Operation Glad Rags (Taranaki Alpine Club Reunion)

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OPERATION I1 GLAD RAGS ".. July 17th,1954. I expect a number of members have only a vague idea about that importnt social event in the mountaineering world, the "Taranaki Alpine Club Annual Reunion". I was in that position before I went this year, and as no account of it has been given in the Journal for several years, a brief report would serve to enlighten those in the dark. Our Club has attended these functions ever since it was formed in 1948, and there has grown up quite a tradition of friendship between the two clubs through the years. The "Reunion" is primarily a get-together of old and present members of the Taranaki Alpine Club, but other Clubs are invited to share in the festivities. Do not run away with the idea that it is another Tararua Barn dance for which you have to travel 250 miles, it is on the contrary, quite a formal affair, consisting of dinner followed by a dance at the North Egmont Hostel, and graced by various Taranaki dignitaries and the unbounding hospitality of the Taranaki Alpine Club, This year a party of 16 represented our Club. They had an uneventful journey apart from extricating a car whose nose had run into a bank; 8,30 ame Saturday saw them at the Old House at North Egmont. The lure of the mountain was not very strong due to the high wind and low mist. Most stayed in the sack for the major part of the day, some went to New Plymouth, and two parties decided to brave the elements and go as far as the Tahurangi Hut through flurries of sleet and strong gusts of wind. When they reached the hut they were awarded with a break in the clouds, the emergence of the sun, and the surrounding countryside unroiled like a map before them, Later in the day Egmont coyly emerged from the murk and appeared icily aloof. Towards evening tramping rags were shed, much hot water was run and the party transformed itself into apparitions of grace and charm and sartorial elegance - the girls in long frocks and the men in dark suits. As we went down to the Hostel we saw Egmont glittering in the light of the full moon, and not a cloud in the sky - but I too late now! After the W.T. & M.C. deputation was duly checked in it took up practically a full table and looked most imposing in its number - The delightful meal provided by the T.A.C. ladies was duly made short work of and I am sure the "Tongue and Mea ts" would have gone through the menu again, if they had had the chance. After the meal followed the speech of welcome by the Master of Ceremonies in which due reference was made to the "Tongue and Meats" I wonder why they don't call themselves that officially" - Then came the toasts, to the local M.P. Mr,Alderman, the Mt.Egnont National Park Board, Mr.Okey, visiting clubs, absent friends, etc. etc. in response to which there were some very amusing little speeches. To add to the general bonhommie, an ingenious type in the W.T, & M.C. party simulated the popping of champagne bottles during the toasting to such a good effcct that, when he rose to speak on behalf of the deputation, the M.C. remarked it was the first time he had secn beer dripping from a balloon! After the dinner came the dance, at which the W.T. & M.C. were seen at practically full strength, A savoury supper at 12. am, was duly appreciated and festivities carried/wel1 into the early hours of the morning.

The next day rising was dependent on the degree of celebration the night before - in most cases - rather late. Mist again came down rather low and discouraged most from venturing far. Ron and Brenda, however, departed early with the idea of reaching the top, and horrified the party when they returned with the mangled remains of - Ron's new ice-axe. A tired but happy party pulled out about 3 p.m, Thanks T.A.C. it was a good show, we hope to be present at your 25th.anniversery, next year. Amongst those present - Trev." Walsh, Hori Hall, Dudley Morris, Bill Rice, Jack Leitch, Frank Tipscombe, Rod Milne, John Wood ( the champagne expert), Peter Davis, Jim Dow, tan Wilson, Esther Mary Rigg, Johnnie Johnson, Miss N.Taylor, and Ron Collier and Brenda Watt (H.V.T.T.) -Alpha -