which entry is normally restricted to persons in possession of a permit from the Board (green tint); the area left untinted may be ,entered by members of the public without permit on any occasion. In the Case of members of Clubs affiliated with your Federation, the Board is however aware that such persons can be expected to be well versed in matters of bushcraft, hygiene, fire protection etc. and, on these grounds', it is prepared to allow parties from affiliated Clubs to enter the restricted zone shown in green tint withoutfirst having to obtain special permits. However, it is expected. that the leader of any such party will carry with him, as it is understood is the general practice, a badge of membership or certificate etc. from either his Club or the Federation which need to be made available for perusal by 3oa rd's Ranger at any time if so desired.” (It is understood that small copies of the map referred to will , shortly be available to the public. If this rumour turns out to be false we will print a copy in the mag. Ed.) 11.1.1.i 11,Mnom… /MA REINDEER - March 20th. Members Slide Night. Members and prospectives are invited to show their-latest slides on this night. March 1963 The Sydney Bushwalker 5 Letters to the Editor. Sir 'During the year, several Committee Members, aged 30 years or more, who participate actively in Club affairs, have been made vaguely are that anybody over 30 years is regarded by many members under 30, as definitely ancient, irrespective df the amount of energy they:possess. The 'January Committee Meeting was advised by an over 30, thEft those arbiters of ancient and modern human beings consider that,Committee comprises too many ancients. This situtation is not entirely new and has occurrdd'before, The Annual General Meeting is almost upon us. What a God-sent opportunity for the under 30's to come forward in numbers and take over some of the executive positions. All that is needed is tact, plenty Of time and ability to do the numerous tasks promptly and efficiently, 1/1,d of Course, a modicum of common sense. The present committee will be delighted to hand over the reigns. Let us have a bit'of hot competition for executive positions a's Was the case 15 years ago, when some of the over 30's were under 30. Ancient Committeeman. 111Ime 101.1M Poor domesticated Editor - Wahroonga wrapped. 25.11.62 What you missed to-day - the champ of all sunday walks - for both quantity and quality. Frank Leyden 's to Burning Palms via Lilyvale. A day with a gloomy start - but expanding into a day of sparkle, true bush conviviality. And - as I disoavered at Central, it was an unporecedented assemblage of train-borne car owners - maybe this set the flavour for the day. For all - from eyeope to final ooray - were free from cartension orbiting along at 60 m p. soaking in security. Imagine it - 30 odd! (not too) a blend of very young - and long time since - S.B.W. even one not too tottering octo. The unfleched sky, bluer even than a certain 0: how undulating girl filled costume; And all a sparkle, the ocean below - the glistening leaf multitude, and the sparkle of flowing stimulating chat and back chat of happy S.B.W. surfing and turfing. . And not one more caress could have been added to the soft zephyriiv sou-easter, or one more degree to the temp. or one more leaf above or underfoot. And best of all - attention ye tigers - hours and hours to trifle with, and luxuriously spend. A day of perfection. Taro. 6 The Sydney Bushwalker March 1963 Letters to the Editor (contd). Reticent as I am, I feel compelled to put pen to paper in protest against certain aspects of Eff See TUn's article in your February issue. With three young sons aroutd4 Stan and I have always been careful, leaStways, about the reading matter we allo* in the house. The S.B.W. magazine has usually proved suitable enough, particularly as we would like the boys to be interested in the simple, natural pleasures. But really, the observance of the basic rules of hygiene does not seem much to wish for, even among wIlkers. Fancy eating food ten pairs of strange hands have handled: And all eating out of one billy indeed! I can think of nothing more repugnant except perh ls a Leydon walk. 2=ious Eastwood Mother. In reply to “Curious Headhunter”. In his letter in the February magazine “Curious Headhunter” asks what has happened to the mainstay of the magazine - accounts of walks. Such articles were usually written not about the week-end official walks, but about long walks in new, difficult, or otherwise interesting country - a type of walking now almost a thing of the past. As C.H. is out of the country, he probably doesn't know What goes on here. There are two good reasons why long walks are seldom done now. These are: 1. There is nowhere to walk. The best walks used to be done on old bush tracks, not far from Sydney. Nearly all these tracks are now converted into roads, or have become muddy fire trails Which may run through catchment areas. I suspect that the authorities have simply taken Lyles Dunphy's walking maps and run a bulldozer over all dotted routes. The only way t3 escape road walking is to get into the very rough country, or follow the streams - usually tough going, and few do it. 2. Club members, like everyone else, prefer motoring to walking. Whereas a new road was once lamented, now it is considered to “save” a walk. And as roads take - Tou almost everywhere, there is no neeC to walk to see the country. Those few diehards, or young enthusiasts, who do still like walking, often have to motor a long dietence to get beyond th,_ bulldozers. They have to return to their cards, and the temptation to cut the circuit and shorten the walk becomes irresistible. The motor trips get longer and the walks Shorter till it becomes just motorintt. Camping may go on for a while, but it won't be long before ex-bushwalkers, like everyone else, take to motels. A.G. Colley. March -1963 The Sydney Bushwalker 7. 1963 ANNUAL SWIMIING.CARNIVAL. Due to cool, overcast weather-the attendance at this year's event - the twenty-fifth carnival - was a little disappointing, but nevertheless the races were contested with great enthusiasm with many close finishes. Many new faces were seen on the starting blocks for the first time and as a result some old stars' heads tumbled before this younger new blood. It is thought that the Christmas trip down the Kommung River gave some an opportunity for a little quiet training: Men's Open Championship 1.. Richard Plantinga 2; Tony Queitzsch 3. Lawrence Quakin Men's Breastroke CIship 1. Lawrence Quakin 2. Richard Plantinga 3. Ross Wyborn Results. Ladies' Open Championship 1. Sandra Bardwell 2. Nanette Bourke 3. Margaret Wilson Ladies' Breast-str,Jke C'ship 1. Sandra Bardwell 2. Nanette aJurke 3. Mandelber ed Handicap. ridica 1. Ross Ilborn and Nanette Bourke 2.. Tony Queitzsch and Sandra Bardwell 3. Geoffrey Boxhal1 and Nancy Nbppett. Underwater Swim. Yeti - 1. Richard Plantinga. 2. Lawrence Quakin. 3. Tony Queitzsch. Ladies. 1. Sandra Bardwell. 2. Nanette Bourio. 3. - Isampluna. Men L Bob Godfrey. 2. Lawrence Quakin. 3. D., Wyborn. Ladies. 1. Sandra Bardwell 2. Nanette Bourne. 3. Nancy Moppett. Henley Memorial Cup for Point Score: 1. Sandra Bardwell (to hold cup) 2. Richard Plantinga 0 3. Nanette Bourke. 8 The Sydney Bushwalker Ivii cii 1963 MARCH 24. MARCH 31 Dza-ILLE3. :Unto Bushwalkers' Basin - Georbes iver Lonc Point - InEleburn. 12 miles. Bushwalhors' Basin is one of the finest fresh water pools around Sydney. Some road wallcin:: and some scrub lAshinc is involved on this trip. Train: 8.25 a m. Goulburn train from Central Steam Station. Tickets: Minto return @ 7/1. Map Camden Military. Leader: David Ingram. Waterfall Heathcote Creek - Henthcote. 8 miles. Excellent for new members. Passes through portion of the Heathcote Primitive Area, which is to be enlarged considerably in the near future. Good swimming pools along Heathcote Creek. Train: 8.50 a m. Cronulla Train from Central Electric Station. CHANGE AT SUTHERILND for rail motor to Waterfall. Tickets: Waterfall return @ 6/, Map: Port Hacking Tourist or Camden Military. Leader: Grace RIR:. APRIL 7 G lenbrook: - Glenbrook Gorge Nepean Lookout - Euroka Glenbrook. 12 miles. An opportunity to stretch the limbs before that Easter walk. The Gorge is rocky and the climb to Nepean Lookout is a scramble, then scratchy to Euroka. Train: 8.20 a m Lithcow train from Central Station. Tickets: Glenbrook return at about 14/6. Map: Liverpool Milit. Leader: Ern French. 0.1. LEGaID fl 1V LIFETEE. I'm a Legend in my Lifetime: E. Biddulph. I have walked from John O'Gronts To Land's End - and then across the States. I'm a Legend in my Lifetime - I have spurned all proffered totes and WALKED - in Aussie too - in fact I'm What it takes. I'm a Legend in w Lifetime And yet and yet (I'tell you true) The Sydney Bushies, all sfwe one, Answered like the self-same PARROT ”'What in Heaven's name are yalr BEING a Legend in my Lifetime I cannot talm a Fun To any of that unperceptive crew BUT instead, I'll honour him who Knew me for myself…. He'll get a CARROT! *4010W11M44111 WaSORgaPiWP1400~40504014,t4 116.314ftwarsiortuAZKVEPROW.i uvomikumbeyincilegie*4.1.0%4'.Z21,424, 9 You will be pleased to know:that liay 8' long,Golden Tan Tent' is still performing well, it doesn't leak a drop.' It has withstood all the sou west has hurled at it.” A couple of pats on the back from Bruce Davis of the Hobart Walking Club who has just returned fram his 20th trip to the rugged southwest area of Tasmania. We've always been enthusiastic about our Golden Tan lightweight japara for tents, it has so many good qualities that make it ideal for your purpose. Very fine weave, hard driven, lightweight and strong. It is cut and put together with great care using the best additional materials required in a fine tort. You too will be pleased to own a tent like this. Order one soon, Fran - Paddy Pnllin Pty. Ltd.; 201 Castlereagb Street, Sydney. 26-2685. ster very soon repatrs to equipment or special rders required now so that we may give you the =vice you deserve. %J. 'hire bookings are now open. .,, ,:-.. . ,…._ C r., .,..“ , l',1: ':'-,.'re.' '. A 1 I I ' 4 , -. ,,(. i It ”,.1 r , 1 1):::“:3;::::). ” 74,,Ii*zivAl. r.,.,_, ….“.r.:\ .-1,c4 ',.. , V tie ./ \ ,1
→”)(1\'' ,4 ,::, 4? . ,..' ',..,.. ..'“ … ”“',.. V '.-'1%,. aftwoxits….n coNdliamadots.. MEW( PAWN ightwfl Camp Gear 201 CASTLEREAGH St S: YDN EY 6102685 10 The Sydney Bushwnlker March 1963 THE KOSCIUSKO PRIMITIVE AREA. Manhole. Walkers everywhere mill note with satisfaction the recent proclamation of 70 square miles of the Kosciusko State Park as a primitive area. This is the culmination of six year's representations from parties concerned for the preservation of this unique area. It is interesting to note that this is the first occasion on which scientists, in the interests of science, have acted in consort with the better knackrn preservation bodies such as NPA and INIPS, While the latter two societies were interested in preserving this area in its natUral state pUrely aS a national heritage that future generations could enjoy, the Austrbaian Academy of Science put forward the following further arguments in support of its retention as a primitive area. 1. It is the only extensive Alpine area in the:whole mainland continent of Australia, and no area in the whole continent more truly merits reservation. 2. It includes, -aith a few miles of traverses the highest mountains in the continent, with an unmatched altitudinal sequence from 1500 to 7300 feat,. 3. Within the area are welldefined moraines, cirques, polished pavements, glacial varves and a series of glacial lakes unique in the Australian mainland. 4. It contains thb best development of alpine flora of the mainland, including two plant communities nOt represented elsewhere, and several species not found else-Where in the continent. 5. It is watered by permanent Alpine streams, some containing the original flora and fauna as yet unaltered by the introduction of trout or by stream diversion.' In 1958 a submission was made to the Kosciusko State Park and the Federal Government in the above terms, recommending as strongly as was possible, the setting aside of the area shown in the map as a primitive area. Now four years later, this has finally borne fruit. When, in 1944, the Kosciusko State easy complacentiyto view the future of square miles. The Trust, as a body of with the development and protection of given then was the following Park Trust was constituted it was this alpine area, embracing 2100 responsible citizens, would be charged this area. Amongst the powers “The Trust may retain as a primitive area such part of the Kosciusko State Park (not exceeding one tenth of the area of the Park) as it may think fit”. March 1963 11 The Sydney B ushwalker Proib used e a zn Aa3cLi t…5k0 Stii& Park. r L '4 L. ” A'N c kle 4.– _fc,7e*.C…7.-.\,r) 11' Pr ML tat-a* , r ivi t ?CUL, eriZIWI—'1 ;;- Ejt ue L., , Ca rru thei Pfia.,1Z. (“\,., i III ' Totalsent I ..',:: X ) / ” r lohL. - t iilSinit. _. k . I,c,-A ,–)—' r. N. W. )x /- , A r Mt. i<0.SCi ' + * 1- ',\*P' . / 1- X g L.,(2. …. / .ithrtnl.'. Head. “ 'D”. – ….. .A Thr:gdbo. 4k 74. /. os. tat, Yr

?   5.

A 12 The Sydney Bushwalker March 1963 In:the ensuing 18 years the Trust has done an excellent job. (Your author t for example, has suffered the indignity of being instructed by a K.S.P.T. ranger to keep his camp-fire smaller in future as “bushfires are such a b—-y menacc”.) No one could have anticipated the rapid growth in popularity of skiing, and the Trust is to be congratulated for developing the facilities in the park in the way they have, encouraging the formation of clubs and restraining axploitation. But it was a bitter pill for the nature lovers. Thredbo, Pcrisher and Smiggins were transformed into thriving communities whore it was impossible to move more than 'a' few yards without falling over a hut, outhouse or ski-tow. The Trust, keeping in mini the greatest bood for the greatest number, is now preparing plans for a massive parking area below to snow line with co-ordinated amenities including a ferry service to the ski lodgers. No one could cavil at this. It is what the public wants and the Trust serves the public. But the untamed areas are rapidly deminishing. ,Then, of course, We have the spectacle of the Snowy Mountains Hydroelectric Authority. With machine-age efficiency and ruthlessness they have invaded the Park, built roads, thrown up earthworks, dammed rivers and criss-crossed the countryside with tower lines. One could not defend a position apposing this. It is a scheme of urgent national importance and to their credit; the AuthoritY has been most concerned and active in causing as little damage as possible; in fact, re-afforestation and the prevention of erosion is an important part of thpir work. However, the following statement from the Authority would lc-awe any primitive person cold - “Scenic value is largely a matter of opinion and in a number of countries, hydroelectric works of the type associated with the Snowy Mountains scheme are considered to add to the natural attractionsThis *as the settin8 for the battle of the “Primitive Area”. As well, of course, there were other ,bodies directly concerned with the area, these being The Department of Main Roads,. The Soil Conservation Service, the Geehi Ski Club, and The Cooma Shire Council. Any public servant, Past or present, would quail at the thought ol'-irying tO push a proposal through such an administrative labyrinth. But success has been achieved and must. greatly hearten' all associated with the formulation of the proposal. The aim of the scheme is to preserve a natural reareation and scientific area which will be used by skiers, fishermen, campers, wal1a end tourists and yet will not be destroyed in the process. March 1963 The Sydney Bushwalker 13 The chairman of the Trust, Mr. Howard Stanley, is qtoted as saying “We have no intention of keeping people out of the area; in fact, the Trust is anxious to attract increasing numbers of visitors. What we will do is prevent road and engineering works, building and other forms of commercial development which could interfere with the character of the area.” The area has been designed to exclude most of the Snowy scheme and the ski centres, but be close enough to both to be easily accessible to visitors. The Superintendent of the Park, Neville Gare, says “The idea is that people can drive up to the primitive area or go up by chairlifts, and suddenly find themselves in another world.” Those are admirable sentiments, and onaswhich can be received with a certain amount of confidence. Certainly, the Park Trust durini,; its nineteen years of office has not betrPyed the faith placed in it and there is every reason to believe that this Primitive Area will be supervised in a spirit in keeping with the motives of its protagonists. Recently, in the last two weeks in fact, the Park Trust has twice demonstrated its firm resolve to abide by the principles of the Primitive Area. On the first occasion, the Commissioner of the S.M.H.E.A. publicly criticised the Chairman of the Trust, Mr. K.C. CTInpton 11.L.A. for their stand, as the Authority had planned to build a dam at Spencer's Cr. (which wooald flood part of the Area covering up same rare glacial striations) and a 6 mile aqueduct through the area. We all know what that would do to it. Secondly, the Trust was attacked by the President of the Australian Alpine Club (according to the “Daily Telegraph”) for not permitting the re-building of al/lama Lodge, destroyed some years ago by avalanche, in the upper area. On both occasions the Trust has stood firm. It is refreshing to see a body of citizens prepared to stand by their convictions despite pressure from outside. This club at its last General. Meeting forwarded a letter to the Minister for Ccnservation applauding the creation of the Primitive J1. rea. , But we can do more than this. Each one of us should write a letter to the Chairman, Kosciusko State Park Trust, Caltax House, Kent Street, Sydney, axpressing appreciation of their st:.nd in these matters. Not to do this will indicate a lethargy of which we are perhaps a little too apt to criticise the 'general public'. And don't forget husbands and wives are individuals in their own right and can each write separately. By the end of next week Mr. Compton should have three hundred letters on his table. March 1963 , The, Sydney Buslwalker 1-. . THE LIFE LND HARD OF BRILN G. Gillaa. History; someone said, Is the extended shadow of a single man. The portly figare of Brian G, will cast an excellent shadow as the history of the magazine for he has been associated with Le for most of the twenty six years it has been published in its present form. The masthead of the magazine has shown hin to be Production linager, Buc:iness Manager or Duplicator Operator for most of that time, though it doesn't mention such things as Interleaver, Collater, Stapler,. Upwrapper and pacifier of Mrs. Bennet. He has done all these thins with deceptive ease and in the case of Mrs. Bennet with an understanding and sylmathy Which is only normally found in Heads of Zissions and their protocol clerks. (His language when directed towards an ailing Rotary Rapid was m7isterfully undiplomatic, his brogue deeper and riCher than ever dispinycd to a more couth audience.) The magazine has bean e,,xt-aat since 1932 when it was punted commercially at irregular intervals; it took its present form in 1937 and such was the optimism of:th e,pub1ishers that they had printed enough covers so that eleven years la-Eer the original ntins was still enclosing the latest. breathless reports of new country, new prospectives and old-members. That first isiue was duplicated by Brian in the home of Bill YAUllins, whose name even yet sets many hearts aflutter. The paper waS.so organised that it reached the press with no cost to the club which is one of the most elaborate euphemisms have encountered, Persons of less literary habits than Brian would say it was pinched. similar air of mystery hung over the paper I e;ood guard over in Crown Str6et one nit:ht I had met Brian for a glass of beer on the-regular night we went to press. In -passing he mentl,oned some paper he had obtained at a reasonable price,, Paper vas then so highly prized that the method of obtaining it discussed earlier was quite out of the question. Brian had obtained by a stroke of business acumen of a rare degree two cases of the staff. The only problem was how to get it to the club. After another beer I suggested a taxi. Brian gave it deep thought. D:pensive things taxis. Carry it then. Too far. Tram. couldn't fit under the seat, Deadlock. Broken at six o'clock by the sadly taken decision that a taxi was inevitable, the taxi was procured. The cases themselves were not large as packing cases go, Miniature cars had not then been developed; someday a micro-sedan for the small family appear which waild live comfortably in such a case. Then a further crisis: Only one case would fit into the boot, Brian and the taxi departed. I was left to guard with my life this wonderful acquiAion, Such is the loyalty the B.M. could inspire in his subordinates. March 1963 The Sydney Bush-walker 15 -TaEariee-ef-ppe,g-PPIDID2y were only equalled in those times by the unreliability of the power. On nights- iAihen- th-eYe- 'was' -only' an, occasi,onal_…. flicker the magazine,was collated by candlelight and hurricane lamp. The immense issue to mark:the club's 'coming of vans interrupted by a two hour blackout when half the 'sheets had been laid out. A late summer thunderstorm threatevd to blow the issue all over the Eastern suburbs, an irate B.M. swore horAbly and 'two sleepy collators made their way past miles of trestles to sit in the romantic gloom and count the number of fire engines and ambulances goik; uP Oxford Street. Publication nights were shared with a 8t. John's Ambulance Brass Band. The' conductor, though a dedicated musician, lacked the astringent wit of a Beecham or informative chatter of Bernard Hienze. Perhaps wit and a passion for tourniquets would be too much for the one bo(:,y. Collating. towards a crescendo is not to be recommended for an aDpreciation of music. In twenty six years the Magazine hasn't failed to appear, an effort whidh. reflects vast credit on Brian,, Editors have appeared and disappeared, often with mercurial brilliance. The flow of prose and poetry has been unpredictable and behind those tall trees we have had conservation, introspection and science naturally. ContributOrs have called Chardens CanyonD,ntes Inferno, and the births, deaths and marriages of a r:ene/atien have been recorded. Recently a small party was –ei_ven by ex-editors, collators, inter- leavers and assistantsof all types to congratulate Brian on such a record and to mark:his final an1 definite retirement as Business Manager. 'Speeches were made and glowing sentimentsexpressed, It was the end of a wonderful career. e THE CAR. TRIAL: Just for the record.- we had a car trial last month. Org-lnised by Bill Rodgers and Jaak.Gentle, it mas,:a great success in spite of near cpntury temperatures on the Sunday, Wallacia was the overnight stop where we had a camp fire which went with a swing, and then a very warm night for camping. After solving lots of clues (the organisers thought the questions were easy, but the competitors had otheryiewCthe team comprising Lola Wedlock, Anne Harper and Kevin Ardill came uP with the largest number of correct answers. Peter Reynolds' and John ItOligan were next and Esme Biddulph and her team of girls (Miriam Steenbhom and Margaret Wilson) filled third place.

PCSTPCLIE. DICK CHELDS The walk for March 9..10 to d arie to be:Ied by Dick has been postponed until March 234pePlease discount any malicious tumours about the reason for this. It is simply because Dick wants to conserve his strength for the reunion. 16 The Sydney Bushwalker March 1963 C.* \;\ N. / f

IF' F “There is more than a passing probability, my dear Professor Hungvorgluck, that there are intelligent beings on that planet, but I doubt if they would have reached an intellectual maturity such as to produce great verse as Viffgung's immortal words - “The moving finger glucks and having glud, Moves on, nor all they Piety nor vlud Shall lure it back to cancel half a clur5rm Nor all they Tears wash out a wo of ud.” \ SCIENCE NATUEALLT Of all the millions of millions of stars (i e. sans) visible from Earth, it is estimated that a small percentage (i e. a few million million) would have planets as our sun has. And further, that on a small percentage of these planets (i e. a few million or so) life could exist, possibly advanced to a stage that would make our civilisation appear pos itively barbaric. Sobering, what? Wrch 1963 The Sydney Bushwalkor 17

……1 Mena novae-hollandiae. (again) Last January westarted an article on Australia's lyre-bird, but shortage of space Chopped us off before we'd really even gotten going. Herewith the remainder of the good word on a Lab, bird. Systematists could not agree as to the Lyre-bird's place in their artificial schemes of classification, it being assigned to different positions by different authorities. It was long classed among the wrens, a fact which gave rise to some writer's statement that Australia possesses wrens as large as peacocks. That great ornithologist, Dr. Bawdier Sharpe, placed the two lyre birds in an order by themselves - Menuriformes. This arrangement has met with the general approval of modern students of bird life: there may be a few dissentients. Professor Alfred Newton described the lyre-bird as 'the_ nearly sole survivor, apparently, of a very ancient race of beings.' :Until comparatively recent times, these Australian wonder birds aroused little interest except among ornitholoLists and nature lovers. They were not even protected by game law, and hundreds were shot for the sake of theix,splendid tails, which became fireplace screens or mantle- piece ornaments. At length a spark of public interest was fanned into flame by the Press of Sydney and Melbourne. Leading articles urged the claims of Manura to full protection, which came none too soon. But the birds had to wait longer for popular favour and a place among the living wonders of the world. Victoria led the may. The late Tom Trege4as was the first naturalist to make a detailed study of the lyre-bird in its ,h6unts, and to give. lantern-talks about it. Then came Ray Littlejohns, who devoted week-ends throughout the nesting season year after year to observing the lyre-birds of Sherbrooke Forqst,.Victoria. Observation was coMbined with photography. A moving picture of a lyre-bird displaying was made, then a sound recording. Radio experts with Littlejohn's assistance, broadcast Menura's vocal performance from the heart of the Forest. The voice of the lyre-bird has been heard in Europe and America; its dance-display seen on the screen. Thus this prince of mocking-birds, with a wonderful tail has become famous. There are only two species of Yelura: the superb lyre-bird novae-hollandiae) and the Albert lyre-bird (M4 Alberti.) 18 The Sydney Bushwalker March 1963 The former ranges from Victoria to southern Queensland; its ally, from the Macpherson Range, South Queensland, to the Richmond River district. Only the superb species has lyre-Shaped tail feathers. In the Albert lyre-bird the two central feathers are longer than the outer ones which lack the semi-transparent bars present on the lyre… plumes of its ally. With very few exceptions, figures of the lyrebird show the tail carried upright and forming a conventional lyre. Actually the tail ;illy sometimes be held nearly upright for a second or two, rarely longer; but in displaying, it is thrown forward over the bird's back and head, the lyre-plumes being depressed and canied outspread, like the filmy feathers which are constantly vibrated. Usually while dancing on its mound, Menura mimics the soncs and call notes of other birds, also man-made sounds which it has frequently heard - even the honking of a motor horn may be included in the repertoire. The mounds -.one bird may form several in his territory - are more or less circular, slightly elevated and :measure a yard or so across. The mound is the lyre-bird's playground, not its nest. For a full description of the lyre-bird's nest see our May '62 issue. The birds mate in May or June, and commence home-building without delay. Often a baby lyre-birds nursery roof may be covered in snow. The lyre-bird lays one egg - about 2i inches long - purple-grey in colour with sepia markings. The egg takes about 7 weeks to hatch and the young stays in the nest for a further 6 or 7 weeks. …. A radio station is being built in Britain to carry out experiments in satelite communications. It will be used for the reception and transmission of telephone, telegraph and television signals across the Atlantic. It will work with sat elit es launched by V.S N.A 3 .A lmown. as the “Relay” and ” Telstar” projects. These satelit e s have elliptical orbits with a maximm height of 3,000 miles inclined at 50 to the Equator. The radio station will be equipped with an 85ft diameter a erial capable of being pointed and steered automatically and with great precision in the direction of the satelitte. There will be many technical, operation and e-conomic questions to be studied before a commercial sateliie communications systemacan be established. Another Social Night to remetffel.-7—Plarch 27, Frank Leyden “Sid Mountaineering” Slides. March 1963 The Sydney Bushwalker 19 FOR L-LLL YOUR ir t.ITSPaT FROM BLI.Cia3.,'LLTH CaTLICT HLTSIELL'S TJ ND TOUhIST SERVICE. RING, VRITE, WIRE OR CL.LL - ,.;.trf HOUR - DAY OR NIGHT. 'Phone: Blackheath 4.59 or W151 BOOTLaYG OFFICE: 4 cbors from Garcliners Inn Hotel (LOOK FOR TD N-Eal SIGN) - SPEEDY 6 or 8 PASSENGER CAM AVAILABLE LARGE, OR SMALL PARTIES CATERED FOR FARES: KA.1;1-17u-\TGRA 'KILLS 30/7- per head (minimum 5 passengers) PERRY 'S LOOKDONN/. 4/ - ti n =OLIN STATE FOREST 20/- CARLON'S FARM 12/6 WE INTT,T, BE PLEASD TO QUOTE TRIPS OR SPECIAL PARTIES ON APPLICATION PLUMBING TROUBLES?? DO YOU NEED - NEW ROOF, GUTTERING and DOWNPIPES ?? OR DOES - THE ROOF J.111) GUTTERING NEED RE-P/111,;TIIIG ?? OR PERI-LIPS - A NEW ILTTrik. SIMVICE OR 1-J02 ?? No job is tpo small - for any plumbing instllatiun or alteratLms YOU NEED ROY 'S FRItaIDLY PLUIDE,TG SERVICE CONTACT ROY CRAGGS in the S.B.W. Club-rooms or contact Jec.CrnEcs, Carpenter and Painter, 41 Rosamond St, Hornsby, Telephone JU2203 REILEKBER - YOU NEED ROY'S FRIENDLY SERVICE 20 The Sydney Bushwalker March 1963 FaIERATION REPOhT - JiUC 1963 Re-Enactment of the Crossing of the Blue Mountains will take place from 11th May to 31st May 1963. Federation hs undertaken to provide 7 people to portray the principal parts. Paul Driver, President of Federation axpects to take part' and anyone interste,jshould, contact him urgently at JF5232. Search and Rescue. Two Senior Sea Scouts were i eportee overrua in the Grose Valley after setting out to cross it on Dec.29, 1962. A full scale search was organised on Jan5-6, 1963, when 65 scouts and 73 bushwalkers turned out. The missing people were located on a ledge from *Which they could neither ascend or descend, near ,',.rathusa Canyon by a party of locals at 4.30 p m. on Jan 5. A loud hailer, which was found necessary as a result of this search will be purchased. Conservation. A map of all fire' trails south of the railway across the Blue Mountains has been supplied to Federation. Tracks and Access. The track from Grassy Hill to ht. Uraterer has been blazed roughly. More work is needed here. A fire road has been made from the Kanangra Rd. near ht. Emperor to the Kommurg near Tuglow Caves and connects with the Tuglow Hole fire road. National Parks Association'. The' new reserve at Bungonia Gorge has been gazetted. The Kanangra-Boyd National Park proposal has been mapped and is with the Lands Dept. The retention of certain Travelling Stock Reserves (T.S.R.) and Public Watering Places (P.W.P.) as recreation and camping reserves is being urged. The Academy of Science, Canberra is to protest to the Snowy Mountains Authority against the construction of an acqueduct in the Lady Northcote Canyon, now part of the Eoscuisko Primitive Area. Minute Secretary. The position of Minute Secretary to Federation is still vacant. Are there any volunteers? The work is not arduous and Federation meets at 6.30 -tDrd. on third Tuesday of each month. Federation Reunion. A committee of 8 was clected to organise the function which will be hold at Euroka on Mnrch,30731st. The Sydney Bushwakers have volunteered to clean up the site after the reunion. Please assist. BUdawang1.12. is to be revised and reissued by Federation. 1 CLIFFORD RITSON.. We regret to learn that Clifford Ritson, who was President from April 1932 to March 19342 passed awaY during December last. The Club owes a great deal to its early executives, who did so much in putting down the solid foundations on which it stands today. Our debt is acknowledged with gratitude.

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