THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER FEBRUARY 1979

A monthly bulletin of matters of interest to The Sydney Bushwalkers, Box 4476 GPO Sydney, 2001. Club meetings are held every Wednesday evening from 7.30 pm at the Wireless Institute Building, 14 Atchison Street, St. Leonards. Enquiries concerning the Club should be referred to Mrs. Marcia Shappert - Telephone 30-2128.

STOP PRESS

On Sunday 18th February our President, Fazeley Read, was injured on a bush walk. Fazeley has both bones below the knee broken in her left leg.

The accident occurred on Pat McBride's Barrington Tops National Park walk. On Sunday at 9.30 am, the party was making its way down the steep river bed of the upper Allyn River. Christine Austin, who was directly behind Fazeley, saw a rock start to topple and made an attempt to stop it falling, but was unsuccessful (It probably weighed about 1001bs.) Chris yelled a warning but Fazeley was unable to get clear in time. The rock hit a log and tipped sideways onto her leg. It was immediately obvious that her leg was badly broken.

While the party made Fazeley as comfortable as possible and improvised a splint, Pat McBride and Craig Austin set out for Lagoon Pinch, via the upstream route. Wayne Stool and David Rostron set out for the some place, going downstream. Pat's and Craig's route proved the shorter, and they arrived first at a farm managed by Mr. Ron Colliston at Upper Allyn, From here Search and Rescue contact Marcia Shappert was phoned, and she in turn phoned the Federation of Bushwalking Club's contact.

No one seems to know who contacted who after that, but the first to appear on the scene was an R.A.A.F helicopter at about 2.30 pm. After a reconnaissance flight, the helicopter landed at Upper Allyn to unload one man and some fuel and to announce that the helicopter could manage the rescue.

However, despite its hovering just above the trees, and lowering a man on a cable, the helicopter was unable to reach the injured Fazeley, and at 4.15 it gave up and flew off. Fazeley had now been lying in what must have been great pain for nearly seven hours, and was to wait another three hours before a rescue party arrived on foot. Apparently all other rescue attempts had been called off when the helicopter radioed that it could effect a rescue; therefore, the police and ambulance did not set out until advised of the helicopter's failure. Many precious hours had been wasted.

The rescue party, when it arrived at Lagoon Pinch, consisted of two policemen and an ambulance man. Barely adequate, Pat McBride told them, so while Craig and one policeman radioed and waited for more support, Pat, David, Wayne, policeman Ron Block and ambulanceman Bruce headed off.

Fazeley and her companions heard the welcome coo'ees of this group just after 7pm, but the ordeal for poor Fazeley was not yet over. Thu makeshift splint was removed and an inflatable one substituted, and she was strapped to a stretcher. It was now dark as the party set out up the steep hill, through lawyer vines and dense scrub; over rocks and logs. (The roughest country in the state, the newspapers would say, but this time it was just about true!) Craig and more reinforcements joined tho struggling party after a couple of hours, but it was still hard-going for those carrying the stretcher, and at times only twenty feet or so were managed before a rest or change of carriers was needed. Also, Fazeley's splint had a leak, and had to be blown up again every 10 minutes or so.

At 12.30 a m. the party reached the road (and the glare of lights and T.V. cameras) and Fazeley was put in a four wheel drive vehicle, to be taken to Lagoon Pinch. The lurching of the previous hours must have been ghastly for her, but the bumping and jolting of the vehicle proved even worse. On the rougher stretches, the stretcher was taken from the vehicle and once again hand-carried.

It was 2.30 am. Monday when the party reached Lagoon Pinch. While the police there fed the bushwalkers and rescuers, Fazeley was rushed off in the ambulance. A doctor was called by radio when she developed severe abdominal cramps, and he met the ambulance halfway to Maitland.

Fazeley is, to this date (Feb. 23rd) still in Maitland Hospital. All her bushwalking friends wish her a speedy recovery.

An anecdote from Fazeley: “There was the occasional moment of humour, you know. I remember the looks on some faces when the policeman, aged about 25, looked at the bushwalkers and said, “One of you older men had better carry the torch”.

The Hon. W. J. Holt, MLC, has sent to the Editor a copy of a speech which he made to the Legislative Council during December, 1978 on the subject of The Border Ranges National Park and the logging in Grady's Creek Flora Reserve. In his opening remarks, the speaker describes the proposals for the Border Ranges National Park as perhaps the worst environmental decision made by this Government”, and expresses the hope that the question will be re-opened. The following is an outline of the Hon. Member's remarks to the Legislative Council.

After briefly outlining the history of exploration in the Border Ranges and the action which persuaded the Queensland Government to proclaim the 47,000 acre Lamington National Park in 1915, he goes on to say that much of the N.S.W. portion of the Ranges is classified as State Forests, with a total area of 33,000 hectares. Of this forestry area only four small portions have been defined as “flora reserves”, with a total area of about 1,800 hectares, including the 1,500 hectares at Grady's Creek.

In 1976 an Inter-Departmental Committee was set up by the Government to report on the future management of the Border Ranges. The National Parks & Wildlife Service urged that the three State Forests along the boundary between the tropical rain forest area and the drier environment to the south be declared a National Park. However, the Forestry Commission favoured a continuation of logging, and pointed out that about 180 timber mill employees relied on this activity. The Committee was unable to reach agreement on what should be done.

The question was referred to the State Pollution Control Commission in February, 1978 and submissions were invited from the public. During March, 1978, discussions were hold in Kyogle and Sydney and the Hon. W. J. Holt comments:-

“I am informed that an overwhelming majority of these submissions favoured the park. An economic and environmental evaluation was prepared by a committee headed by Dr. Schaeffer of the University of New South Wales school of town planning. This is contained in a detailed report of 181 pages, and gives economic solutions that would prevent unemployment in the area, and recommended that the park include Roseberry and Wiangaree state forests and various other areas. The Forestry Commission rejected these solutions and said they were unduly optimistic.

“Dr. Newman, who previously held professional and senior lecturing positions in the field of plant morphology, concluded. that under the commission's current logging methods it would take 1,000 years or more for the forest to recover fully. Having taken all this evidence, the commission produced a printed report on 5 April, 1978 - oddly enough, only two days after the last evidence was given. This report recommended a truncated park, varying in width from one to four kilometres, and the logging of Grady's Creek flora reserve. It was clear from the report that the commission's consideration of the matter had been completely fettered by the terms of reference which, while inviting it to consider the management options for the Border Ranges area, concluded by saying that recommendations were to be made having regard to the need to ensure the maintenance of employment within the area.

“The commission then proceeded to prefer the Forestry Commission's views on future employment to those of Dr. Shaeffer's, and recommended a park so narrow in width that it is now known as Snake Park. Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of this abysmal exercise in political compromise was the recommendation to log Grady's Creek flora reserve. In a fit of unctious enthusiasm the Forestry Commission had Grady's Creek flora reserve proclaimed in 1973, being then, I am told, the largest flora reserve within a state forest, It thus preserved in perpetuity this area of beauty and natural values.”

The speaker then drew attention to the manner in which the Forestry Commission, which originally stated it would resist any proposal to log the Grady's Creek Reserve, changed its attitude completely and indicated its intention to allow extraction of timber. As Hon. W. J. Holt puts it -

“No flora reserve under the Forestry Act is safe if the authority entrusted to protect that reserve proposes its destruction”.

It is then mentioned that a submission relating to logging which was prepared by a research scientist with the C.S.I.R.O. arrived too late to be considered by the Pollution Control Commission. In its conclusion this report read:-

“In any highly supervised and sophisticated logging system, such as that proposed by the N.S.W. Forestry Commission, even the short-term economics are in doubt. Large inputs of labour and skill are required before, during, and after the logging operation. Who supports the costs of this intensive management, and who profits in the short and long term? Leslies, a world authority on forestry, in the article quoted above states in relation to selective logging which relies on natural regeneration that 'the evaluation of the economic implications is sheer guesswork. The same could be said for the other non-commercial values'. In conclusion, we believe that there can be no question that the Border Ranges represent a precious and irreplaceable part of the national forest estate and of the Australian heritage, and of what is now being acknowledged as a significant part of the world heritage of biological resources. We therefore consider that further logging of this area can no longer be justified.”

Asking again that the whole question be reviewed, the Hon. Member then proposed that the Minister for Planning and Environment set up a select committee of the Legislative Council “to consider all aspects of the management of the Border Ranges and the proposed desecration of Grady's Creek Flora Reserve in order that this sylvan treasure might be preserved not only for this generation but for the people of the future”.

by Tim Coffey.

It is with regret I write to inform members of the death of Bill Cosgrove, who died 21st January 1979 after a short illness.

Bill was an experienced walker from the Coast and Mountain Walkers when he became a member before the 1939 war. His many friends will remember him as a good walker and a great friend with a droll sense of humour.

The first trip I did with Bill and some friends for three days on the Nattai, he made out the food lists. On the first morning we asked, “What's for breakfast?” Bill replied, “On my food party you supply your own breakfast for the first day or do without.” And he wasn't joking.

On a holiday trip in Tasmania with George Dibley who had just spent three months in New Zealand. We climbed Mount Ossa and Mount Gould. George said, “This is beautiful, but in New Zealand the mountains are 12,000 ft, twice as high as these.” Bill replied, “That's a saving, we will not have to go there.”

On another holiday trip to Mount Hotham, Len Scotland used to free wheel the car so that Bill would smile and say, “We are travelling free.”

Bill retired at 55 years and enjoyed his walking and the bush for many years.

We are sad to lose such a good friend, but we will always remember Bill as a happy bushwalker.

by Judith Rostron.

On a weekend just before Christmas, David and I gathered up Tony Marshall and Rick King and proceeded to the Kanangra Cave in Tony's car. In the morning we were joined by Chris and Craig Austin, Joe Marton and John Redfern. Then came the glorious moment of parting when the men left to indulge in the masochistic pleasures of Danae Brook leaving Chris and I to have a chat, exchange a few recipes and yet another cup of tea before we ambled off on our own across the Walls.

Just past Craft's Walls we turned off at Kilpatrick's Causeway to go down to the Kanangra River. It was a beautiful day. It started out quite cloudy but soon the sun came out and the walk down to the river was very pleasant. We had a few anxious moments when a black snake actually slithered between my feet. I had a strange sensation of trying to lift both feet off the ground simultaneously to get out of the way. Another time we both lunged hurriedly out of the way of a black snake, but fortunately it too was hurrying to get out of the way.

With our combined navigational talents we had no trouble locating the river by lunchtime. As we swam in crystal pools and lay reading in the shade to escape the heat, we did wonder how all the abseilers were getting on. And so we passed a very peaceful and relaxing afternoon. We found a campsite, gathered wood, and read a bit more. We both agreed that this sort of bushwalking had certain advantages over scrub-bashing, rock-hopping, etc.

By 6.00 pm we were starting to wonder when the others would turn up, so we went for a walk up to the junction of Danae Brook. En route we encountered a very aggressive black snake which reared up in a rather nasty manner and made us quite jumpy and very much on the alert when we spotted a couple of others. When the light faded to dusk Chris remained as welcoming committee while I returned to the camp to stir up the fire.

Tony Marshall's peppermint tea was much appreciated by the half-frozen abseilers when they staggered into camp. It had been a most enjoyable day for them. A, bit wet in parts but everyone was smiling. John Redfern was pleased to have at last “done” Danae Brook after planning to go about three times previously only to have the trip cancelled.

We had a very comfortable campsite. Chris and I had been told not to be too fussy with campsites as they were in short supply along this river we camped on an open stretch of river gravel about 20 minutes down from the Danae Brook junction. Plenty of firewood and close to the river. I suppose it might have been difficult to keep tentpegs in the gravel if a strong wind had blown up but we had a most pleasant night.

David had the vague plan of going up the river beyond Kalang Falls to a big swimming pool on the Sunday, but when it dawned rather grey with a bit of drizzle, this idea didn't seem very appealing. Instead we made our way to Murdering Gully. (Quite a nostalgic spot for me as it was here that David brought me on our first bushwalk together.) It wasn't quite as bad as I remembered it and we all staggered to the top in one hour and 10 minutes. I was rather pleased the weather was dull after a friend had regaled me with the tales of galloping black snakes on a hot day in Murdering Gully.

So it was all rather painless - not even a blister to show for my efforts! I enjoy a hearty bushwalk though and couldn't succumb to this slothfulness too often. As for abseiling, I'm definitely only an “abseil to save my life” person, so I would most thoroughly recommend this method. It is then, for me, not only the easy way but the only way.

LOST
We've lost the supper tins for the Re-union supper! If you are storing them, please let Helen Gray know. Phone 86-6263.

by Jim Brown.

Old Proteus, God of the Sea
Appeared in countless guises,
So botanists bestowed his name
Upon a group of plants that came
In myriad shapes and sizes,
From prostrate shrub to noble tree.

The Waratah and Banksia
Are of this happy breed.
Wild Parsley, too (Lomatia)
And Honey Flower - Lambertia -
With Mountain Devil's head for seed:
And needle-armoured Hakea.

Eight score Grevillias are found,
With “toothbrush” or with “spider” flowers
In scarlet, pink and grey and green:
While golden epaulettes are seen
On Silky Oak that proudly towers,
Red Laurifolia hugs the ground.

Diverse in flower, diverse in fruit.
Think of the Geebung's purple grapes,
Or Woody Pear - a tough-one -
But we eat the Macadamia nut.
The “Drum Sticks” and the “Cone Seeds” shapes
Give common names that truly suit.

Old Proteus, God of the Sea,
Your name lives, in this family.
Take them away: the bush would be
Less of a Wonderland for me.

by Christine Austin.

March 21 - That tireless worker, David Cotton, has again produced a series of photographs. Please come and make this another successful evening. I think David would also like you to bring a glass.

March 28 - This evening is the much publicized. Slide Competition. Remember the A.G.M. on 14/3/79 is the deadline for handing in slides. Limit - 15 slides per person.

Last month Dorothy Butler turned 100. To celebrate her centenary, this famous Australian mountaineer, gastronome, conservationist, raconteur,philanthropist, psychologist, and former leader of Haute Couture in Sydney has for the first time in many years, agreed to give an interview. Her judgments on contemporary society, as seen from her varied and some say unique life style, should be of interest to all who read this magazine.

Born in 1879, in the middle of the Simpsons Stoney Desert (her parents at the time were on a Wildflower Collecting Expedition organized by the Universitad de Paraguay); educated at the Presbyterian Ladies College in Barrallier, at the insistence of her adopted Brazilian parents; earned her degrees “cum laude” at the University of Goondowindi and achieved notoriety by her long distance penny-farthing rides in the early part of the century. Her career was always in New South Wales, apart from a short stay in New Zealand where she was a hostess at the Mt.Cook nightclub. Her whole life nowadays is collecting money for her Nudist (Kangaroo Valley) Department, known as the N.K.V.D. to her cronies, and to her memorizing the Works of Count Allesandro Manzoni.

Q. Mrs. Butler, in your autobiography, you state rather ungrammatically, “If everybody would be a mirror image of me - so much the better for the world to be”. Is that why you mostly made friends with people younger than yourself?

A. Yes, but also the young at heart. All my life I've tried to encourage the coming generation with my uninhibited ways, even though Society sometimes frowned.

Q. Is that after you cycled from Mt Kosciusko (Kosciuszko) to Government House, Sydney, to celebrate Queen Victoria's Jubilee?

A. Indeed it was. A lovely Garden Party, and I was wearing my pale blue linen frock at the time, with the embroidery at the neckline.

Q. Wasn't there a painting done of you wearing it? I remember seeing it in the Melbourne National Gallery.

A. I never forgave Norman Lindsay after that. So embarrassing that I had to give up Sunday School teaching.

Q, Dorothy……….

A. Mrs. Butler, please.

Q. I'm sorry, Mrs. Butler. There is a persistent story that you climbed the Matterhorn barefooted. Obviously exaggerated, but could you clarify haw such a rumour started?

A. Such a ridiculous rumours. How could it be believed? What really happened was that half way up a cliff face while I was being belayed by Whymper, both my shoe laces came undone and my tennis shoes simply fell off. I finished the climb in socks - definitely NOT barefooted.

Q. I see. How did you begin mountaineering?

A. I always loved to climb. Indeed to cross the flooded river to the Primary School, I had to climb the telegraph poles and go hand in hand over the wires. I never got electrocuted. Never. Not even once.

Q. Probably due to the metres being telephone.

A. Don't phones run on electricity?

Q. I'm not sure myself. Let's proceed to the next question. Your candle-lit dinners at Wahroonga became the talk of the North Shore. Is that where you refused to let Madame Melba sing, saying she was not worth a “zac”?

A. I'd been up all night preparing Creme Caramels and the Canard a l'Orange (after all I had spent two terms at Escoffier), and she had the audacity to say it tasted like muck. Of course -I didn't realise that. she meant “mukke”, Icelandic for Heaven. She died before I found out. And here let me add that recently, on a trip to Lilydale outside Melbourne, I visited. her grave and sang “Ten Green Bottles”. I felt I owed it to her.

Q. A remarkable gesture. Maybe the Womens Weekly will do a feature on it.

A. I appeared on the cover of TIME magazine once. 1923 or thereabouts.

Q. I never knew that.

A. Yes, as best dressed Woman of the Year. I always believed in the old maxim “Money maketh man but clothes maketh woman”. Don't you?

Q. I think, from memory, that you have the wording wrong.

A. Young man, don't you have any respect for the aged? Nothing escapes from my lips that can't be quoted verbatim.

Q. That got you into trouble with the Nobel Committee, didn't it?

A. True. How true. I lost a Prize. It made Patrick happy though. Dear Patrick - but so difficult to read.

Q. Do you consider yourself a cultured person?

A. Naturally I do. Of course all my friends of the early years became world figures: Pablo, Salvador, Enrico and Oscar. Dear Oscar - so easy to read.

Q Who is your favorite author?

A. Baron Munchausen. I have tried to emulate him all my life. A grand figure.

Q. I wonder if you would disclose why you refused to accept the 0.B.E.? Paddy and Dame Edna both accepted theirs.

A. I suppose it can be revealed after all these years. It was the phone call from Windsor from His Highness saying that Wallis had won, and I was to be rejected; Love hath no fury……… It still upsets me. I wonder if this interview can be ended. I am very tired. But please stay for a Sarsaparilla - I'll call Maude.

This interview was recorded at the insistence of the Historical Society of Barrallier. The name of the interviewer was not known.

PHOTOIN. I will be running another 'PhotoIn' at Coolana on the weekend of the Annual Reunion, and copies of photos taken will be available at a reasonable price. Problems with the small 35 mm proof sheets have now been overcome and large proofs will be available for inspection this time.

PHOTOGRAPHIC ADVENTURE WORKSHOP. I will be running a 'Photographic Adventure Workshop over the weekend of 31st March/lst April at “Glenbernie Orchard”, Darkes Forest. This 'Workshop' will be run on a continuous basis, so come along on either day, or both and camp overnight. Everyone is welcome to attend, especially the children of bushwalkers and those of their friends, and in particular people with experience and advanced knowledge in photography to help with general instruction and dark room procedures.

The work will cover basic photographic techniques, black and white film and print processing and enlarging procedures. There will be plenty to interest everyone whether experienced in photography or not, and whether interested in black and white or colour photography.

Basic black and white photography is an ideal creative pastime. Young people in particular are excellent photographers and home processing of black and white material is not only simple and inexpensive, but well within the capabilities of most 12 year olds.

Persons interested in attending should see me in the clubrooms on most Wednesday evenings for further details as some processed negatives are required for the initial work as film processing is generally covered later on in the day.

15th December 1978.

Dear Mr. Battye,

Reference is made to previous correspondence concerning your objections to mining and prospecting in the Ettrema area.

The question of mining and prospecting in this area has been the subject of a full inquiry by the Chief Warden under the provisions of Section 178 of the Mining Act, 1973. After careful consideration of the Chief Warden's report on the inquiry I have decided to take the following steps:-

1. Recommend to His Excellency the Governor that-

(a) A reserve be constituted under the provisions of Section 24 of the Mining Act over the Ettrema Wilderness Area and Management Zone and including an area bounded on the west by the Shoalhaven River and including the area of Mining Lease Application No.20 Wollongong. A direction will be made that no claims, mining leases, mining purposes leases or prospecting licences shall be granted within the reserve.

(b) Mining Lease Applications Nos. 14 to 20 Wollongong (Act 1973) inclusive and Nos 494/l24A to 497/124A Nowra (Act 1906) inclusive be refused as it is considered that the grant of leases would be inimical to the public interest.

2. Prospecting Licence Application No.155 Wollongong (Act 1906) be refused as it is considered that the grant of a licence would. be inimical to the public interest.

3. In specific instances, call upon persons or companies to apply for exploration licences to prospect within the proposed reserve area. The mineral potential of this area should be ascertained. Any such invitations would take into consideration an applicant's financial resources and technical advisers and his capacity to meet his obligations under any licence and the provisions of the Mining Act. Holders of any such licences would be Warned that the proposed reserve will prevent the grant of a mining title.

Impose stringent conditions together with a security deposit of $2,000.00 on the renewal of the claims held by J.A. and M.M. Doyle in the proposed reserve area. These claims occupy a total area of approximately one hectare and the area will be subject of frequent inspections by technical officers of my Department to ensure that the conditions of the claims and the provisions of the Mining Act are being observed.

Yours faithfully,
R. J. MULOCK.
Minister for Mineral Resources and Development

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR.
Reference was made, on page 17 of the December issue of this magazine to the age of Dungalla Club members. We apologize that this reference offended some people. However, the remark was made by an actual member of the Dungalla Club who was including herself in the joke. Nothing derogatory whatsoever was meant by the remark.

Stand straight without Strain

Here we are again…… They say the best way to advertise is the “little and often” method.

Marie points out that Alexander, the famous posture proponent, never offered his followers longer life, which is true enough.

However, from reading the Nobel Prize address of Nikalass Tinbergen, the 1973 prize winner, one cannot but infer that good posture prevents stress, which is one of the main killers of modern man. So, remove the killer and man lives on to be fine, fit and healthy to a ripe old age like the Russian centenarians I mentioned.

I look forward with pleasure to re-uning with my S.B.W, and Dungalla friends in the year 2020 when we are all over 100 years old. What a magnificent sight that will be!!!

Dot Butler

Dear Bushwalkers,

Here is same excellent news. Some members of the Perth Bushwalkers Club are organising a walk, commencing mid-March 1979, from Albany to Esperance, along the southern coast of Western Australia.

This area has striking scenery and is totally unspoilt by development. The Marine life is also untouched and fish are plentiful. (Seafood will provide the bulk of the food for the expedition members, as at least three of the party are ace skindivers).

The walk is approximately 300 miles, required in the order of six weeks. Some of the members, however, will not be completing the total distance due to work commitments. Food will be available from the sea and also from food dumps placed beforehand. Water will be obtained from the many natural sources en route, from water dumps and from small distillation units in case of emergencies. Dried foods and water will of course be carried.

It will be exciting, challenging and we assure you you'll never be the same again.

The arrangements, equipment, provisions, finances etc. will be agreed upon by the group as a whole, each member having equal say.

At present we have six people but need more. Maybe you or someone you know might be interested in an experience of a lifetime. If so I would gladly provide you with further information. And remember, an opportunity like this won't came again.

Yours naturally,
JOCK HOWE.
P.S. Cheap travel can be arranged
P.O. Box 641, Port Pine, S.A. Phone 086-322550 or -324420.

by Barry Wallace.

It was about 8.29 pm on a warm Wednesday evening when the President gonged the gong, called the 24 or so members present to order and commenced the meeting by advising apologies from Christine Austin. The two new members, Meldon Noone and Helen Ranger were welcomed in the usual way and the reading of the Minutes produced no apparent contention.

There wos no Outgoing Correspondence, but this was somewhat compensated by the flood of incoming items. There was a notice of a World Wilderness Congress, a copy of the new F.B.W. Constitution and minutes of their last meeting, a notice from the Paddy Pallin Foundation regarding application for grants, a letter from Mr. Mulock, N.S.W. Minister for Mineral Resources & Development, advising that although mining exploration would still be permitted in the Ettrema Reserve- there would be stringent controls on any proposals to mine. And last, if not least, there was a notice from F.B.W. about the establishment of a council to review their constitution.

The Treasurer's Report indicated an opening balance of $1636.56, Income of $186.90, Expenditure of $486.91 and a closing balance of $1336.55.

The Walks Reports started with an account of Kath Brown's walk of 17th December, “a long time,ago” as Kath put it. There Were 17 starters, all of whom returned safely. Tony Marshall's abseiling instructional became a 2 day event with Gordon Lee instructing on the Saturday.

Jim Brown's Bundeena ramble on the 24th December brought out 18 starters, whilst Gordon Lee's Christmas-New Year Snowy trip had attendance which varied from 17 to 8, although not necessarily in that, or any, order arranged.

There were some unprogrammed walks over the same period. Bill Burke led a party on a walk up in the Snowy high country, and Phil Butt and a cast of thousands suffered mightily from a ski lodge at Charlotte's Pass.

Meryl Watman's Waterfall ramble on the 31st December had 20 starters so not everyone went to the Snowy. On the following weekend Ian Debert's trip was cancelled, but Alastair Bat-bye made up for this with a party of 8 through the Wollongabbe in a heatwave at night on li-los in the moonlight. I can't help feeling that that should be set to music.

Somehow or other we also had a report of Brian Hart leading 5 people on a trip in the Bogong High Plains. It seemed a fitting end to the walks reports.

The Federation Report indicated a short meeting followed by a party. There was no party- report. General Business was a non-event, so after announcements the meeting closed at about 9.03 pm.

FEDERATION OF BUSHWALKING CLUBS - RE-UNION I MARCH/1 APRIL.
Members of all walking clubs are invited to attend this Re-union which is to be at Gunderman Creek. From the northern side of Hawkesbury River at Wiseman's Ferry, 14 km along the road east to turn-off north. Cars to be left 1km short of the campsite.

A photograph competition is to be held at the Re-union and everyone is asked to bring suitable prints which will be exhibited and judged. The categories are

Section 1 Best print, any date, bush or bushwalking theme.
Section 2 Best “then and now” pair of prints: bush landscape pre and post 1970.
Section 3 Best nostalgic print - 1969 or before.

For further details, ring Joy Scott, 520-0750.

DINNER BEFORE THE CLUB MEETING.
These monthly dinners will be resumed on the third Wednesday each month, beginning on 21st March. The place is Rajah's Indian Restaurant, Pacific Highway, Crow's Nest. Indian food. Time: 6.30 pm.

Coolana, KANGAROO VALLEY - MARCH 17th & 18th.

The S.B.W. Annual Re-union is once again to be held at our own land, “Coolana”, in the Kangaroo Valley. Prospectives are most welcome, as are, of course past members non-actives, actives and their families as well.

For those unfamiliar with “Coolana”, here are a few details:-

Cars are left on the side of our access road and from here it is a walk of a few hundred metres down the hill. This year the re-union site will be on the flat above the hut. The Coolana workers have done the necessary clearing here, and there is water laid on. The shelter hut provides sleeping space for about 20 only, so bring your own tent. There are delightful camping spots, too, down on the grassy river flats, if you don't mind the walk up hill for the camp-fire on Saturday night.

If talking, swimming or lazing are not your “scene”, there are walks along the river, or you can get involved in building the camp-fire on Saturday or making dampers on Sunday for the Annual Damper Competitions (Bring some S.R. flour).

The drive from Sydney, via Mittagong, takes 2½-3 hrs. The scenery from Mittagong on is beautiful - through Bowral, Fitzroy Falls and Kangaroo Valley (all well sign-posted).

Supper is provided by the Club.

For further details, or if you require transport, contact Helen Gray on 86-6263. Also please phone Helen if you have an empty seat in your car.

[scan and include hand drawn sketch of map to Coolana]