Minute Book 1955 to 1964

Below is the transcribed text from HTG's 1955 - 1964 minute book which was scanned and transcribed by Waitomo Museum Staff in the mid 2010's.

Minutes of the First General Meeting Of The Hamilton Tomo Group, held at Sandblast Studio at 7:30 p.m. on the evening of 28 April 1955.

Present: Messrs, V. Gordon, P Luckie, M. McPike, R Simpson, L.G Watson, S Hensen.

Business: The election of officers-the following were the only nominations and were duly elected:

• Chairman-Peter Luckie.
• Secretary-:Algy” Watson.
• Treasurer and Equipment officer-Vic Goodin

Treasurers report-This was received by the meeting and showed an amount of £15.6.1 cash in hand, derived from sundry sources, such as equipment levies, working bees, and subscriptions.

The Secretary was authorised to purchase a 120ft nylon lifeline, if one could be procured at a reasonable cost.

The Equipment Officer gave the following catalogue of equipment at the date of the meeting:

• One only flexible ladder with reel 62^ft
• Two only flexible ladder with reel 50^ft
• One only 1 ½“ circular sisal rope (good) 62^ft
• One only 1 ¾” circular sisal rope (good) 130^ft
• One only 1/¾” circular sisal rope (good) 72^ft
• One. Only 1/¾ “ circular grass rope (good) 34^ft
• One only 2” circular coir rope (good) 25^ft
• One only plaited 3x1” Sisal rope US 100^ft
• Various other minor gear at Gudgeon’s

Subscriptions: the meeting decided on the following subscriptions : the year to commence on the first September and half fee only to be charged for the current year:

15/-{ 5/- Affiliation Fee NZSS { 10/- Group Subscription

An additional 5/- p.a.to be optional if member wishes copies of NZSS bulletins.

Printing of membership cards: The printing of a suitable membership card was authorised. List of roles also to be compiled and supplied to all new members.

The meeting closed at 9:45 p.m. when films were shown and refreshments served.

LG Watson, Secretary.

Minutes Of The Annual General Meeting Of The Group, held at 156 North. Road , Beerescourt on Thursday, 28th of July, 1955, at 7:30 p.m.

Present: Messrs L Diggle, P Luckie, N Kane, E Payne, L Vause, L Watson, and S Wendsor

Business: the minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. The balance sheet was presented and received. This showed cash in hand of £1.13.2.. The inventory was read out and it was decided to write off the plaited rope which was unsafe. A new nylon rope has just been purchased.

Election of officers: the following were the only nominations and were duly declared and elected:

• President and Chairman: Peter Luckie.
• Secretary-Treasurer: LG Watson
• Equipment Officer: Stan Wensor.
• Vice President and Liaison Officer to NZSS, LG Watson.

The secretary gave a short report on the recent exhibition and of the last meeting of NZSS.

The meeting welcomed a new member, Mr Ted Payne, who entertained with a most interesting talk on caving and Maori burial grounds from his experiences of thirty years ago.

Some discussion took place over refreshments and a tentative programme was suggested.

14^th August-day: Trip to Waipapa Road,Pukekohe district cave on Mr Wylderman’s property.(Human bones). Prospecting in area of the Cathedral and waterfall, decent of wet tomo where stream was followed for some distance.

Party: L Diggle N Johnson, P Luckie E Payne, L Watson.

Account forwarded to NZSS bulletin editor

27-28^th August: Weekend trips to Waitomo-TeAuga.

One member, Lyn Diggle, joined with 19 of the Auckland branch of NZSS at Gudgeon’s.

Saturday: White’s cave and neighbourhood.

Sunday: Prospecting and bush near Happy Valley. Entrance made to further extension of cave found by Messrs Gudgeon,, Goodin and Watson some weeks ago. Some remarkable formation. No doubt will be reported in bulletin.

31^st August: Film evening at residents of Peter Luckie. 7:30 p.m.

Present: Brian Crawford, Jim McGill, Lyn Diggle, Bill Dingle, Ted Payne, Noel Johnson, Jeff Wilson, Bob Goodin, Ron Simpson, Merv, Peter Luckie, John Kendrick and Algy Watson.

Enjoyable showing of films by John Kendrick, followed by colour slides by John and Jeff Wilson. Supper and liquid refreshments followed by a demonstration of self torture and hypnotism by Noel Johnson. Thanks are recorded to Peter, John and others who assisted with refreshments.

4^th September: day trip to Gudgeon’s. Descended into two deep tomo's in paddock towards the Burr cave. Deep water in one, other blocked. Explored several other holes and visited Burr entrance and waterfall, Pybus Rock, and entered Gudgeon’s cave. Explored galley and rocks above. Pybus Rock.

Party: Lyn Diggle, Brian Crawford, Peter Luckie, and Algy Watson.

10^th – 11^th September: Weekend trip to Gudgeon’s. Visited cave in bush beyond Happy Valley on Saturday. This had been discovered by Charlie Gudgeon, Vic Gordon and Algy Watson in June and visited by Lyn Diggle and Auckland members of NZSS on 27-28 August. Entered only as far as the previous exploration-some very queer formations reaching down almost to water level, necessitated crawling and breaking a passage through.

Sunday: went to Morgan;s property where the owner showed us several holes. The first was not extensive, but was descended with the aid of a rope to the stream level. Near the surface on some damp mud, Lyn Diggle found a complete Moa skeleton with all the bones still in place. Evidently the bird had died or fallen to the spot before it was decomposed. The NZ Herald ran a paragraph on this discovery on 13 September after a photographer and reporter had made a special trip to the cave on Monday evening. A further story has yet to appear in the Herald.

Mr Morgan took us to some other holes, but these had been visited the previous Easter and had yielded nothing new.

Party: Messes J. Baker and B McHaffie, Lyn Diggle, Peter Lukie, Charlie Gudgeon, Vic Goodin and L Watson.

17^th -18^th September: Weekend trip to Gudgeon’s etc

Saturday: went straight to the Moa bone cave mentioned above, took photographs (and movie) and left Mr and Mrs Pybus, Peter Luckie, and Miss Jackie Baker to extract and pack the bones. Rest of the party went in search of a cave, which was mentioned in Angus’s book “Savage Scenes and Times” 1844 and again in Hocks Letters “New Zealand” 1856. This was in the vicinity of the Waitomo Hostel and the party searched a wide area of bush, finding the cliffs marked on the map and also this stream mentioned, but not the cave. A return trip is indicated.

Sunday: After spending the night at Gudgeon’s most of the party paid a photographic trip to Olsen's cave. With the exception of the writer, none of this group had visited this before and all were impressed. An early return and a few of the party returned home, the rest joined Mr Gudgeon on a trip to Johnson's where they looked at some promising holes. Worth another visit. The weekend was enlivened by a demonstration on Saturday night of hypnotism by Noel Johnson.

Party: John Kendrick, Geoff Wilson, a stranger, Noel Johnson, Jackie Baker, Barbara McHaffie, Len Wylde, Peter Luckie, Algy and Natalie Watson. John and Jessica Pybus joined us to extract the Moa bones.

25^th September: Trip to Te Kumi and Pakeho. A search for the Maniopoto cave shown on the geological maps was carried out. This was the famous “Spirit”or”Ghost”cave mentioned in the Hocks Letter and was found to be a huge entrance to a dry cave alongside the Hangatiki lime works quarry. Because of Maori tabu the workings are not permitted to go closer than 30 feet from the cave. This was dry and of little extent and interest but nearby was fairly promising resurgence which could possibly be entered when the water was lower. Afterwards, the party made a trip to Pakeho and entered the very pretty Lemburg’s cave.

Party: John Kendrick, Ted Payne, Noel Johnson and some tramping club members.

22-24^th October: Labour weekend. Trip to Lost World base.

Axel James wool shed. Aim – To explore Mangapu below, the Lost World. Party of Hamilton group (LG Watson) joined nine members of Auckland, NZSS on Saturday. Plan of campaign: all members to set up gear at the Spider Cave hole, then “assault party”, Len Adams, Dave Barford, Roger Watson and Geoff Pollard to descend and push off on exploration. “Support party number 1” to consist of Henry Lambert Roddie Lambert and Paul Weston to follow and set up camp in Lost World itself, aided from above by “support party number two” LG Watson, Noel Clarke and Dave May who were also to lower phones to them. As it happened the ladders putdown were broken by falling rocks and the Saturday trip was abandoned.

On Sunday, the Hamilton ladders were dropped in their place, and the work proceeded. The assault party had lunch in the Lost World (in the sun) with No 1 and then set off and rubber boats. The support party ascended the letters and let the other party down to greet and assist the assault party on its return at about 4 p.m. all men were up, gear packed, and everyone on the way back to the wool shed by 7:30 p.m..

Monday was the speed cleaning gear and measuring the phone cable, which gave for the first time accurate gauge of the depth. This showed at the “deep end”, a declivity from the level of the surrounding country of 56 feet, a direct vertical drop of 230 feet, and a slope to the stream at the bottom of 13 feet, a total of 300 feet almost exactly.

Unfortunately, the assault party was not able to explore any great distance, for about 200 yards and they were stopped by siphon.

26^th to 27^th November 1955: Trip to Waitomo district.

Saturday: raining heavily all morning and the party was reluctant to leave the car at Harrie’s property on the upper Waitomo Valley Road and walked to the cave, which was actually on Olsen's land. The cave has a large open entrance will have broad knee deep stream flowing from it. About 50 yards in there are two opposite side passages with some fine formation. Past here, the water deepens, and places becoming necessary to use the rubber boat. A climb to a higher level showed a narrow hole blocked by stalactite. After some hard work this was chipped away only to show another entrance to the aforesaid left-hand side passage. Not far past here, the water became even deeper and then some climbing over formations back to the stream. This ended in a wide circular pool was no visible signs of the entry of the water. The party left and made the way back to the car, the weather being improved by now. Gudgeon’s was reached just after dark.

Party: Miss B McHaffie, John Pybus, Algy Watson.

Sunday: above party was joined by Mrs J. Baker, Peter Luckie and Lewis Vause at Gudgeon’s and set out for the Luckie Strike cave. Lunch at the entrance and ropes were gathered and packs shouldered. The parties scrambled through the difficult entrance cavern and reached the main cave shortly before 1 p.m. A quirk climb to the higher level by John and Lewis for some photos of the “chandelier” and a little further on another place was found where it was possible to climb up. Here an amazing sight well repaid for the awkward scramble. Crystal pools of absolutely spotless white calcite are in large numbers, some of these several square yards in extent and up to 2 feet deep. The sides and bottoms of these are encrusted with the sparkling crystals and it was necessary to wade through one of them to penetrate further. Many photographs were taken here and it is hoped that some of these will do justice to probably one of the finest and rarest formations on the country.

A projector show of colour slides was shown to the Gudgeon’s, some neighbours and the Saturday party on that evening in the Gudgeon’s sitting room.

28^th to 30^th January 1956: Anniversary weekend trip to Gudgeon’s and district.

Saturday: Luckie Strike cave. While, Len Adams and Dave Barford pushed the exploration on further and found another area of fine formation, the rest of the party from Auckland and the Hamilton group explored further upper levels.

Sunday: Small cave previously found near track at Gudgeon’s was opened further through a rock fall, which was the former stoppage. A lot of work cleared the obstacle and the cave was explored for some hundreds of yards. There were also some branching passages with a little formation. Was named the “Mudball Cave”. A tomo through the fence in Charlie’s sheep pen paddock was entered. Some more hard work cleared a recent rock fall, so that Lyn could get through. He reached a place where a rock could be tossed through a whole and fell with a loud echoing “plunk” into deep water. This will be worth a future visit with a ladder. Visit to Olsen's for photography.

Monday: (wet day) 1. Cave near Johnson's house on Waitomo Road. No go, but a torch was lost down a narrow slit and could not be recovered. This made the weekends losses total two; Carbide lamps, one helmet, one torch, one tin carbide (mostly lost in Luckie Strike). 2. Cave near roadside near Johnson's. This would need a ladder and because of the torrential rain the job was deferred.

Hamilton party: Barbara McHaffie, Lyn Diggle, Algy Walton.

Auckland party: Ernie Drayton, Len Adams, Dave Barford and a new member Frank Walton.

18^th to 19^th February 1956: Trip to Waitomo and Gudgeon’s.

Saturday: three parties. Main party from Hamilton Misses Baker and McHaffie. Messers Crawford, Diggle and Luckie joined with the advance party from Auckland in the Luckie Strike. Exploration was pushed on a little further. Meanwhile, main Auckland party and L Watson were doing caves on Davis's property. All (21 altogether) met at Gudgeon’s for the night.

Sunday: the Auckland party less the advance party (Len Adams etc) visited Luckie Strike while the Hamilton party less, L Watson, explored cave visited on 29th of January with ladder. This ended in a slump, an unfortunate finish after three visits and much hard work. Party then visited Pybus Rock and laddered down from the top into a hole which passed through a rock and out the other side. Some exploratory work was done in the valley below the rock and some promising holes found. (Reported to SS bulletin this for 09/05/1956.

The 17^th to 18^th March 1956: Trip to Gudgeon’s NZSS.

Saturday: Luckie Strike: party of three from Auckland(Ernie Drayton, Len Adams, Frank Walton) and two from Rotorua (name is not known) and Lyn Diggle from Hamilton TG. Another party of “3 pirates” from Hamilton also arrived on Sunday and left to find their own way to the LS cave. Exploration was pushed forward about another 20 yards to where a 30 foot waterfall down to a deep pool stopped progress.

Sunday: Various caves under the guidance of Charlie Gudgeon in the White Frog cave area.

24^th to 25^th March 1956: Gudgeon’s.

Saturday: expedition to the end of Luckie Strike. Past the waterfall which stopped progress on the previous trip with the aid of flexible ladder and then met several deep pools. There was a short stretch of easy-going followed by a narrow oyster bed and then the walls and roof closed in and the whole cave became encrusted with wet mud.. It was plain that this part was normally in wet weather underwater, and soon the roof came down almost to water level. A disappointing end to a wonderful cave. Party: Ernie Drayton and Len Adams from Auckland, Barbara McHaffie, Lyn Diggle and LG Watson from Hamilton, and they reached the entrance to the cave in an almost exhausted condition. On return to the bach, Frank Walton was found to have arrived and had a hot meal and bath water in readiness.

Sunday: this day was wet and as the whole party was feeling the effects of the previous day, it was decided to limit the activities to caves close by. A new cave near the White Frog cave was penetrated for some distance and a short trip into Ernie's Waterfall cave was made. A new dry passage was discovered at the entrance and was explored.

The weekend's accomplishments were the subject of newspaper articles in the Herald and Waikato Times of Monday 26 and a radio interview by 1XH was heard at 6:45 p.m. (Miss McHaffie and LG Watson).

Easter weekend 13 March to 2 April 1956-Gudgeon’s.

Friday: One Hamilton member (LG Watson) met with Auckland members (E Drayton, A Coyle, L Adams, P Weston and D. May) at Gudgeon’s on Thursday evening. The morning found the party at Luckie Strike for the purpose of photography and retrieving a hammer belonging to WG left in the cave last weekend.

Saturday: the intentions were to visit the PP cave discovered last June, but it was decided to have a look at some tomos on the way over. Most of these were tight, but quite a few showed promise worthy of a return visit. However in the last one (MARK THIS DAY) , a huge well shaped hole was found. This proved to be the best cave yet found. The slope led steeply into a rocky defile with a mud slide which could just be negotiated without a rope. Some way down a landing was found where the darkness began and an even steeper slide down over 100 feet to a stream. This led both up and down for some distance with a wealth of fine formation in both directions. It would take long to describe this, and as the cave is bound to become famous for its beauty it should not be necessary. After some discussion, the name decided on was Waipuna Cave, after the property on which it is situated. L. Diggle was also with the party.

Sunday: a return visit to the same place was the unanimous choice for the day, and while one party explored downstream to wear a siphon ended progress, three others spent the day photographing.

Monday: it was decided to do some exploration on the way home and the stream, which crosses the Waitomo – Te Anga Road at its junction with the upper Hauturu Road was followed down its valley and was proved fairly definitely to be the Waitomo stream. This could not be completely traced due to its disappearing underground in several places, but its final submergence is no great distance horizontally, (though it is much higher), from the resurgence of the Waitomo stream in Olsen's number two cave (see 26 November 1955). Some of the Auckland members entered the cave. The party had a late lunch and left for home.

Sunday 8^th April: A party of 25 members of the Waikato photographic Society were guided to and into Gaskels Caves at Matira. The Stalactite Cave was carrying deeper water than usual and there was a good waterfall at the entrance. Some of the photographers turned back a short distance in, but were able to get some shots in the Glow-Worm cave, and the downstream branch of the Stalactite Caves. They were quite happy with the day, despite the poor conditions. Party: Barbara McHaffie, Jackie Baker, L Diggle, L Watson.

28^th -29^th April: weekend trip to Oparure and Waitomo.

Saturday: arrived at Gudgeon’s on Friday night and got a fairly early start on Saturday to the Lost World. First man down, was Len Adams, who found the ladder did not reach the bottom. Nevertheless, the next down climbed to the stream and the ladder was lowered for the rest of the assault party. The party were all up, just as daylight was fading and “lunch” was eaten back, at Riddle’s by the car headlights. The projected Hamilton Hole trip was cancelled as too strenuous for the same day and it was decided to do one more of the Waitomo tourist caves. The Rurakuru cave was entered by the “back entrance” and three of the party and self went through the cat run to the waterfall that can be heard by the tourists. This could be seen but not reached because of the high water. We then went to the Glow-worm cave when Len Adams and Barbara McHaffie sailed in on a rubber dinghy, only just being able to get through, the roof being much lower than usual. They then went through the cave to the main door, which they opened to admit the rest of the party. A tour through the cave was then made using the electric lighting, and a short boat trip through to Glowworm Grotto. The party then returned to the door and turning the lights out prepared to leave. Just as he was leaving, Len noticed someone coming down the path and ducked back, closing the door behind him. All those inside kept still and quiet though there was some conversation outside the locked door, until this opens suddenly. Len had overlooked the fact that when he closed the door so quickly. He had shut two of the spelers outside. The interlopers were one of the guides and a friend, who had evidently been about to carry out a common practice of the hostel guides-that is to take their girlfriends for a private view of the cave’s but had been foiled by the lock on the door. After some nervous explanations, everyone left, the cavers for Gudgeon’s, the guides back to their car and girlfriends. This at about 1:30 a.m.

Sunday: After the long previous day there was no stir until about 9 a.m. and Gudgeon’s had gone off to the Oto gymkhana when we rose. The day was fine and sunny and advantage was taken to dry wet and muddy togs. In a trip to the Waipuna was turned on for the two who had not seen it, Barbara and Jackie.

Party: Auckland members: Lynne Adams, Frank Walton, Paul Weston, David May, Hamilton members: Jackie Baker, Barbara McHaffie, Lyn Diggle, Algy Watson.

5^th to 6^th May weekend:

Saturday: Looked for mystery waterfall in the bush beyond the Luckie Strike. Nothing found. Visited Ernie’s Waterfall cave and discovered a hitherto unknown side passage. Not fully explored.

Sunday: Looked in at Diamonds, tomo, near the house.

Party: Len Adams, Lyn Diggle, Paul Weston.

Sunday 13^th May: Trip to Waipuna by John Kendrick and some Tramping Club members. They were led to the cave by Charlie Gudgeon and himself, and were most impressed. However, they did not press forward the exploration any further and did not go downstream.

Weekend 26 to 27 May: Trip to Gudgeon’s:

Saturday: Luckie Strike-aim to photograph waterfall towards the end of the cave. The party had a long cold trip, taking over 10 hours and came out late at night in heavy rain.(Possible bridal cave explored through the dirt road)

Party: Len Adams, Barbara McHaffie, Lyn Diggle, Algy Watson.

Sunday: LG Watson guided a party of 12 members of the Waikato Photographic Society to Waipuna cave. They were very impressed and spent some hours photographing in the studio alone. Rest of party explored Diamonds.

Weekend 2^nd – 3^rd June: John Pybus bought a party down to Waipuna and extracted a fine Moa skeleton of the Pachyormis species, not formerly known in this area..

Tuesday 12th during: John Pybus travelled to Hamilton to give a lantern slide lecture on “Photography Underground” to the Waikato Photographic Society. John and LG Watson were first entertained at dinner by Frankton Rotary.

Sunday 17^th June: Small party to Karamu. Peter Luckie, Jackie Baker, John Hobson, Algy Watson. Entered the walk-in entrance, and went on as far as “the grotto”. Water was higher than usual in the district, but not bad in the cave.

Weekend 23^rd to 24^th June: Gudgeon’s Luckie Strike.

Saturday: aim to explore the side passage, where the water splash enters. This went some distance and soon became quite a large passage. Still not fully explored, but a hammer would be required to break some formation. Party came out late at night to find frost on the ground and a huge fire going at the entrance tendered by Jackie Baker. Slides shown at the bach.

Sunday: Waipuna for photographs.

Party: Len Adams, Jackie Baker, Barbara McHaffie, Len Wylde, John Hobson, Lyn Diggle, Peter Luckie.

Thursday 28^th June: Lyn Diggle gave a lecture illustrated with slides to the Otorohanga Rotary Club.

Sunday 15^th July: party to Tomac, but found the hole was so full of water that it was impossible to enter.

Party: Len Adams, John Hobson, Morris Beale, Len Wylde.

Saturday 28^th July: Trip to Karamu. Party descended at the tomo and emerged from the walk-in entrance after seven hours underground. Some time was spent at the cathedral and the grotto of photography. Lunch at the cathedral.

Party: Len Adams Auckland, Lyn Diggle, John Hobson, Algy Watson of HTG. Visiting were Mr John and Miss Stella Rowe and Miss Yvonne Drumm.

Wednesday 1^st August: Social and film evening at the home of Ted payne, 16 Boundary Road. Slides were shown by John Hobson, John Rowe, John Kendrick, Jeff Wilson, Lyn Diggle, Algy Watson, Barbara McHaffie and movies of the Coronation by Ted Payne. Lovely supper and refreshments were turned on by the Payne’s and everyone had a most enjoyable evening. Others present were Brian Crawford, Peter Luckie, Lewis Vause, Noel Johnson and friend Yvonne Drumm, Stella Rowe.

Weekend 4^th to 5th August: Weekend trip to Marohopa district by John Kendrick and party.

Saturday 18^th August: Len Adams joined with B McHaffie, Lyn Diggle and John Hobson on a trip to Tomac Tomo.

Weekend 29^th to 30th September:

Saturday: J Hobson and LG Watson on a photographic trip to Karamu. Went as far as the Cathedral and out to the Bird Cave Crawl, which the latter negotiated after several attempts by stripping off his clothes and a fair amount of skin from his back and chest.

Sunday: To Gaskel’s, where photos were taken in Glowworm and Stalactite Caves. Roads in shocking state due to development work on Ngarawahia –Waiugaru stretch.

1956 Annual General Meeting

of the group held at the Sandblast Studio, 7 to 2 Grey Street, Hamilton East at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, 3 October 1956.

Present: Miss McHaffie, Messers Beale, Diggle, Hobson, Hunt, Johnson, Luckie, Payne, Watson and Wylde.

Business: the minutes of the previous AGM were read and confirmed.

The balance sheet was presented and received. This showed a credit balance of £17.03 shillings and 9 pence.

A report on equipment and on the past year's activities was given by the Secretary.

Election of officers: the following were the only nominations and were duly declared elected:

President: Peter Luckie.

Club Captain: John Hobson.

Secretary-Treasurer: Algy Watson.

Equipment officer: Noel Johnson.

Liaison officer and Vice President of the NZSS: Algy Watson.

The officers were elected as committee for purchasing equipment in programming. The formal part of the meeting over, the gathering was treated to an interesting talk on caving in Yorkshire by John Hobson.

Then the secretary introduced Mr CG (grump) Hunt of the Waikato Scientific Association, who discoursed on a collection of Maori artefacts found in a stone age workshop on one of his recent trips to Coromandel. His exhibits and colour slides were most interesting and informative.

Supper was served and then a program of colour slides were shown by John Hobson.

Thursday 18^th October: Scientific Exhibition.

The group was invited by the Waikato Scientific Association to assist with the exhibition held in the Galloway Laboratory. A room was set up as a theatre with seating and a projector and screen and the visitors were shown in parties of 10 to 15. A short program of colour slides was shown, after which the audience were allowed to inspect the caving gear and specimens collected in local caves. The people were most interested and it proved very difficult to get each party through in the time allotted.

Other exhibits were 1. Waikato hospital blood transfusion service, 2. An exhibition of native woods, 3 Astronomical Society. 4 Mr Hunts Maori artefacts, 5 Radiological demonstration radio logical demonstration. 6. Amateur radio group.

Labour weekend 20 to 22^nd October: Oparure district.

Based on Axle Juno’s woolshed for the planned trip to the Hamilton Hole, Auckland and group members of NZSS met on Saturday morning. The whole crowd went to the hole and passed on down to the lip of the drop. Some Moa bones and spiders were found on a dry level .The ladders were tied to stalagmite some distance from the drop and John Hobson was first down. Five were sent down as assault party, the first, Maurice Beale, Lyn Diggle, Paul Weston (auck), and Algy Watson. Rubber dinghies were lowered and after some photos had been taken and a short meal eaten, the four set-off upstream leaving L Diggle waiting on the beach. About 150 yards up, progress was stopped by siphon and all had to return. Here Lyn took over from Paul for the downstream trip which went an even shorter distance than the other, being halted by huge stalactite which almost closed the cavern. At no Place, except the beach underneath the actual drop, was it possible to touch bottom. There was great danger from falling rocks which hurtled down from the tomo above whenever the support party moved about.

Sunday: the hilltop cave near Juno’s woolshed. Joined by Peter lucky and Jackie Baker. Ladders placed in position, and large party went down to the lower level where there was some curious barnacle formation, a Moa skeleton, and large masses of mud. Some photos were taken here and a small ladder used to get down another 32 feet to a lower level still, we are the ladder had to be used yet again. This proved to be the end and the hole diminished to a mere crack. On the surface again the whole team was covered with glutinous mud and the gear was just huge clods of it. Peter Luckie carried a huge 4 foot, stalagmites off which was accidentally broken off, all the way up over 100 feet of vertical ladder, nearly strangling himself in the process. He then found that his watch was left somewhere down the hole and while considering whether there was any prospect of finding it, Ernie Drayton knocked a rope down the hole and this made it necessary for someone to go down. John Hobson volunteered and sent the rope up on the lifeline. Luckily to, he found the watch at the foot of the first shaft, though it was apparently stopped.

Monday: some of the Auckland crew went to see the “Grand Canyon” on Juno's while the Hamilton crew went to photograph the Lost World. Rain made things miserable at times, but there were bright intervals. Afterwards a visit was paid to Waitomo where it was reported, some road widening work had opened up a chamber. This was found to be small, but for a formation which had suffered from the blasting and with a couple of tight passages that did not go far. There was a lot of curiosity shown by terrorists visiting the Glowworm Cave

Party: Auckland members: Dave Barford, Len Adams.(Sat only) Paul Weston, Dave May, Roddy Lambert, Ernie Drayton, Trevor, Frank Walton. Hamilton members: John Hobson, Lyn Diggle, Maurice Beale, Algy Watson, Peter Luckie and Jackie Baker (Sun only).

Sunday 28^th October: John Hobson went to Karamu privately for photographic purposes and was met in the Bird Cave by Lyn Diggle and two friends who were on their first caving trip.

Sunday 4^th November: Two-carloads to Gudgeon’s.

The first party of three, J Hobson, L Watson, R Pedersen went photographing in Olsen's number one cave, Gudgeon’s Cave, a look around the Burr Cave entrance and Pybus Rock, into a small bone cave nearby, and then back to the house and a short trip to the Bridal Cave.

Second party: Peter Luckie, Lyn Diggle,

Len Wylde, set off on an exploratory trips from the bush near Olsen's number one cave, working down to the number two cave, where the Waitomo Stream resurges and thence around the back of Pybus rock where some tomo's were looked into and thence back over the hills to the farm. A great distance of bush and scrub walking was involved.

On the way home both parties looked at a cave, which blasting on the TeAnga Road had blown into. This appeared to be promising and went into half a dozen different directions, but all petered out or came back to daylight.

Thursday 8^th November: L Diggle and LG Watson joined Len Adams of Auckland, and proceeded to the Maniopoto “Spirit” or “Ghost” Cave. (See 25/9/55), where they were to meet A Coyle & E Drayton, also of Auckland. However, the latter two did not find the road to the cave and did not turn up. After fully exploring the dry upper-level which was impressive but well worn by a century of visitors and taking some photographs attention was turned to the stream emergence below. Here, the water was deep and sluggish and Lyn Diggle swam into the hole, only to find that this did not lead far, but turned on to the siphon. Probing the wall beneath the water showed that the cave went onto some inches down and it had to be left for a future occasion when the water was lower, or for investigation by a frogman. The three went to Gudgeon’s where they met the other two.

Friday 9^th November: To Taumetatotaia where we met Mr Porteous, who took us across his land to the rugged Country where the cave was situated. It had been reported that 10 foot drop at the entrance could be descended by rope and that a 40 foot drop further in would need a ladder, but owing to a slump at the entrance tomo, the only ladder brought had to be used here with a drop was now over 30 feet. A short wet crawl through one end of the tomo bought us to a dryish rock cave and within 50 yards, to the drop, where the remains, the fence wire and post ladder (at least 10 years old) led to a stream level below. The ladder had many rungs missing but Ernie Drayton on two lifelines, descended with care and took the downstream end first. This led in a short distance to a rock fall. Upstream appeared to be more promising and Ernie reported that this was wet, but passable. He was pulled up again and the five went back to Gudgeon’s after a look at the Mangapahu national bridge and the Marokopa falls.

Saturday 10th November: The above five were joined by John Hobson and the journey was made to troopers Road to an old Lyme crusher where a circle of tomos looked very promising on the geological map of the area. Rain fell intermittently and several tomo's were tried, with little success. The property was beautifully set out and even the tomo's were clear of weeds, even so, there were many dead animals in the holes. On the way back, it was decided to pay a call at one or more of the tourist caves. Rurakuri was first and as soon as the tourists had gone on the cars were parked on things got ready. At the bus shelter. We found a cyclist with piles of baggage and were told that he was a Swedish tourist name Franz Gerrick, who was on a world tour by cycle. He was a member of the Swedish cave Society and was disappointed that he had been too late for the tours of the caves. He welcomed the opportunity to join us in an un-authorised tour. A trip through Rurakuri was followed by one to Aranui where several photographs were taken. Mr Gerrick’s bike was placed on the roof of one of the cars and he was brought with us to Gudgeon’s. Slides were shown and our Stockholm visitor told many tales of his travels in many lands.

Sunday 11^th November: The Auckland members Frank Walton, Mr and Mrs John Pybus, Paul Weston, Les Kermode, Peter Lambert, who were surveying Waipuna on Saturday were joined by Peter Luckie and friend, and Mr Gerrick in another trip to the same cave, whilst the three original cavers went on a trip back to Te Anga, first to Marokopa Falls or photographs, then to Marokopu cave where some nice photogenic formations were found, then back to the National bridge for some more photos. That was the end of the cave in and they went back to Gudgeon’s to pack up and set off home. Some of the Waipuna party were back, but others were still away, including Peter and the Swede.

Lyn Diggle, Len Adams and Algy Watson set off to Maniopoto cave where a nylon rope had been left on Thursday.

Weekend 1^st – 2^nd December: Te Anga area.

Saturday first: To Tauatatotoroa. On the way called at the store at sea under to ask if there was any likely accommodation. We were put on to people named Shaw at the crossroads of the Tautatotara East and West roads and the Te Anga – Kawhia Road. They proved to be most hospitable and made us at home in the wool shed apologising because he was not room enough in the house. Went on to the cave and took 30 foot and 62 foot ladders for the drops. Second drop proved to be 49 feet and a straight pitch was found which made this easy climbing. The cave was rather disappointing, the only unusual features, being the “Big Tooth” a much photographed stalactite formation, and a heavy cascade which poured from the roof in one place 40 odd feet up. Good glowworm displays were common. Some time was spent on photography and in trying to pass the upstream rockfall block. Then down to the ladder again, and a quick glance downstream where another rockfall blocked the passage only a short distance down., However, this was passed for the first time, and after some scrambling the party walked out into daylight. This new way in, saved the cartage of ladders for what is a fairly long though pleasant walk from the Road. It was decided, however, not to overpublicise the fact of the discovery. Rain fell intermittently during the night and nobody was keen to move on.

Sunday: So all lay in the sleeping bags and watched the antics of rats scurrying in the wool shed rafters. A film showing the house last night was very distressingly nipped in the bud by a power failure. It was a late start and is one of the party had to return to Auckland a photographic visit to Marakopa cave was planned. The day was the mixture of brilliant sunshine and heavy rain and a stop at the top of the falls coincided with a shower. A couple of hours was spent photographing and exploring and the return trip commenced about 4:30 p.m.

Party: Auckland-Len Adams, Hamilton-Barbara McHaffie, Lyn Diggle, John Hobson and Algy Watson. Another Auckland party consisting of John Pybus, Frank Walton, Mr Lambert and friend were also in the district, picking up the Moa bones from Hamilton Hole on Saturday, and visiting Waipuna on Sunday.

Christmas-New Year holidays.

John Hobson and LG Watson joined with Frank Walton, Paul Weston and Dave May of Auckland in a trip to Hawke's Bay. Left Friday 21st and stopped night at Rotorua on property of Judd Davey, one of the foundation members of NZSS. Then on the next day via Waikaremoana to Frasertown and Marumaru where we present ourselves at the farmhouse of Mr E. A (Ted) Norgrove. Camp was pitched in his orchard and the following day . (Sunday 23^rd) visits were paid to the Marumaru cave and some other holes on Mr Kent’s property. Nothing very good was turned up and the Marumaru cave was not nearly as good as newspaper reports would have it. We were visited on the job by reporter of the Hawke's Bay daily Telegraph, who wrote a glowing account of our doings on Christmas Day (two days later) and the Christmas dinner we had in a cave. Next day (Christmas Eve), was a loafing day and the Norgrove's proved most hospitable. The two always became very interested in Teds radio transmitter and we were late back to camp. A Christmas tree had been set up in their absence by LG and decorated with tinsel and presents purchased in Wairoa during the day.

Christmas Day: Still beautiful weather, was in not so strenuous day as we had all promised to be back and cleaned up for dinner at the house. This was a real treat and we all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves with the meal and the party afterwards. Slides were shown to the family. In the following days trips were made to Spring Hill station, Te Reinga falls and Wakapunake Mountain and again to the Kent’s property, but results were most disappointing. The whole country does not look anything like cave country, no outcrops, in fact, no rock of any sort, and the holes seem to all finish in sumps or siphons. The area has all been covered by three showers of ash from Taupo eruptions and the pumice apparently has filled all the holes. Then, the Napier earthquake shook up the foundations and spoilt all the caves-so the locals say. We experienced quite a good earthquake while here. It was realised that nothing good can be found here and it was decided to move up on back to Gudgeon’s. However, the hospitality of the Norgrove’s was so overwhelming that we found it impossible to leave until the morning of 30 December. On the way a visit was paid to the Mangaone Caves, near Nuhaka. These were found with the aid of the map and were in much better country, with bluffs and outcrops all about, and were the best we had seen on this coast. There was some discussion on whether we should stay a while here, but it was decided to press on. The night was spent some miles past Morere near a bridge, and next day to Gisborne, through Waioweka gorge to Opotiki and Rotorua where camp was pitched at the same spot to the motor camp. New Year's Eve in Rotorua is a gay time and a late night was had by all.

New Year's Day to Gudgeon’s. At Waitomo, we found that the place had been flooded and the tourist caves all flooded. It seems that in the Hawke's Bay we had about the only fine weather in New Zealand and now we were to have the fine weather as it cleared up over the west coast. A thunderstorm on New Year's night was the only rain we struck up to 6 January. First day spent with Charlie Gudgeon, hunting along the stream of tomo in the hope of finding one to lead into the Waipuna below the siphon where John and Len Wylde dived through on 19th December. None went down this far and the party finally emerged from the bush at Waipuna and came home, the usual way. Next day the survey was made from the Luckie Strike down the valley below the dirt road. A hole was found and John went down past the waterfall but could not get much further. Further, down a quite substantial stream was found and tracked to its disappearance down a hole. Some time was spent and diverted the stream, so that the whole could be examined and a large dam was built to do this. Unfortunately, a large rock, blocked the whole and it was decided to return to blast this out. LG Watson and B McHaffie returned on 5^th January, the rest to stay another week. Blasting operations filled another day and nothing much was found, although the engineers had a lot of fun. Charlie led a party one day in search of the tomos in the direction of the beacon, but none of these led to the depths and the party arrived at the Beacon without much to show for its efforts. Charlie lost them on the return trip. An assault on the Waipuna siphon was made by John, Dave, Malcolm Laing (of University group motorcycled down for the day) and Len Adams. John and Len were successful in reaching daylight at the beacon after only 250 yards from the siphon. Dave and Malcolm thoroughly explored the upper level.(Write-up in the Waikato times of the 09/01/1957) another day was spent at Dimond’s property, one at the Ruakuri area, and another at White' s cave. During these outings nothing new was turned up.

Saturday 19th January: Three members set off to Karamu to carry out an experiment. All three entered as far as the big cavern, 240 yards in and then one, Lyn Diggle, drew the short straw and left them, taking all the lights with him. The other two were to attempt to get out of the cave (a fairly familiar one) without light, and failing this, Lyn was to rescue them into a 2 and a half hours time. However, they both emerged in 30 min, only taking three times as long as it had taken them to enter. The experiment was so successful that Lyn was taken in to get out on his own. He encountered some difficulty in finding his way over the “The Sandwich”, but emerged in 50 min. No glow worms had been noticed on the way and in the pitch dark, thousands were seen, and these made the exit much easier as they located the walls and roof for the cavers and the reflection in the water showed where to walk. The experiment was useful as it gives these cavers confidence in their ability to get out of the cave given time and not too much deep water, even if they have no lights. There was no feeling of fear or claustrophobia and though much of the difficult part had to be done on “the seat” or on “all fours”, the easy-going was done at a good pace, feeling each step in with one hand touching a wall or feeling in front for low parts.

The difficult parts were the descent to the stream from the starting place in the large cavern and “The Sandwich”, other small rocky places and diversions being negotiated with ease. It was found that by placing the plam flat on the water surface the direction of the water flow could be felt. This was not necessary, but was tried to set it was possible to check whether the correct course was being maintained.

Weekend 26 to 27^th January & Anniversary Day.

Gudgeon’s was the venue and the Hamilton crowd (John Hobson, Lyn Diggle, Barbara McHaffie and LG Watson) joined the Auckland contingent (Frank Watson, Len Adams, Brian, Ralph, and Ernie Drayton). One party set off for Waipuna and Brian dived through the siphon and made his way to the Beacon and back. Ernie and Ralph gave support while Frank waited at the whare for Norm Clarkson, a visitor who motored up from Wellington. He was a member of the Craven pothole club and could stop. For only a short visit, having to start his return trip on Sunday early (it was only a short weekend at Wellington). Frank took him to Waipuna for a quick visit.

The Hamilton group and Len went to Luckie Strike for photographs, finding a new bypass over all the wet pools at the entrance passage and dropping by rope back to the stream just past the last one. Some photos were taken of a new upper level, of the “big tree”, the pagoda in the “big cavern” and another side passage was found at the far end of the big chamber with some delicate formation and “hedgehog” crystals. On the way out they were joined by Ernie and Brian.

Sunday(or Saturday night), Len, Barbara, Lyn, LG and Ralph decided on a late visit to the Glowworm Grotto for photos. Lyn crawled through the powerline conduit hole at the main door and admitted the others. The tourist boat was commandeered and after a cruise out to the water entrance photos were taken from a mud bank opposite the landing. ¼ hour exposure was given. Then a trip was made as far as it was possible downstream before the boat became too wide-shovels were used as panels and great fun was had by all, especially as it was necessary to tip the boat well over to get past it formation in one place. After this late session (bed at about 3 a.m.). It was natural that a late start in the day was to follow, and it was 11 a.m. before anyone set-off, this time for Waipuna,(the Wellington man, Frank, Ernie, Ralph and Brian to inspect Olsen's number one, Gudgeon’s, and Waterfall Caves down in the lower valley). The main idea was to photograph the leaning tower and after a quick look at The Studio to see if any further damage had been done since our last visit, the party moved past the big rockfall on to where the formation closed down to the water. We had lost John somewhere back near the entrance and could not find a way past this obstruction, trying two false leads before coming into the low crawl which led to the new area. We then entered the new passages and found, first the tomo and daylight and then the grotto with the Leaning Tower and John already to flash off. After a few photos all except John climbed out to daylight for lunch, and then down to Happy Valley. It was omitted to mention that John Diggle (Lyn’s father) had arrived last evening and was with the Hamilton crowd. As it was early, Lyn, John, and Algy decided to have a look for the PP cave, and after a long hunt and heavy bush had to give up and come back stop, Barbara and Len hung around the Luckie Strike waiting for John or someone to come along. They moved off as the key people always came back, and they in turn waited for John for over an hour, then going back to the whare, we are John had already arrived.

Monday 28th-Anniversary Day: it was decided to do a cave on the way home and the whare was cleaned up. Len and Barbara returned to Hamilton, but the rest made off to the Ruakuri – Aranui parking area. They went through a natural arch above the Ruakuri cave and Inoto Gardener’s Gut. It took 1 1/4 hours to reach the formation, paced on the return trip as 2560 yards. There the Auckland boys and Diggle, senior left for home, John, Lyn and LG remaining the photographs and with the intention of trying to climb out the right-hand tomo, which had been classed unclimbable. However, after the photographing the three were cold and the time late, so they gave the second part away and made a quick trip out, just over ¾ hour on the way. This ended a very successful weekend and a fairly good bag of colour slides resulted. No equipment was used and no levy was charged.

Parties were: Hamilton-B McHaffie, Lyn Diggle, John Hobson, LG Watson. Auckland: Ernie Drayton, Len Adams, Brian, Ralph, and Frank Walton. Visitors: Norm Clarkson from Wellington, and John Diggle from Otorohanga.

Saturday 16^th February: social evening and Ernie Drayton's, Auckland. Five people represented, Hamilton group and a good time was had by all.

8^th to 23^rd February: LG Watson went on a holiday trip to Christchurch, during which colour slides was shown to various groups, including DSIR (as part of a lecture), a small cave, group being organised by an ex-member Colin Ward at Kaiapoi (Morris Beale also came as a guest) and to many others interested. He also took the opportunity of visiting the cave dwellings at Taylors Mistake.

26^th February: Colour slide evening at the home of Miss Nicholson 267 liver Road, to the benefit of some new members and others interested. Slides shown by LG Watson, Lyn Diggle and John Hobson. A very nice supper was served.

23^rd to 24^th February: John Pybus of Auckland took a party of 30 Boy Scouts to Karamu, all of them going right through Karamu on Saturday and to Tomac on Sunday. Hamilton ladders were lent for this trip.

30 to 31^st March 1957: Weekend at Gudgeon’s-caving at Happy Valley Caves.

Saturday: three parties were operating from Gudgeon’s: 1 -John Pybus, Les Kermode, Frank Walton were busily photographing in the tourist caves for A H and A.W Reeds commercial colour slides. 2-John Hobson, Lyn Diggle, Wally Adams and Len Wyilde to the end of Luckie Strike and back in 8 1/2 hours. 3-Barbara McHaffie, Len Adams, Algy Watson, and German immigrant Claus Gerthener exploring in Luckie Strike. A new upper level system of caves was found and the Frankton Junction area and it is now possible to get from the entrance to the junction was dry feet. It is now necessary to descend to stream level only, for about 20 to 30 feet The upper level is a mass of fine formation, some of the best in a fine cave and will be popular as a photographic attraction. There are crystal pools, helictites, large sandwiches, columns, umbrella formation and masses of fine straws and pillars. In the evening colour slides of the Goodin-Gudgeon wedding were shown at the house.

All except Len and Barbara set-off for Waipuna with various objects in view. John Pybus was after photos, particularly of glow worms, Frank Walton to collect insects from the many traps which had been left in odd spots. Les Kermode and Len Wylde had taken a spade with the idea of collecting bat skeletons. The Hamilton group had intentions of solving once and for all where the upper end of the cave was or was not the PPT Cave. This was proved, definitely and they carried on and found that the headwaters of the Waipuna stream (and incidentally, the Rurakuru stream) is merely surface drainage from a large wide valley which lies along behind the cliffs of the Lion’s Head. There seemed to be little prospect of finding any caves in this facility. On the way back, and quite close to the PB cave, a large new cave entrance was noticed, and although this proved to go for only a short distance, it yielded a good collection of Moa bones and also a dry skull, which was an almost solid condition. This, and one vertebrae and a tracheal ring were carried back for exhibition purposes.

Tuesday 2^nd April: Special meeting to decide about the purchase of gear. Present: chairman Peter Luckie, Barbara McHaffie, John Hobson, Lyn Diggle, LG Watson. Decided:1 test nylon lifeline to ascertain it is yet in need of replacement. 2 purchase a 100 foot 5/8 diameter manila rope. 3 purchased drum of carbide for sale to members. 4 purchase materials for 30 foot of prospecting a ladder and clips etc.

Friday 5^th of April: Slide showing and lecture to members of the Assisstant Masters Association at the city footfall clubrooms, Hinemoa Street by John Hobson and LG Watson.

Weekend 13 to 14 April: Gudgeon’s: from Hamilton, John Hobson, Lyn Diggle, Barbara McHaffie, Algy Watson joined with Len Adams and Len Wylde, also a German immigrant Claus Gunthener on Saturday for an assault on the Luckie Strike. The party, eight in all, was too large for the intended trip to the end of the cave and split into two parties of four, John Hobson, Lyn Diggle, L Wylde and visitor Wally Adams to go to the end, the others to explore on the upper levels. The “end party” did the trip in 8 1/2 hours, not finding anything new but making a record time for the trip. B McHaffie, Len Adams, Algy Watson and Claus followed slowly behind, the first job, being to investigate LG's idea that there might be a continuation of the Frankton Junction upper-level across the cave. This was found to be so, and in addition a huge rockfall cavern, and a large sandwich chamber was found, the whole system, reaching back over the entrance stream almost to the rope where descent is made from the upper-level. Many beautiful parts are to be seen in the new discovery, which has been written up for the bulletin.

Sunday: The above party (less W Adams) who decided he had had enough after strenuous trip of day before, were joined by John Pybus, Les Kermode and Frank Walton in a trip to Waipuna. John photographing glow worms, Frank collecting bugs, letters and L wild took a spade and did some digging to find new passages and the search for bat skeletons. The rest went with the intention of finding it. The newly discovered submergence of the stream is indeed the PP cave as suspected by LG Watson. This was proved so to be by LG and the Lyn Diggle, the only two who had previously visited PP on emerging from the tight entrance at PP the Auckland boys set off home, while the three from Hamilton carried on over the next hill to see where the stream originated, above the small cave above PP it entered (going upstream), a wide grassy valley and split into tributaries streams which all appeared to be surface drainage. The whole complexion of the country changed here and the long valley appeared to carry on for about a mile parallel to and behind the long line of cliffs from the beacon to the Lion’s Head. On the way back through the Bush, and in the neighbourhood of PP a new large opening was found and though it didn't go far. It yielded a few solid Moa bones, including a clean well preserved skull. Many of the bones were mixed up in a rock fall, and were broken, but this must have been a large bird. The skeleton was collected on a later trip.

Tuesday, 16^th April 1957: LG Watson gave a lecture with colour slides to a large meeting of the air forces Association at Sillary Street hall.

Easter week end 19 to 22^nd April 1957: Gudgeon’s. Frank Walton, Bernard Hainsworth (new immigrant from Bradford Pothole Club Yorkshire), and Algy Watson and John Hobson camped at the whare for the weekend.

Friday: Photographic excursion to Luckie Strike.

Saturday: Exploratory trip to Lilo Cave on the Stubbs property which had been discovered by J Hobson and Charlie Gudgeon some weeks earlier. John had been turned back by difficulties encountered on his own, mainly 18” of mud and 12” of water which was rendered awkward to negotiate because the roof was so low that the feet could not be extracted from the mud. Despite the use of a lilo mattress on this occasion, progress was again stopped only a little further on by formation. On the way out some huge weta’s were seen and a Moa skeleton, which had been carried out of a nearby small cave on the inward trip was picked up. This was fairly complete and included some curious malformed tracheal rings. It rained on and off all day.

Sunday: Photographic reconnaissance of Waipuna during which a few new upper levels were discovered in the opening of a new passage which may be reached if it can be lassooed with the rope with ladder attached. Frank Walton collected Calembula and glow worms, LG noticed a glow worm fly, which had just emerged from its chrysalis and was trying out its wings. The fly and the empty case where exact duplicates of one another and both were collected.

Monday: Ernie's waterfall cave where some more bugs were connected in some of the labyrinth of passages visited and explored. John claimed this was his best days caving or some time (turned out to be a may fly) and is keen to have another go at this cave.

Saturday 4^th May: Autumn general meeting at Auckland.

Sunday fifth May trip to Karamu by J Hobson, L Diggle, Len Wyld. Entered through the Bird Cave and investigated to passages. First idea was to relocate an aven John found on one of his first visits. This was found just to the right of the entrance through a hole in LH wall. Second was a passage which extends about 80 yards from the bottom of a crack about halfway along the floor of the Bird Cave and at right angles thereto. Lyn found a side passage in the LH branch of the Karamu resurgence. John managed to penetrate about 90 yards of tight, wet, muddy squeeze to the end on the opposite side of the creek to the Bird Cave.

Weekend 11^th to 12^th May: John Hobson, Lyn Diggle, Peter Luckie, on a trip to Gudgeon’s. Saturday: Took a look at siphon in Ernie's Waterfall Cave-no go!. Added about 80 yards to the upper side passage, but then stopped by a rock fall-no go without mining!.

Sunday: climbed into high level side passage in Waipuna by the technique of lassoing a rope over a stalagmite in the opening and hauling up the ladder. After about 30 feet reached a very high aven, which was definitely no go!. Next, descended a 95 foot deep tomo in the direction towards Happy Valley from Waipuna-also no go!.

Weekend 18^th to 19^th May 1957: Trip to Gudgeon’s.

Saturday: Sightseeing and photos in Luckie Strike, Tonar boys passed the high waterfall in an upper level.

Sunday: Sightseeing and Waipuna. John and EB found a new photogenic chamber (the Crystal Hall) in an old cave just past The Studio. Then explored two new side passages in the PP Cave, one of which proved to be a tight and difficult fifth entrance. This has been written up for bulletin. Then removed rest of Moa skeleton from cave nearby, the PP entrance. John claims this is Dinormis Torosis, Algy Dinormis Ingens. It is probably some sort of Dinormis.

Present: Miss Edith Norgrove (visitor from Marumaru, H Bay), L Diggle, J Diggle (snr) Ewan Tonar, Byrne Tonar, and John Hobson.

Weekend 24^th to 25^th May: John Hobson took Auckland Alpine club members on a tour through Luckie Strike and Waipuna.

Queen's Birthday weekend, first to third June: Official trip to Lost World and area. Hamiltonians present were Maurice Beale (Saturday, only), John Hobson, Lyn Diggle. Warren Blake, Peter Barrett, and two other schoolboy visitors. A few hardy Aucklanders braved the draughty Juno’s wool shed while the remainder of the Auckland group and the HTG members camped in Riddle’s woolshed - a far more comfortable abode with sink provided-and spade for the necessities.

Saturday: Saw 12 people down, the Lost World. The program issued by NZSS proposed the further downstream exploration, but the river was so high that this was abandoned as a large-scale assault. Photography as a result, took first place, with some good results as the atmosphere was unusually clear in the cavern at this occasion. However, John and Lyn did some acrobatics in the downstream channel and got some distance by clinging to the LH wall and moving from projection to crevice and managed to keep out of the water. This could have been dangerous as a fall into the torrent would have meant being swept away down the tunnel in the darkness to the siphon, with the possibility that one would not stop even there. As usual on the return trip there was a crowd waiting at the foot of the ladder at the Spider Hole for a return to ascend. To fill in time, John decided on some upstream exploration, but unfortunately before he had gone for his tricouris, stepped on the hard rock, and he fell with a splash into the Mangapu about 7 feet below losing in the process his beloved red helmet and lamp. However, this mishap in the right the next ascent of the ladder. Was it not for the fact that each man added to the weight of “pullers” on the lifeline at the top, there would have been quite a problem in raising Daphne Drayton to the surface. She was very upset at the prospect of the climb and declared emphatically that she would never be able to make the trip by herself. She was hauled up by brute force alone. Lyn said “please, no more women down the Lost World.” On Saturday night, some information was given by Axel Juno about a hole behind his house, and this was decided as the venue for the next day.

Sunday: The biggest collection of ladders ever used was prepared for the descent of this tomo, which from above, has the appearance of a miniature Lost World with a Waipuna-like entrance leading down to the drop. About 80 feet of the ladder was used as a direct tieback and 200 feet of lifeline was used. A lot must be said for John Hobson, who made the thirsty seemed of over 200 feet, a New Zealand direct-drop record. A steep climb into a virgin tomo is not an easy thing to do as there is always the prospect that the end of the ladder may not reach the bottom and the whole climb has to be done again. However, whistle blasts signalled the safe arrival at the bottom and the lifeline hauled up. This stuck a short distance down and could not be released, so the other end was untied (Mark this, it is important!) and affixed to Les Kermode, who climbed down to free it. Lyn was the second-and last-person to descend and found it a great thrill to be on a 200 foot direct drop and to lock down to John's pinpoint of light, far below. The foot of the ladder rested in the swift Mangapu which was here, as it under most tomos, fairly shallow. Exploration up and downstream disclosed that the shallows extended only a short distance and it took only a few minutes to decide that nothing more could be accomplished without rubber dinghy’s or tubes. It took some hearty whistling to raise the surface party, who had moved away from the hole, and when they arrived, and at last understood the signals Lin ascended in good time. It was at this stage that what could have been a tragedy occurred. As soon as Lin was up the lifeline was tossed down again to John, but this had been untied at the top earlier and the whole length disappear down the hole. This was a shock to those at the top who had nothing like another 200 ft of line to spare, apart from the impossibility of explaining what had happened to John still far below.. Very fortunately, John had seen the line fall and it actually wound around his feet in the water. It was clear to him what had happened and it tied the rope onto the ladder. John was uncomfortably cold and decided against trying to make the upstairs party understand that they had to haul up the ladders to retrieve the line and he set off on the trip unaided before the cold could render him incapable of climbing. He said that he could not have stood the bone chilling water until another line was dropped. He passed Lin at a ledge, a short distance down where he had stepped off to assist if necessary, and did the whole trip non-stop and under his own steam. A truly credible performance. Lesson-keep a vigilant eye on Ernie*.

Monday: And a late rising after a bitterly cold, frosty night. Riddles in the winter, requires a “hottie” in the sleeping bag. The whole party went to have a look at a whole across the road from Juno's house, later named presumably by Arthur Coyle, the Hillsborough Cave. A very large, impressive entrance belied an unexpected closing in after only a few feet, and a traverse across a steep mud and calcite slope was necessary to reach an upper level, with some very attractive nests of cave pearls can be seen. Some photography was carried out here, and that was that, on the whole little disappointing. There is a siphon which may be passable with the help of pitous to climb over or blasting clearer passage under.

*Back to Sunday again:

After the 200` tomo (which was named the Hamland Hole, as it was halfway between the Hamilton hole-see-20/10/58 and the Auckland Hole, recently descended by John Pybus and Les Kermode to establish a short lived record, broken by todays descent) , a visit was paid to the rubbish tip tomo just behind Riddle’s house. This showed a horizontal shaft of a few yards in the direction of the house, then a 20 foot ladder descent, followed by a narrow squeeze on a lower level, which was negotiable for about 20 yards, where it became too tight. The distance and direction must place this cave, almost directly under the Riddles’ Homestead. Of special interest was a large piece of sodden white substance (smaller pieces of which had previously been found in Waipuna and Ernie's Waterfall Cave). This was later identified by B.G Hunt of the Waikato Scientific Association after several tests as a variety of asbestos, known as “Mountain Leather.”

Sunday, June 9^th 1957: John Hobson took a party of 19 Rover Scouts and Rangers on a sightseeing trip to Karamu. They emerged from the Bird Cave exit after one stout party had been “debagged” to reduce his girth. He came out to the great amusement of the others, completely “tweedless”.

Tuesday 11^th June: Barbara McHaffie and Algy Watson entertained the members of the Melville Plunkett Mother’s Club to a talk (Barbara) and slide showing. The ladies 20 in all, thoroughly enjoyed the evening's program, unusual, though it was, and the interest was reflected in the number of questions asked.

Weekend 15 to 16^th June 1957: Lyn and John commenced the survey of Luckie Strike Cave, and made great progress, the mainstream been chartered as far as the Pagoda in the Big Cavern. To keep it as dry as possible, survey was continued, as far as the fluorescein passage. During the survey two discoveries were made, first a larger cavern in the Big, which was christened The Grand Cavern. At one end was found a 30 foot hole with a waterfall entering halfway down. It was not possible to get down this at the time.

Thursday evening, 20^th June: A rather elaborate show was turned on by the combined efforts of many of the members of the group at the Art Gallery. The occasion was the monthly meeting of the Waikato scientific Association and as this had been advertised. It was exceptionally well attended by the members of the association and the public. There was insufficient seating for all the audience and some went away unsatisfied. The show took the form of a talk by LG Watson on the subject of “Wild caves of the Waikato”, although this also included much on the ditto of the King country too, and this was followed by colour slides shown by Lyn Diggle and John Hobson. The audience was then invited to ask questions, and the number of searching enquiries reveal that subject had awakened curiosity of some of the scientific types present. A large display of photographs, specimens, crystals, insects and an almost complete Moa skeleton was crowded after the show, and members of the group, wearing their SS badges were bombarded with questions and opinions from all. Three young men indicated that they wish to join the group and handed in their names to the Secretary. A letter of thanks was later received from the Association, thanking the group for its demonstration and for its contribution to what was a record attendance for any meeting of the Association.

Saturday 23^rd June 1957: Trip to Lead Mine, Te Aroha. Apparently it is not only the limestone caves which draw Lyn Diggle underground, for on this occasion, as a change from conventional caving he trudged alone up Mount Te Aroha in a search for one of the disused lead mines. No one in Te Aroha (even the older inhabitants) could give more than an approximate direction, so often about two hours following a disused track and passing several danger signs, he at last came to some mine buildings and end of the mine itself. Any hopes of escaping the downpour outside were dispelled when he noticed a generous stream emerging from the horizontal tunnel of the mine and a good shower also pouring down from the roof. He dons his helmet and the lamp, and reminisced that must have been a long time since the once familiar sight of a miner with a Carbide lamp had been seen disappearing into this entrance adit. After this retrogression to the Aroha's early history had faded, Lyn once again thought he was alone until he took an apprehensive glance at the rotten timber crossbeams overhead. There he saw a happy family of rats scurrying from the light. The large number of these animals living in the completely barren cave prove incontestably that you can live on love. The rock here would not support even the lonely wet weta.

However, the lone philosopher paddled on past the domestic scene until he arrived at a place where the props and beams lay splintered on the floor in the midst of a rock fall with a still - precarious roof poised above it. Not wishing to trust his luck too far into this man-made cave, he retraced the steps to the entrance, pace in the distance as 400 yards. With leaden feet, he made his way back down the mountain, picking up one or two nice rock crystal samples on the way. After this, Lyn was quite ready to tackle anything dank and dark, from a borrowed to a sewer.

Saturday 2^nd: While Lyn was visiting the lead Mine John co-opted the services of ………… and…………. to continue the Luckie Strike survey. The Fluorescein Passage was explored and surveyed to a distance of 386 yards where some hammer-and-chisel work would be required to progress further.

Saturday 29^th June 1957: Continuation of Survey and completion of the final section of the main passage. A Fluorescein test was carried out, properly for the first time in New Zealand before entering L/S. 2 ounces of Fluorescein (AR) was placed in the water of the Blasted Cave (see write up of the new years trip to Gudgeon’s) and results were astounding. Two hours later when John and Lyn left the high level and went down to the swimming pool towards the end of the Luckie Strike, they found the whole stream dyed a vivid lettuce- leaf green. Survey was done only to the top of the 30 foot waterfall and the remainder about 60 yards estimated. The trip out took the two only 40 min, almost comparative with Peter Luckie’s trip out from the Big Cavern to his car in 35 mins and to Te Kuiti not much over an hour. Another only partially explored discovery was in a large chamber up a perilous climb into an aven from The Big Cavern. Lyn managed this after John had successfully lassoed a projection with a rope. The chamber is well worth further exploration. So ended the survey, except for the small side passages and any new discoveries. Distances measured are recorded as:

Entrance to the end-1676 yards.

Length of Frankton Junction side passage-124 yards. Length of Fluorescein passage-386 yards. Total length mapped and measured (this does not allow for duplication of upper and lower passage levels) -2186 yards. The survey required over 200 motivations.

Sunday, 7 July 1957: Tomac tomo for photographic purposes and to show novices. A large party of 12 went on the trip and split into three parties. Two parties that went down the tomo drop and the other into the recently discovered crawl entrance. All met in the upper level of Tom's cave where photographs were taken of “The Wedding Cake”, the “Worshippers”, and various other views. Then the three parties reversed the process, the crawlers coming out up the ladder and the rest out the crawl, which incidentally drains a new dam, which is being constructed at the bottom of the slope below Karamu tomo for watering stock. Those present were: Anne Hughes (visitor), Barbara McHaffie, Tess ….., John Hobson, Noel Johnson, LG Watson, Lyn Diggle, Bruce Rawlinson, Len Adams (Auck) and Byrne Tonar.

Saturday, 14^th July 1957: Social evening at Ernie Drayton’s, Auckland. Hamiltonian is who attended were John Hobson, Peter Luckie and Lyn Diggle.

Friday 19^th July: Survey of Tomac tomo was commenced by Peter Barrett, and Warren Blake.

Weekend 27 to 28 July: Trip to Pakeho area. Party from Hamilton met Frank Walton, Peter Lambert and friend, and Bernard Hainsworth at Juno’s woolshed at Oparure , and proceeded to Alan Lemberg’is on Waipapa Road. There they parked in his new woolshed and on the arrival of John Hobson and has a faltering motorcycle set off for Lemburg's Cave. The full party was large and split into five on the entrance to the cave. 1 Peter Luckie, Peter Lambert, Lyn Diggle-exploration, 2 John Hobson, LG Watson-photography 3 John Kendrick, Byrne Tonar-photography. 4 Bernard Hainsworth, small boy, Helen and Frank Walton (pottering about). 5 Neville Walters, Gordon Yates (survey). A successful day was had, the survey being completed to the known end of the cave, the known end being pressed forward by exploration party a distance approximately equal to the known part. Much photography was carried out and some bat and bird bones collected. Bat droppings were also found.

Sunday: went to the waterfall at the end of Waipapa Road and put in 2 ounces of Fluorescein on the old chance that it might come out in the Mangawhitakau River where it was intended to explore. Actually, it was calculated that the water went in the opposite direction down the same way as the fall of the country. After this a look was taken at a hole beside the road pointed out by Mr Wildman as a place where there had been some road subsidence. This did not go far and after a 52 foot drop was blocked. The party then split, the Auckland party going in the direction of the Mummy Cave and Maori Burial Cave, and then down to the Mangawhitakau submergence. The others did the round in the reverse direction and all met in the neighbourhood of the Bone Cave. Although a few moments before the meeting, LG Watson had been wading up the river and had noted that The Cold Creek underground tributary was clear, when this was looked at 15 min later from a hilltop, it was seen to be bright GREEN. The troupe poured down the hillside to the River, yelling their heads off, and followed it upstream. The dyed water was found to enter from underground at the bottom of the track down from the Wildman's house, proving that the surface stream after falling down the 70 footfall actually cut back almost under its course and under the higher ground to the River. This demonstrated the futility of previous attempts to trace the stream in the direction of the Mangapu and convinced us all of the value of Fluorescein. After the Auckland boys had departed. It was decided to have a look at a small stream, which emerges from the land side, runs along the valley floor and disappears into another hole. The emergence (which could be an outlet of Lemberg’s stream) was no go, but the submergence only 100 yards away was passable and entry was made. After a light awkward passage and a few cat holes, this small stream was joined by the much larger one from the right and the passage became larger and more beautiful. There was some remarkable formation, some of the unique and breathtakingly delicate. There was no time to fully explore or to examine the largest stream entrance. The cave was found late in the day and was not named (it is not sure on whose property is located), but it will be the subject of another early visit.

Parties: Auckland, Frank Walton, Bernard Hainsworth, Peter Lambert, Helen Lambert, John ……

Hamilton Tomo Group: John Hobson, Lyn Diggle, Byrne Tonar, Peter Luckie, Algy Watson, John Kendrick, Neville Walters and Gordon Yates.

Monday 5^th of August: LG Watson spoke and showed slides to the dinner meeting of the Otorohanga, Junior Chamber of Commerce.

Sunday 4^th of August: J Hobson took a party of 20 members of the Youth Hostels Association through Karamu emerging from Bird Cave exit. Larger members of the Association had some difficulty, but all finely were extricated.

1957 Minutes of the annual general meeting of the Hamilton Tomo Group

held at the Tennis Club Pavilion (Deanery) at 8 p.m. on Thursday 8th of August 1957.

Present: PJ Barrett, Warren Blake, Lyn Diggle, John Hobson, Harry Hooker, John Kendrick, Peter Luckie, Bruce Rawlins, Byrne Tonar, Gordon Yates, LG Watson and guest C.G (Grump) Hunt.

Business: minutes of the last Annual General Meeting were read and confirmed. The balance sheet was tabled and adopted.

Apologies were received from Barbara McHaffie, and Hughes, Paul Bennett's, Maurice Beale, Natalie Watson.

A summary of the past year's activities was given by the Sec: some of the more notable achievements included,

1. Full survey of Luckie Strike cave.
2. First cave blasting operation in New Zealand
3. First Fluorescein test in New Zealand caves.
4. Two successful exhibitions with scientific Association.
5. Experiment in Karamu without lights.
6. New photogenic cave. Discovered in Waipapa Road.

Election of officers: all the following offices were elected unopposed.

• President: Peter Luckie.
• Club Captain: John Hobson.
• Secretary-Treasurer: LG Watson.
• Equipment Officer: P Luckie.
• Transport Officer: Byrne Tonar.
• Liaison officer and Vice President of NZSS: LG Watson.

Committee for Planning of Trips: Club Captain, Transport Officer, Secretary, PJ Barrett, in Warren Blake.

General business: it was decided to put the group on a more definite and organised basis.

1. Equipment levies were to be paid in advance and gear returned after trips cleaned and tidy. Levies to be 2/- per piece of equipment per trip. Rope over 40 feet to be considered as piece of equipment.
2. Noticeboard to be put up at Peter Luckie’s studio daring list of equipment, clip for log of trips and trip notices.
3. Committee to arrange regular official trip each month and to send out notices to all financial members.
4. Purchase of two new Manila ropes 80 feet and 40 feet authorised.

It was resolved to report new finds to the NZSS when these were mapped and surveyed, so that the whole discovery could be placed before the society complete and if possible with photographs, it was decided to hold a social evening on the first Thursday of every alternate month when recent slides would be shown, talk or show by visiting speaker if it can be arranged, and supper served. A charge would be made to cover the hire of the hall and supper. The first evening would be 5 September when it was hoped to have Mr Tonar present to show films. There being no further business the formal part of the evening closed at 9 p.m.

Mr C.G.Hunt was introduced to members and entertainment meeting were the most interesting discourse on his discoveries in the field of gemology, geology, and mineralogy in the Coromandel. The samples and exhibits were beautifully mounted polished, and the whole demonstration was ably presented. Appreciation was shown by applause when Mr Hunt was funny allowed to finish. Supper was served during the demonstration.

Friday 9^th of August: LG Watson lecture and showed slides to the eastern Cricket Club at Melville.

Weekend 10 to 11^th August: Waipapa Road and to the new cave, called Waipapa cave. This was a combined exploration-photography-survey trip and several photographs were taken of the unusual formation to be found in the cave. One queer thing was a column with intertwined straws like a cluster of spaghetti strips. A stream which had been seeing on the first trip entering from the right going downstream was explored to a tomo, which gave an easier access to the cave. Some Explorer was done in the neighbourhood and some deep tomo is found. One of these was worth further exploration as it had contained a stream. It appears that there will be the necessity for a Fluorescein test to check the possibility that the stream in this cave is the source of the water in which emerges into the Mangawhitakau above the first submergence. This resurgence is called by the locals, “ Cold Creek” and the low temperature and comparison with the Mangawhitakau Waters indicates a long course underground.

Saturday 17^th August 1957: LG Watson showed slides to the members of the Orphans Club, attended by 200 members. The show was well received.

Sunday 18^th August: two carloads went with C. G (Grump) Hunt on a trip to Te Toto gorge. Although this was above ground it was so interesting that the tomo group components of the party: Peter Luckie, John Hobson, Gordon Yates, John Hendrick, Bruce Rawlings, Lyn Diggle, LG Watson and ex-member Jeff Wilson thoroughly enjoyed the hike, the interest being increased by the presence of Grump Hunt, whose explanation of the geology and signs of Maori occupation were most entertaining. The trip was given a good write up on the Waikato times of 22nd August.

Weekend 24^th 25^th August 1957: party to Gudgeon’s, but the caving was done on the property of Mr Johnson, a couple of miles along the Hauturu Road in the direction of the Putaki. Several tomo's were tried and one finally was found to “go” with a small stream at flowing along. This went for some distance, tight, most of the way and rather wet. A remarkable site was a huge gour which had closed a narrow cleft to the height of about 15 feet. This can be climbed to the lip where one can look straight down into crystal clear water the same depth. This dam must contain many tonnes of water as it holds back a fairly expensive area of water, all of which cannot be seen from the brink of the rimstone. Further on, the cave branches and the right fork, christened the “Corking Crawl” leads to a hole in the walls of a larger cavern. Here all that can be seen as darkness in all directions and the rumble of waters. Back at the main course of the trickle it was found that this soon entered the same larger cave-and what a cave! This stream came out below a dry upper-level which terminated in a lovely petrified cascade and it contains some old but very colourful formation set in fossil cracked mud. Back in the large cavern it was found that this was the cause of a fair sized river about 20 feet wide in the shallowest parts. The roof could hardly be distinguished as it was so far above. This cavern stretched on interminably for hundreds of yards and at the end had a side passage with fine crystal formation, the like of which has not been seen before in the country. Just past the side passage the mammoth cave closed down to a rock fall passage of about 100 yards length to several tomo's where daylight showed. On one of these, the third, could be climbed, and daylight reached on a small patch of bush, just above the river submergence. It was found to be on a different property from that of the way in and the farmer was Mr Pattison Reeve, who was going round his lambs at the time and was somewhat alarmed at the string of cavers in queer helmets and gear coming towards him in single file at wide intervals. He could be pardoned for putting it down to the crew from a flying saucer! He showed them the way to the road and welcomed them back at any time.

Party: J Hobson, L wild, B Tonar and C Tonar.

Weekend 31^st of August-1^st September 1957: Back to Reeve’s Farm again to the same cave (of course). A new party with new ideas of photography and survey arrived soon after 8 a.m. on Saturday morning and was ensconced in one of the spare rooms of the farm house by Mr Reeve. Photographing on the Saturday and back again on Sunday, to carry out the completion of the survey commenced on Saturday. This showed about half mile of Cavern altogether, the large Cavern been 12 chains long, by one and a half to 4 chains wide and over 100 feet high, over most of the length. In other words, the cave would contain the Dominion monarch with room to spare. While Peter tore off to Mokau to give some canoeing instruction, John and Lyn completed the survey and LG took out all Reeve on a conducted tour of his underground wonderland.

Party: P Luckie, J Hobson, L Wylde, LG Watson.

Thursday Evening 5^th of September 1957: First of the proposed monthly meetings was held at the Cathedral Tennis Club Pavilion. An attendance of 20 was kept interested by Mr Fred Tonar, who showed films of some tours around New Zealand. Recent slides were shown and black and white photos exhibited, after which supper was served. Several ladies were present.

Saturday 7^th September: LG Watson took a party of five members of the Cambridge Photographic Society, plus Ross Cooper and visitor Morris Gavin to the new cave (still unnamed). At the entrance, a large rock which had been used on every previous visit for a rope tie back fell with Reg Buckingham down about 8 feet into the hole. Russ Cooper and Ernie, who were at the bottom dived away sustaining Slight injuries from the rocks, but a miraculous providence seemed to be protecting all 4, even Reg who somehow landed separate from the rock which had started off above him, and Algy who was perched on a narrow passage is a mystery. The usual photographic attractions were visited and eight hours spent photographing. The results should help to tell some of the story of this most impressive cave.

Sunday: John Hobson, Lyn Diggle revisited the new cave on Johnson’s and Reeve’s property. Completed whole survey and were mystified to find rock at the entrance missing.. Decided to name it Hollow Hill Cave and to present the cave. Map, survey data, photographs and write-up to the NZSS at the A.G.M at Auckland on 5 Oct.

September Official Trip 21 – 22^nd at Gudgeon’s for week-end.

Saturday: Hollow Hill. The last opportunity for Hamilton members to see the cave before it is thrown open to the NZSS. Party of 14 altogether took advantage of the trip, 4 of them inc. John Kendrick and Gordon Yates just for the day.

Some time was spent in sightseeing and photography. John Hobson arriving later after a difficult trip. His van (with three passengers) broke down in Otorohanga, they were transshipped with all their gear to Noel Johnson’s and Peter Luckie’s cars and John set off gingerly back to Hamilton where he left the van and returned by motorcycle. He certainly was not expected as early as he actually turned up, complete with new green overalls, too clean for the job and for John.

Back to Gudgeon’s for the night where Noel Johnson enlivened the evening till a late hour with hypnotism demonstrations. At one stage he had 4 of the party asleep in the background – but not the “patient” he was actually trying to “put under”. Natalie Watson first woman in new cave.

Sunday: Luckie Strike. To investigate upper level grotto’s from Big Cavern. Lyn and John went ahead and when the main group met up with them they were up in the high level which they had reached by lassoing a rock projection far up the well and doing a tricky climb from there up to the high level grotto. Great risk was apparent and the task would not be possible to many unskilled in climbing techniques. A ladder was hauled up and tied to a Stalagmite and the rest of the party (9 in all) ascended. The upper level passage went about 150 feet, had its own upper levels, avens and tomo’s and apparently followed the course of the main stream below in the direction of the cave entrance. It may be possible to climb up to it elsewhere, but the place used on this occasion, and the 150 foot ladder ascent, was too dangerous to be used often. After photographing some of the fine and unusual formation for what may be the only record, the descent was made to the Big Cavern and John Hobson took on another difficult and hazardous job. Climbing up a vertical wall using small hand and toe holds, he reached the post which he had attained on a previous occasion where a petrified fall of formation flowed out of a hole about 8 feet high by 4 feet wide. This he had seen into but could get no grip to haul himself over the overhanging lip and on this occasion had armed himself with a hammer and spikes. However he noticed a small stalagmite some distance from the lip and holding on by his left hand he essayed to throw a loop of the nylon rope over the knob. After 3 attempts he managed to do this and the party below took the strain on the long end of the rope, the short end of which was tied around John’s waist. Now he had to trust the rope, the stalagmite, and the party below while he swung across the left wall where there was a foothold which would enable the hole to be reached. The unknown quantity was the stalagmite and it was a tense moment as he let go his one hand whole and swung in mid-air supported by the bodies below. It held, and John floated over the left wall where he easily grappled a hold and hauled himself up. The simultaneous expelling of breath of the watchers was quite audible, and John himself must have been very relieved.

All this suspense was nevertheless wasted for a short inspection showed the passage to be of no extent and of little interest. John sent down the hammer and spikes, still unused and then hooked the line over the friendly stalagmite and double roped (abseiled) down.

A race out was staged by Lyn and John in the dry upper levels, and Peter and Algy doing the wet route in the stream. Although Peter was hampered by a rope ladder in a sack, he won by a yard from Lyn of the trapeze party, who got his pack caught just as he was emerging from the last hole, with Algy a close third. The rest came on leisurely behind and all were out and back at the bach quite early.

Party at Gudgeon’s. John Hobson, Peter Luckie, Lyn Diggle, Harry Hooker, Noel Johnson, Byrne Tonar, Ewen Tonar, Morris Beale, Algy and Natalie Watson.

Thursday 26^th Sept Special Committee Meeting to consider proposed trip by trampers to Hollow Hill Cave. Member taking the party was contacted by phone and persuaded not to make the trip or to go elsewhere.

Weekend 28-29 Sept: John Hobson, Lyn Diggle and Noel Johnson to the Piopio district. However, in spite of the most promising reports from locals, nothing much turned up and the country did not look like good cave territory. They decided to return to a more likely neighbourhood and retraced their steps to Opareike where they had a look at Ataahare’s Cave on the Fullerton road. Nothing of world-shaking importance was turned up and the boys considered it near enough to a “host weekend.”

Saturday 5^th October Auckland Annual General Meeting of the NZSS. Attended by Hamiltonians Barbara McHaffie, Nat Watson, Lyn Diggle, Morris Beale, Len Wylde, Peter Luckie, John Hobson, Algy Watson, Byrne Tonar. Some of the party were entertained by Mr and Mrs Drayton for the afternoon. The meeting was enlivened by a violent protect from the H.T.G contingent at the publicity given in the Auckland Star to the new cave which had been discovered by them and which it had been their intention to keep from the public as far as possible. It was deplored that the Auckland member concerned had “taken over” the cave before it had been properly reported to the Society and in his write-up had given little credit to the H.T.G and non the actual discoverers. He made an apology and the matter ended there. Supper was served and recent slides shown.

Thursday 10^th October Monthly Meeting held at the Cathedral Tennis Club Pavilion. First item on program was a trip outside to watch the transit of the Russian artificial satellite just after 8pm. A talk by Dave Kerr district geologist was next on the agenda, his subject being “the Geology of the Waikato” and this was illustrated with rock samples. Barrage of questions proved the interest of the rather small attendance.

Secretary spoke in farewell to Barbara McHaffe, leaving for Auckland and to get married, and Lyn Diggle, leaving for Wellington and congratulated them both. Barbara on her nuptials, and Lyn because he had reached his majority. Gifts were presented.

Thursday 10^th October 1957: Same night John Hobson could not attend as he was giving a talk and slide show at Te Uku to the Country Women’s Guild.

Sunday 13^th October: Hollow Hill Cave. John Hobson, Lyn Diggle, Byrne Tonar, took Mr and Mrs Tonar and Ted Norgrove (over with Mrs Norgrove from Matamata for Lyn’s 21^st Birthday party) to see this exhibit – weather not bad earlier, but pouring on the unit from the cave. Ted highly impressed after this and his visit on Saturday to the “window” of the lost world, and will probably start to hunt for something better in the Hawkes Bay.

Sunday 20^th October: Cambridge Photographic Society Members accompanied B and E Tonar and Algy Watson on a photographic trip to Lost World Hole, Waipapa Road Waterfall and Cathedral, and then the Waipapa Cave.

Three car loads enjoyed themselves despite lousy weather and wet cave conditions. Names recalled Eric Levesque, Reg Buckingham, Alan Dawe and his brother, Ernie Gollinge, Doctor Peter Nicholson, Morris Gavin, Sid.

Thursday Evening 7^th November: Monthly Meeting of which Mr. Fred Morriss showed slider of his trip to Switzerland by sea and back by air. These were most entertaining colour slides and an attendance of 12 enjoyed the display immensely. Apologies read from J. Kendrick and P Bennetts.

Thursday Evening 31^st October 1957: L.G Watson lectured and showed slides to the people of Otothanga as part of the Junior Chamber of Commerce’s Community Week. The show was in conjunction with a display of industry and hobbies in the Town Hall and approximately 120 people attended. As a result a trip was requested for Sunday 24^th Nov for the members of Jaycees and this is to be arranged.

Weekend 15/16 November. Lyn Wylde joined with Auckland party at Gudgeon’s. Hollow Hill Cave and holes on Matthew’s property on Tua…. Road were done. Reported damage to straws in H.H cave was found to be only minor.

Week-end 23-24^th November: This weekend was probably the biggest movement of cavers and friends in the Country’s history. In spite of what turned out to be terrible weather conditions some 50-60 cavers were operating in the Waitomo District and this would have been increased if the Sunday had been fine. As it was there were 1. Party of 15 O’Rourke Hall types based on Al Reeve’s where they camped in pup-tents on the front lawn. 2. Party of 9 H.T.G (Peter Luckie, Pam Mills, Byrne Tonar, Betty Harries, Noel Johnson, Nat and Algy Watson, Ian Leach). 3. John Pybus and group of boy scouts and N.Z.S.S members in a truck from Auckland bases at Gudgeon’s where the overflow filled 4 tents near The View. 4. Six members of Ototohanga Junior Chamber of Commerce who came out on Sunday. 5. Various other small parties including Les Kermode and other Aucklanders.

The Hamilton Group, to avoid confusion at Gudgeon’s decided to take advantage of the hospitality of Fred Stubb’s and moved into his woolshed where bedrolls were spread out on the bales and floor. Hollow Hill was on the programme and all entered by the Dwarf’s entrance, Byrne Tonar taking the car down to Reeve’s for convenience coming out of the Triple Tomo Entrance, and also taking the camera and lunches in that way for dryness. All met at the foot of the petrified cascade where lunch was taken.

An early exit was possible and all returned to the woolshed. It was decided to go down to the neighbouring property to phone the Waitomo Hostel to ask the Manager if he would like a programme of slides that evening (and incidentally to sample the brew). However, the manager was away, the receptionist not interested, but the farmer family, the Harold Johnson’s, were keen to have a show and invited the whole party down for the evening. After a meal we all drove down and filled in until 11pm with slides, supper, and snooker. Then back to the chilly woolshed. Soon after the rain started, and at times it felt as though the shed, situated as it was on a rise alongside the Stubbs’ airstrip, would either wash away or blow away. Nevertheless it stood quite dry and firm. We pitied the “campers.”

Sunday: It was not expected in the conditions that the Jaycee’s would come up from Otorohanga, but preparations were made in case they did, and sharp on time, six of the proposed 12 did arrive. The trip was to Luckie Strike in order to give the visitors some appreciations of an average difficult cave and some if the conditions that could be met with. On the way it was found that the Campers both at Reeve’s and Gudgeon’s had had a bad night and most of the tents had been flattened. At Luckie Strike the water was high but as it was planned to enter by high levels this did not matter a great deal. A ladder was put down the drop to make things easier for the Jaycees, and good time (2 1/4 hours) was made to the Big Cavern for lunch. We all came out at stream level splashing through the deep pools with the thought of the heavy drenching which was inevitable when we reached the open. After some difficulty getting the Jaycees up the ladder we emerged to bright sunshine. The storm had passed and it was pleasant walking back to the cars. Most of the Aucklanders had gone. There was a long wait for Byrne Tonar and Batty Harries who had stopped to photograph and when they finally arrived to the cars it was to tell a greater story.

Byrne had climbed the ladder first and awaited Betty. She had got only a short way up when Byrne heard a yell, a scuffle, a splash, and then silence and darkness below. He hurried down the ladder to find Betty had fallen off onto a deep pool where she had lost her helmet and lamp. When Byrne got down she was diving in pitch darkness trying to recover them. Diving was soon given up because of the cold and it was then found that Betty could not climb the ladder because of numbness and Byrne had to help strenuously. They were both exhausted when they reached the open air.

Meanwhile Peter Luckie, Nat and Pam had made a trip to Mokau to pick up a canoe for delivery to Harrie’s.

Aftermath of the weekend: Peter and Pam later announced their engagement!

Sunday 8^th December 1957: Trip to Gudgeon’s and Luckie Strike. Noel Johnson, Lindsay, Gary, Ann Hobson, Diane, Nat and Algy Watson and Byrne Tonar left Hamilton 7am. Only 3 experienced led cavers were present to help and these were very awkward spots. The Big Cavern was made in 3 hours and lunch eaten. On the way out, as Ann and Gary had both fallen into pools they decided to dive for Betty’s helmet and lamp lost a fortnight before. After Ann froze, Gary carried on and finally recovered both. It was decided to get outside where rain was falling, and while the girls went back to the cars, Noel, Gary, and Algy went into the cave to dive for a lamp Ann had dropped and also Betty’s helmet which has once again been drowned. Those were both recovered without great difficulty, in all a successful day’s diving operations. At the cars it was unpleasant to change into “dry” clothes in the rain but nice to drink the tea and coffee from the thermos flasks laced with rum. An Auckland survey team including Frank Watson and Les Kermode had been at Waipuna but were not seen by H.T.G.

Wednesday 11^th December 1957: Special Meeting to discuss the week-end trip with the Broadcasting Unit.

December 14-15 1957: Weekend Trip to Waitomo Area.

This trip was arranged with Sam Gardener of 1Y Z Rotorua on behalf of National Broadcasting Service. All parties met at Diggles, Otorohanga. 1. Sam and his technician John Bowater, 2. Byrne Tonar, Len Wylde, Morris Beale, Algy Watson in Peter Luckie’s truck (Peter was too busy on his causes to join us for the trip.) 3. Ewan Tonar from Tokoroa by motorbike. 4. Lyn Diggle from

Wellington by train. 5. Peter Burnett, John Hobson. 6. Neville Walters and Noel Johnson. All travelled to Ewan Riddle’s farm where headquarters was set up in the woolshed. Gear was hacked up to the Lost World and the broadcast commenced at the Rock Chimney end of the Lost World with a short introduction followed by some effective sound effects caused by large rocks rattling down the hole. Then the whole crowd moved to the Window where some further commentary was made and more rocks dropped.

Next stop was the Spider Hole where it was intended to make the descent. Here there were more talks. Lou doing a discourse on the carbide lamp with all the concomitant noises, and John as he hammered in a spike to support the ladder. As the descent started, Morris and Noel all had their parts to play. Noel went down first with some words as he stepped over the brink which, if broadcast will become famous as the words of Peter Jones on a more auspicious occasion. Next descent was made by the Recorder on Lyn’s back, then the rest of the gear, then Sam (the announcer) and all the other bods except John Hobson, John Bowater, Morris and Algy who then set off overland to the Lost World to provide sound effects. While the downstairs party kept under cover those up top got busy with an 8ft crowbar and shifted rocks over the edges of the holes where they shattered with terrific force on the floor 300 feet down. When sufficient had been dropped to make an interesting sound record, burning newspaper was dropped to signal that it was safe to enter the cavern and the party wound its way to the far end and back. The ladder climb was completed without incident and in rapid time and all were back at the woolshed before dark. Shortly after the rain started and kept going! Sam went to the house for a quick recorded interview with Ewan Riddle and after a meal in the shed there was a little round table discussion and a showing of slides. A play-back of the day’s recording sounded very good but it was clear that there would have to be some drastic cutting of the tapes and censoring. Wet did not seem to have affected the results, even though the tape had to be run through a handkerchief when the reel of the bottom of the Lost World was played so that the water could be wiped off.

Sunday: The crowd was joined by John Kendrick, Gordon Yates, Verna Wright at the shed and it was decided to split up. Some went to the Boys’ Cave, Morris and Len to the Luckie Strike, and the Recording Unit to Hollow Hill. The rain had now stopped and water was high everywhere. Nevertheless, it was decided to take Sam and John in the wet entrance, so Noel guided them while Lyn, Byrne, Algy and others tool the gear in the dry way. In the wet entrance there was one place where there was only 4 inches air space, so it meant that there was almost a siphoning job. An hour later this closed to less than two inches and a second party, Byrne and John K, had to retreat quickly and follow the party with the recorder. Even the Tomo entrance was wet, showers of water pouring down in many places inside, where usually only the odd drip is found. The river was high and in places where we usually drop into the water and paddle a short distance it was waist-deep. When the ‘Giant Cavern’ was reached, the Mortuary Slab was seen to be up to its neck in water and just below where the water is normally shallow it was above the knees. A little further downstream Algy stopped off a rock into water which was a least chest-deep. He didn’t touch the bottom but was hauled out by Lyn before he floated away, supported by his haversack. The two parties met near the Crow’s Nest and Sam and John commenced recording with a summary of their trip in. Then they went on to the Castle Grotto where some descriptive work was taped, followed by some small points of particular interest such as Byrne’s discourse on the formation and Algy’s on the “afterglow”. Next some sound effects were recorded and continued below “the font” where “gonging” on the draperies played a rough tune. As most of the party where wet and uncomfortable it was decided to beat a retreat. Outside it was still raining and the summing-up of the weekend was put off till they all reached Reeves’ garage, where Noel expounded on the subject of time-plaques to be left in caves, Byrne on the exit on the day of discovery of the cave, and Algy a final resumé on the lines of “...well, that’s what we see in caving!”

Xmas and New Year Holidays 1957-1958: The members of the Group split into many different parties with different aims. John Hobson, Peter Luckie, Lyn Diggle went off to the East Coast of North Auckland, canoeing and spearfishing, Byrne Tonar to the South Island mountaineering, Gordon Gates tramping in Fiordland, Bruce Rawlings in Australia, Algy Watson working on his new house, etc.,etc., The only caving appears to have been done by Ewen Tonar who paid visits to Gudgeon’s and joined with Peter Barrett in a further assault on the Boy’s Cave. Some progress was made but there is still no proven communication with the Waipawa Cave.

Tuesday 14^th January 1958: John Hobson, Peter Barrett, Ewen Tonar spent all day exploring, surveying and mapping new cave above Boys Cave, christened the Yoyo Cave (because its nature means that a traverse is a matter of “ups and downs” in quick succession). This was a small but photogenic cave 458 yards in length and following more or less along the spur of a ridge. It was proved to be the stream which crosses Lemberg’s farm track on the way to Lemberg’s Cave, and not the Lemberg’s Cave stream as was at first supposed. It would be on Catherwood’s property. Ewen Tonar is writing a summary on the cave which together with a copy of the map. Will be sent in for the Bulletin.

Tuesday 6^th Feb Monthly Meeting at Tennis Club Pavilion: Showing of Xmas slides.

Weekend 22/23 February: Party of 9 based on Wildman’s woolshed tackled Rumbling Gut for different reasons. Some photographed, some explored, other’s surveyed. Daylight seen in a new gallery but crevice too narrow to get out. Evening slide show at Wildman’s, where neighbours were also present.

Sunday: Back to R.G with the exception of two who were to attempt to find the hole on the surface while the inside party signalled at a certain time. This was easily located and proved to be an impassable crevice beside the road named the Phosphate Hole. Mr Wildman lent a hand and with crowbars and shovels the crack was widened sufficiently to extricate the three men below. While this was being done the two men completing the survey came overland from another new exit they had discovered. This was probably fortunate as heavy rain had fallen all day and the water was rising. The party got back to Hamilton quite ok. But the following day saw all the road closed, Otorohanga, TeKuiti, and Taumaranui flooded, and the worst floods in the Waipa and Waikato for 50 years. Omitted to mention a visit paid to tge Yoyo Hole on Saturday.

Saturday 22^nd March

Three Hamilton members travelled to Auckland to a social evening at the home of Ernie Drayton.

Thursday 27^th March 1958

Special meeting called to bed farewell to John Hobson who leaves for England on Tuesday. Informal gathering of a large attendance paid tribute to John’s accomplishments and expressed regret at this going. A token gift was presented to John. Supper was served and Noel Johnson entertained with another exhibition of hypnotism.

Sunday 29^th March: John Hobson, John Kendrick, Noel Johnson, Neville Walters paid a visit to Cold Creek where a large column of water issues from a crevice in the bank of the Mangawhitakau. Some penetration was made and daylight seen coming from a tomo. Further attempts were made from here to avoid the deep water at the resurgence, and Noel Johnson was unlucky enough to break a finger when he fell down the tomo. Blasting was tried on an obstruction and this was passed for some distance only to come up against another blockage which was encountered after the gelignite had all been used. This calls for another expedition and will be tried over Easter.

Sunday 30^th March: Byrne Tonar and John Hobson took 36 members of Waikato Tramping Club to Tomoac Tomo. There was some congestion and a lot of pushing and pulling but a good time was had by all. It was confirmed that the farm dam had burst during the floods and the earth wall was all blocking the “walk-in” entrance, which will be impassable until further rain washes away the mud and silt. This was John Hobson’s last trip before sailing to England.

Easter Trip to Waipapa Road: John Kendrick, Neville Walters, Bruce Rawlins picked up David Catherwood on the Friday. Placed 1oz Fluorescain in Rumbing Gut Cave. This emerged from Cold Creek resurgence in 16-20 hours, although the direct cross-country line would not be more than a mile.

Saturday: While new cave system was discovered at the back of Guildfords property. A hole was dug into a cave leading in the general direction of Lemberg’s house, but this proved to be only rotten mudstone with odd pockets of limestone. Half to three quarters of a mile in length with several waterfalls and deep pools. End of the cave blocked by rock fall with little air circulation. The only time John has struck bad or rather stuffy atmosphere in a cave and even the lams were sputtering a little. From this cave downstream the general line of the Guildford system can be followed all the way to the Mangawhitokau Gorge through various caves & tomo’s. Most of the underground course is still unexplored owing to formation which blocks the passage in places. It could probably be traversed with the aid of hammer and chisel and some very pretty coloured formation can be seen, in charting some scalloped edge curtains.

Sunday: Party was joined by Peter Barrett and Arthur Wesley to explore some caves known to David in the Mangawhitakau headwaters. The best one, after some distance, began to look familiar and proved to be Waipuna Cave. Unknown to the party they had entered the P.P cave entrance, none of them having seen this part previously. Strangely enough, this was about the fourth time that Waipuna had been discovered – each time from a different direction. However, they inspected another new cave, south of Waipuna, this was previously well known for its impressive entrance, but was this time given a name for the first time, the “Haematite Hole” because of the amount of black formation.

Monday: Placed fluorescein in Guildford system but colour had not emerged from any tributary in the Gorge when it was time to go home. This could possibly take as long as the Waipapa System to pass through. Investigated a large side stream above Price’s Bridge in the Mangawhitakau which could be the resurgence of the Guildford System. However this was not cold like the Cold Creek resurgence, It terminated after about forty yards of chest-deep water in a peculiar “Y” shaped siphon with very deep water. Tomo debris about 20 yards downstream could be removed to lower the lower water level. A hole in the roof on the L.H area of the siphon was not explored. Below Price’s bridge yet another stream joins the Mangawhitakau form the direction of Boddy’s Road. This too, was not explored. At the bottom of a 50 foot tomo on the Guildford Cave System a colony of large funnel web spiders was found. One was captured and forwarded to Otago Museum, where the Director Dr Forster is doing some research into cave spiders. This specimen proved to be Hexathele Hochstetteri. In another of the Caves of the system while crawling through a rock fall, Neville Walters was attacked by a large black goat – a new caving hazard in NZ, but similar to Norbert Casteret’s experience, when he came face to face with an enraged badger in a French crawlway.

Saturday 29^th March: (John Kendrick’s eye witness account) It was hoped to blast through the siphon which bars progress only a few yards in the Cold Creek emergence. The outlook did not look promising, with the stream issuing silently and very cold from a rock face some eight feet wide. Operations commenced with removal of a small mountain of rock and gravel blocking the outlet. This lowered the water by about a foot. Next, with rock drills John Hobson hammered away to set the explosives and the first bang was highly successful, and a lesson in demolition work. It broke off a large section of rock and showed an inch or so of air space through which could be heard the fascination sound of a waterfall. After another hours work kneeling in the icy water John fired the second charged which completed the job and made it possible to duck under the overhanging face. The first siphon of the Cold creek Waipapa had been overcome. Tehy finished the cave with tremendous elation. A short distance inside a side stream entered from a pretty group of formation, Beyond this extended a dry upper level. Both passages were followed to their ends. Back at the main stream they continued through deepening water to another siphon some forty yards from the entrance. This seemed to end of all hopes but John again determined with the aid of the stick that the second siphon was only about eight feet through and could possibly be demolished as was the first.

Although the assault did not open up more than about a hundred yards of new passages, the days efforts were amply rewarded by the thrill of breaking into a new cave which at first sight appeared unattainable. Others may be encouraged to press on further.

Party: John Hobson John Kendrick, Noel Johnson, Neville Walters, P.S Noel sustained a broken finger in a fall down a tomo.

Weekend Trip 19^th -20^th April 1958 Saturday: A party of 8 Hamiltonians joined a busload of Aucklander’s at Wildman’s. These were led by John Pybus and consisted of a strong contingent of scouts and NZSS members numbering 34 in all. The idea was for the H.T.G to show the entrance to caves to the parties of experienced cavers and scouts and to guide a couple of parties of novices. The H.T.G party arrived early and decided to do Rumbling Gut Cave, leaving L.G to greet the Auckland busload which included Peter Barrett. Then the crowd split into several groups, about 10 being accommodated in Wildman’s woolshed, many more in tents and in the bus, and the overflow joined with the H.T.G who were already ensconced by right of possession in the Guildford’s cottage. Peter then took off a couple of large parties, one of which he directed to the entrance of Rumbling Gut and the rest he guided through the Catherwood’s Cave. L.G took a party of 7 ladies, etc., through Waipapa Cave and then to the Yoyo Hole. Another party of scouts, who had “lost” Peter Barrett loosely accompanied this party. The evening was spent in various ways, L.G joining Les Kermode and John Pybus in a “continuous” slide showing at Wildman’s house and woolshed in a succession of relays. The evening ended in a hilarious fashion at the house, with a session of stories, ghost yarns and hypnotism – the house party had been joined by this time by the rest of the H.T.G, including Ann, who had been over to the Cold Creek resurgence to blow off another 3 plugs of gelignite in an effort to knock some of the wall down. The Wildman’s served a beautiful supper.

Sunday: The Aucklander’s were left to their own devices, except Les Kermode, Peter Lambert and a few who were interested in the results of the blasting operation. They went over to Cold Creek to see the damage, while Peter, Ann & L.G went in the direction of Catherwood’s Cave to show the entrance to party of Aucklanders who had done Rumbling Gut the previous day. The three then set off to join the Cold Creek party, but on the way met Noel Johnson and Byrne Tonar who had come back for shovels and bars. The blast had made no appreciable difference and it had been decided to try to lower the level in the siphon. A nylon rope was also taken as Noel Johnson was going to attempt to dive through if the lowering had no effect. It was regrettable that neither of these attempts had any results and the whole crowd moved off to have a look at the Guildford System discovered by John on Easter Saturday. Hammer and chisel were taken to try to break open through some blocking formation at the end of one of the caves. This was only partly accomplished and only Neville was able to squeeze through. He reported that the cave opened out further on and it seems that a further assault is called for. The NZSS troop left shortly after 3.30pm and the Hamilton party were away by 5.30pm. Party: Ann Hughes, John Kendrick, Neville Walters, Byrne Tonar, Noel Johnson and Bernie Timmins, David Miller, Algy Watson (and Peter Barrett in Auckland bus.)

Weekend 25-27 April 1958: Some of the party went to White’s Cave on a day trip only. They arrived at the White’s farmhouse in time for breakfast and after doing some exploration and photography were back in time for dinner. While the rest returned home, one carload went to Gudgeon’s for the night. Expecting to have the place to themselves, there were surprised to find a large crowd of scouts, the same ones who were at Wildmena’s last week-end, there for some caving. Our party had a look at L/Strike. It was John Kendrick, Byrne Tonar, Neville Walters, Ann Hughes, Peter Barrett, Ian Leach.

Week-end 3-4 May: Ann, John, Neville, Byrne, went to Tomac meeting some members of Waikato T.C at Fillery’sWoolshed.

4^th May: Broadcast of Programme “Nature’s Underworld” came over all main national stations.

Weekend 10-11^th May: Weekend at Wildman’s

Saturday: Waipapa Cave for exploring and photography Peter Barrett doing the cave with an arm broken on Wednesday cranking his car. It was not Peter’s lucky day. First he burned out a big –end at Otorohanga on the way down and had to abandon the car there. Then he had a fall in the dark and badly bruised his good thumb, at the same time dropping John Kendrick’s camera and breaking it. Next, in the evening he had his narrowest escape when he went over alone to Cold Creek to fire off the one remaining plug of gelignite. Water was within a few inches of the roof for some distance. He inserted the fuse, lit it, set off out in a hurry, got about 10 yards, and his only light went out! He paused for a moment to decide whether to go back or on, decided it was better to get out than to try and find the fuse spluttering under water, and felt his way along the roof, keeping his mouth open in case the blast went off at any moment. His panic was increased by the thought that he had turned in the width of the cave and was going back in – it was impossible to feel any current flow. After a couple of falls and splashes in deep water he finally reached the dim outline of the open air just as the charge went off. It was only trivial in comparison with what he had expected and it was lucky for Peter that it was only one plug, not the usual 3 or 4.

On Saturday night the party went out to the Wildman’s house where a birthday party for Ann was arranged. Fireworks, paper hats, balloons etc., parlour games and movies made a fine evening’s entertainment, ending with a wonderful supper turned on by Mrs Wildman, a visitor from Wellington and Ann. After this party broke up, a scragging party at the Guildford’s cottage kept all up till about 2am. So no one was keen to rise early, especially as it rained heavily all night. Reveile was about 10.30, brunch at noon, and only 4 keen types were game to go caving. A further assault on Guildford’s system took three of these (after some hammer and chisel work) for a further 100 yards until it finally closed down properly. The party was: Ann Hughes, Mirth Partington, John Kendrick, Byrne Tonar, David Miller, Peter Barrett, Neville Walters, and Algy Watson.

Saturday 17^th May 1958: Parties to Karamu. Byrne and Ewen Tonar,Mirth Partington went to Tomac, John Kendrick, Neville Walters and Ian Leach on an exploring to the area about Cooper’s and Kamishana Whana Stream. Two promising tomos were found, one difficult one of 100 feet and another big hole of 80 feet which John Kendrick descended on a rope for 40 feet, only to realise that a ladder was absolutely necessary. John was lucky to make the last few feet of the climb and said that he was thinking of part 2 of Casteret’s “The Darkness Under the Earth” as he climbed. These holes are certain to be the venue of an early trip – this time with ladders. A large depression was also found in the bush reserve near hill 1020. John Pybus was camped near Fillery’s with a large troop of scouts.

Tuesday 20^th May: LG Watson gave lecture and showed slides to a large meeting of 130 o9r more members of the Deerstalkers Assn and the public. This was advertised but the response amazed the Association whose supper arrangements were strained to the limit.

Wednesday 11^th June: L G Watson lectured the Hamiliton Historical Society at the Art Gallery.

Thursday 5^th June: Monthly meeting at the Cathedral Tennis Club Pavilion when Mr. C J Roberts spoke and showed slides on the subject of “The Snakes and Kangaroo’s of Australia”. A large attendance of 26 members makes it evident that a larger meeting place will soon be required.

Saturday 21^st June 1958: Two parties to Hollow Hill. 1. Algy Watson with 10 Members of Cambridge Camera Club. 2. John Kendrick, Byrne Tonar, Mirth Partington, Bernie Timmins, Neville Walters, Stephen McPike, Jeff Wilson and two members of the Tramping Club. Photographic party left Hamilton at 4am and were underground before daylight at 7am. Out and away well before dark in the evening after a good 8 hours underground.

Tuesday 1^st July 1958: L.G Watson lectured and showed slides and plant samples, also moa bones to the Waikato Forest and Bird Protection Society at the Art Gallery.

Thursday 10^th July: Monthly Meeting at the Cathedral Tennis Club Pavilion. Mr Wilson Whineray, All Black Captain spoke on the subject of his tour of Japan and Hong Kong with the N.Z colts Team. This was followed by some formal business and then by the recording of messages to be sent on tape to John Hobson, now back in Yorkshire.

Tuesday 15^th July: John Kendrick showed movies and Bryne Tonar slides at an evening at the home of Mirth Partington.

Monday 21^st July: L.G Watson showed slides and lectured the members of St. Georges Men’s Club at Frankton.

30^th July: L.G Watson showed slides and lectured to the Cambridge Jaycees, Camera Club and the Band.

August Monthly Meeting: Held at Cathedral T.C Pavilion on Tursday 12^th August. The Deerstalkers Association sent two members along with skins, heads etc., and a most interesting talk was given.

Tuesday 10^th August: At the new Memorial Hall of the Canterbury Museum, L.G Watson spoke to a meeting organised by the Royal Society Field Club to celebrate it’s 21^st birthday. Other societies invited were the Forest and Bird Association, Alpine Club, Mountaineering Club, Astronomical Society, Archaeological Society and the members of the Royal Society – a large attendance of the press was present and the slides were shown by the Asst. Director of the museum Dr Turbott, who acted as operator. A newspaper report followed the meeting.

4^th September 1958: Special Meeting to discuss the forthcoming Scientific Association Exhibition. Decided to show slides and exhibit gear and specimens. Annual meeting to be held on a Saturday night, date to be arranged by Secretary.

9,10 & 11^th September: Scientific Exhibition held at the Hamilton Technical College. Reported in the news and this turned out to be a most popular attraction for the public, many hundreds of whom showed the pressing need for a museum so that such exhibits can be concentrated for public viewing. H.T.C exhibition hall was on the basement floor, somewhat appropriately, as the Astronomical Society were on top floor, and drew great interest, particularly for the slide show.

8^th September: L.G Watson showed slides and spoke to the Astronomical Society at its meeting place in Milton St.

1958 Minutes of Annual General Meeting of the Hamilton Tomo Group

held at the Cathedral Tennis Club Pavilion at 7.30pm on Saturday 27^th September, 1958:

Present: Chairman, P.D Luckie, Miss A. Hobson, Messrs N. Johnson, L.Wylde, M. Beal, L.G Watson.

Apologies: Mr Bennetts, Miss Hughes, All members of Waikato Tramping Club, Mr. Barrett.

Business: Minutes of last annual general meeting held on 8/8/57 were read and confirmed. The Balance Sheet was tabled and adopted.

President reported on the years activities which included the discovery and exploration of Hollow Hill Cave, the discovery of the Waipapap Road Cave System and the Guildford System, participation in the Scientific Exhibition, and a succession of monthly meetings which proved very popular.

Election of Officers:

• President and Chairman: Peter Luckie
• Club Captain: John Hobson (in absentia)
• Secretary – Treasurer: Byrne Tonar (In absentia)
• Transport Officer: Peter Barrett (i.a)
• Equipment Officer: Peter Luckie
• Liaison Officer to NZSS: Position left open
• Committee: Not decided

There was some general discussion but the programme of years trips was left for the decision of a later meeting when a fuller representation is present.

There being nu business for further consideration the meeting closed at 9.30pm.

October 7^th: L. Diggle gave a talk and showed slides to the Tararua Trampring Club 130 ‘bods’ attended.

October 9^th: The monthly meeting of the H.T.G Mr J. Hefford showed films on trips he had done in N.Z

October 11^th: Auckland AGM of the NZSS attended by Hamiltonians: L.G Watson and Nat Watson, B Tonar, J Sanford, Miss M Partington, P Luckie and Pam Luckie, N Johnson, G Kendrick, N Walters, B Timmins.

L.G Watson was elected President and P. Luckie as Vice President.

October 19^th: B. Tonar, J. Sanford and Mirth Partington went prospecting on the Wildman’s property were nothing was found.

October 26^th: B. Tonar, B. Fraser and Mirth Partington went on a photographic trip at Luckie Strike.

October 27^th: L.G Watson gave a talk and showed slides to the Parent Teachers Association at Ohaupo.

November 2^nd: L.G Watson, B. Tonar, J.Sanford & Mirth Partington went prospecting at Taumatamair. Several muddy caves were found. This area could prove interesting.

November 6^th: The monthly meeting of the H.T.G was held at the Cathedral T.C Pavilion. Mr. K. Mcnaught gave a talk and showed slides of a trip overseas.

November 9^th: B.Tonar, L. Fou, J.Sandford and Mirth Partingon went to Gardener’s Guts after going right through theu hiked back to Waitomo.

November 16^th: B.Tonar and Mirth Partington went prospecting in the Mangarrango Road area. South of Piopio. A large tomo was entered to 100ft but lack of equipment stopped further exploring.

November 23^rd: B, Tonar, Morth Partington and J.Sandford returned to Mangarrango Road. A tomo was descended to 85ft and a very wet cave was found with good formation. After ½ hour going we turned back in case J.Sandford had wondered where we had got to. The cave was still going.

December 7^th: B.Tonar, Mirth Partington, A Watson and wife returned to Mangarrango Road where a large tomo was found in the side of a cliff. After looking around a walk in entrance was found at the base of the cliff. Once inside it opened up in to a large cavern about 60 feet high and 20 feet wide. After a short while it closed up. No water was present.

December 14^th: B. Tonar, Len Wylde and Mirth Partington returned to Mangarrongo Road and went prospecting. A very large stream was found entering a large cave. But due to so much water it was decided that nothing more could be accomplished without rubber dinghys. One or two smaller caves were found and explored also.

January 24,25 & 26 1959: B.Tonar, J. Hobson, E Tonar, P Barrett went to Troopers Road to explore the new tomos found by P Barrett 200 yards was added to one.

February 12: The Monthly meeting of the H.T.G was held at the Cathedral T.C Pavilion. Members showed Christmas holiday slides and J.Hobson showed slides of his trip overseas.

February 21 & 22: Weekend trip to Waitomo carea. Six members of the Matamata Rover Crew did Lucky Strike, Ruahuri, Aranui and Glowworm Caves on Saturday & Sun. H.T.G party did Millars Waterfall Cave to the end. H.T.G Members were Noel Johnson, Ian Finlayson, Russell English, John Hobson and Algy Watson.

Sunday 1^st March 1959: A very tragic accident happened to our President Peter Luckie who was drowned while canoeing on the Raglan Bar. John Kendrick, Neville Walters and two Australians managed to reach shore.

Saturday 14^th March: A memorial service was held to the memory of Peter Luckie.

March 15^th: John Hobson, Johns Kendrick, Bryne Tonar, Neville Walters, Miss H Thompson, J. Forbes went prospecting in the Taumatatotara. Not much was found but a cave with a large arch entrance was found. The arch being approx 12 high and 40 ft wide. The cave ewent for approx 300 yds before closing down.

March 21^st: J. Hobson, J.Kendrick, B.Tonar, L.Watson, N.Walters, J.Sandford, Miss M. Partington and two Australians went to E.Drayon’s where a social evening was held.

April 9^th: The monthly meeting of the H.T.G was held at the Cathedral Tennis Club Pavilion where Superintendant Holt of the Hamilton Police gave one of the best talks we have had. Special Meeting: L.G.Watson was elected our new President and it was decided that equipment fees be 6d per head per piece of equipment (i.e: 1 ladder, 1 rope, 5 bods = 5/-)

May 9-10^th: Weekend at Oparune, J.Hobson, N.Walters, L.G. Watson, B. Timmins and 2 visitors to Virginia on Blacks Property, Troopers Road. On Sunday joined at Riddle’s woolshed by P.Dimond, L.Fow, S.Mcpike, and 3 girls for an assault ob the Lost World. The visitors were on their first cave outing and were impressed by two good ladder descents.

May 14^th” The monthly meeing of the H.T.G was held at the Cathedral Tennis Club Pavilion. Mr. L.J Foster of the St.John Ambulane gave a talk on first aid with reference to caving.

May 30, 31^st & June 1^st: Queens Birthday H.T.G did Warren’s Self Respect on Saturday. The Lost World by winch on Sunday and Hollow Hill on Monday. Sat night the tourist caves were looked at and Sun night some went to Virginia. L.G Watson showed slides at Black’s on Sat and Riddle’s on Sun. H.T.G members were J.Hobson, Jocelyn Bullock, N.Johnson, Mirth Partington, L.G Watson and several visitors.

June: The Monthly meeting of the H.T.G was held at the Cathedral Tennis Club Pavilion. Mr J.W Yates of the Hamilton Fire Brigade gave a very interesting talk.

June 7^th: Autumn Meeting in Auckland.

June 14^th: Te Raumauku Road. With the kind permission of Mr. Jack Roberts, a party of H.T.G members had a look over his farm. The first cave they entered had an old waterwheel just inside the entrance, and therefore is to be known as The Water Wheel Cave. It went right through the hill, but the main feature was a large cavern about one third of the way in, there were no formations of note, but it provided the party with about 600 yards of interesting cave. The next cave over the hill behind Robert’s house, was only about 40 yds long, was very ‘tight’ and wet, but contained a draught, and might be possible in a drought. The last cave of the day was further round the escapment and is to be known as “Struggle Bluff Cave”. It was 350 yds long, mosty crawling, had no formation, was wet and is of no further interest. But a good day was had my M. Partington, N,Walters, P.Dimond and J.Hobson.

June 21^st: Te Raumauku Road. H.T.G Members contacted a Mr.Rose who kindly gave directions on how to find the caves near his property. Just down the hill from his house is a cave with a fine entrance, unfortunately it shut down to a muddy siphon in about 50yds. Swingong around to the right over the next hill is “480 Cave”. This contains one chamber of quite nice formations, and a stream the size of “L.S”. It is possible to go right through the hill, paced at 480 yards. Continuing downstream, and on the R.H.S, just before the first farm bridge is :410 Cave:. This proved to e the most entertaining one, due to the intricacy of its numerous constrictions. Near the end, the cave forked, both passages had a stream and both were pushed to the limit. Lastly. Again on the R.H.S of the Turitea stream, was a great barn of a cave, and if it has no other name, the “Dust Tunnel” would be quite suitable. Once again it was a through run, but the main stream, of which very little is seen, enters from a passage on the right, about 130 yds from the top end. The rockfall at the end is very wet and can not be recommended to future cavers. Total paced length is 1160 yds. Mr.Rose treated the party to soup and toast on their return, those concerned were P.Dimond, N.Walters, and J.Hobson.

June 28^th: Trip to the Memorial Trough Road. Peter Dimond Kindly provided horses for the other two in the party, both had no experience of this kind of locomotion, but no accidents occurred. An ear round the Moari Pa was looked at first, this brought to light a cave to be known as “Whispering Pot”. It had a most interesting entrance, where a surface stream entered quite a large cavern through a small hole, to fall almost immediately for 300 odd feet. At the far end of the cavern a convenient stalagmite provided a belay for the 30ft ladder. At the bottom a very wet crawl through the boulder flour led to a major stream passage, unfortunately this passage soon closed down in both directions to become siphons, but this “pot” may be part of a larger system the continuation to be explored at a later date. The party covered quite an area in the downstream from the last cave, but found nothing worthy of inspection. Peter was unlucky to lose his watch in this area.

After dinner the party pushed further along the M.T Road which soon deteriorated to a mere track, until a particularly deep depression was sighted on the R.H.S. There had to be a cave at the bottom, in fact two, the upstream position soon divided and became too “tight” there being about 130 yds. Downstream, a distance of 260 yards was soon traversed, until the water was lost. There the cave divided, the R.H passage led to an open tomo, not climbable, and on the left was a “bedding plane” and a “cat run”. John did the bedding plane, but Peter had more luck with the cat run. About 40 yds further the “cat run” became blocked with formation, but after a careful inspection it was decided to smash a way through. Neville was the only one small enough, and he reported the cave continuing for at least another 200 yds. The party decided to try to enlarge the hole with “gelly” the following weekend, Peter Dimond, Neville Walters, and John Hobson were it’s members. A fortnight later J.Hobson and P.Dimond went back to try this cave and enlarged the hole with “gelly” and moved on about 200 yards before the cave close down.

The July monthly meeting was held at the Cathedral Tennis Club Pavilion and Dr. Roland Smith showed slides of caving in Hawkes Bay.

August 13^th: The monthly meeting of the H.T.G was held and Mr. Otto Gram showed slides of caving in Aussie.

1959 September 10^th : AGM Hamilton Tomo Group

Present: B.Tonar, L.G Watson. E.Hunt, B.Rawlins, N.Walters, P.Dimond, Miss M. Partington, J.Hobson, Miss J. Bullock, P.Barrett, J.Kendrick. J.O’Fee and B.Wood.

Apologies: L Diggle.

Business: Minutes of the last Annual General Meeting held on 27 September 1958 were read and confirmed. The balance sheet was presented and confirmed.

The Presidents Report:

The president reported that the year had been a successful one both from the financial point of view and the number of new caves discovered. He described the numbers of surveys and told of the exploration work which had been done. Mr.Watson paid tribute to the members who had accomplished so much and to the secretary treasurer of the group who had continued with his work even through illness.

Election of Officers:

• President: J.Hobson
• Club Captain: P.Barrett
• Secretary/treasurer: B.Tonar
• Equipment Officer: B.Tonar
• Liaison Officer NZSS: L.G Watson and P.Barrett

General Business: L.G Watson moved the subscription for H.T.G remain at 10/- and P.Barrett seconded it. There being no more business for further consideration the meeting closed at 8.30pm.

After the meeting Mr.C G Hunt showed slides and gave a talk of his findings around National Park Tongariro. A skiing fllm and two French caving films were then screened.

September 13^th: Ben’s Caves. Three miles past the Ruahuri Tourist Cave turnoff on the Tumutumu Road a party of H.T.G members left the left hand side of the road. After about 300yds a stream was found entering the first cave which was very roomy and very wet and only 50 yds long. Following the same stream the second cave was found 340 yds long and quite large no formation. Continuing down stream the 3^rd cave was found. Being only 45 yards long and very easy going. There being a very good pillar half way through. Further along the same stream the 4^th cave was found. This cave was easy going and 500 yards long. It finally closed down in a siphon. A large upper level 20 yards from the siphon was found and was some 560 yards in length. Those taking part were Vivian and Peter Dimond, Tom O’Fee, and John Hobson.

September 15^th: John Hobson showed slides and gave a talk to the St. Pauls Mens fellowship.

August 17^th: B.Tonar showed slides and talking to the Waikato Amateur Movie Club

August 20^th: B.Tonar showed slides and talked to 400 school children of the Maeroa Intermediate.

October 13^th: L.G Watson and M. Partington gave a talk to the Vardon Mission Union.

September 6^th: L.G.Watson joined 3 Hawkes Bay Boy cavers and visited Simpsons Cave and a new hole near Wairoa.

September 1^st & 2^nd: The Hamiton Tomo Group took part in the Waiato Scientific Exhibition.

Weekend 26-27 September: A large party took part int he NZSS 10^th Anniversary Reunion at Waitomo.

Saturday 10^th October:: Tom O’Fee and Peter Dimond investigated Mr.G Howie’s farm Rangitoto. There only appeared to be two caves on this property. The first was a tomo, at the bottom of which we could hear a stream running. The tomo was 43 feet deep and the stream was much smaller than we thought. We explored 100 yards downstream and 30 yds up. There was no formation. Average width was about 3 feet and average height about 20 feet. We were blocked upstream by a rockfall and downstream it got too small. The second cave we named Howies Cave, and is situated behind his woolshed. We followed a larger stream than the first for 200 yards. The size ranged from 30 feet high to holes 18 inches in diameter. There was some quite nice wall formation in places. The roof got very low at the 200 yard mark, but he had to turn back because of time. This cave could be pushed further.

November 12^th: The monthly meeting of the H.T.G was held and Mr. J. Clegg showed slides and gave a talk on America.

November 15^th: L L.G Watson, B.Tonar, D.Lees and M.Partington went on a photographic trip to the upper level in Gardiners Gut.

November 22^nd: J.Hobson, J.Kendrick, N.Walters, B.Tonar, P.Dimond, N.Johnson, J.O’Fee, J.Sandford, Miss M.Partington and Miss J.Bullock. Went to Luckie Strike cave and set a plaque into the limestone above Frankton Junction to the memory of the late Peter Luckie. This plaque was donated by the members of the H.T.G. An unveiling ceremony will be held at a later date.

October 14^th: L.G Watson guided surveyors of the Lands and Survey Dept. To Hollow Hill cave to commence survey.

October 13^th: L.G Watson showed slides at a Ladies Night at the Combined Services Club.

Saturday December 5^th: H.T.G meeting in form of barbeque combined with TCG at Dimonds farmhouse at Waitomo.

2^nd January 1960: John Hobson and L.G Watson went to Luckie Strike to polish the plaque.

January 6^th: L.G Watson had a trip to Gardiners Gut taking with him the Cambridge Camera Club.

February 25^th: Thursday night. B.Tonar, L.G Watson, J.Kendrick, N.Walters and Miss J.Bullock plus a few friends photograph the Tourist Cave at Waitomo.

April Monthly meeting John Hobson showed slides and gave a talk on caving on Mt. Arthur in the South Island and other members showed new caving slides.

May 5^th: Dr Palmer gave a talk on Egypt at the monthly meeting. L.G Watson also gave a demonstration on how to make slide titles.

June 8^th: The monthly meeting was held and Mr.Colin Bell from Rotorua gave a talk on Adult Education.

April 10-11: L.G Watson, B. Tonar and Miss V.Dimond met the Auckland Speler’s and went to Gardiners Gut to try a climbing pole. The result was a new upper level. On Sunday the new level was pushed another 500 yds.

April 19^th: L.G Watson gave a half hours talk to the Frankton Rotorua Club.

April 29: B.Tonar, Miss M.Partington, L. Fow, P.Dimond, D.Lee, L.G.Watson and C.Bell went to Peter Lambert Passage in G.Gut. After roping down to the main drain we made our exit down stream.

May 3^rd: L.G Water gave a talk and showed slides to the Youth Hostels Association.

June 5^th: L.G Watson, B. Timmins, P.Heaslify, D.Lee and J.Pennifett paid a visit to Luckie Strike.

July 7^th: B.Jones past President of the Waikato Photgraphy Society gave a talk on photography at the monthly meeting if the H.T.G.

August 4^th: Mr. E Hopkinson gave a talk of his world tour at the monthly meeting H.T.G.

August 14^th: B.Tonar, D.Lee, Miss M.Partington, L.Fow, J.Sandford, Dr. B Archibald, Miss A.Low and a visitor paid a visit to Hallow Hill to photograph.

1960 Annual General Meeting of the H.T.G

Held at the Cathedral Tennis Club Pavilion 8 September 1960.

Present: Mr and Mrs Hobson, L.G Watson, B.Tonar, P.Barrett, B.Wood, J.Sandford, B.Timmins, D.Lees, L.Fow, P.Dimond, J.O’Fee, Miss J.Bullock, Miss A Low, J.Kendrick, G.Yates, A.Bieleski, J.Pennikett, C.G Hunt and 3 visitors.

Business: Minutes of the last A.G.M were read and confirmed. The balance sheet was presented and confirmed.

Election of Offices:

• President: J.Hobson
• Club Captain: P.Dimond
• Vice President: P.Barrett
• Secretary/Treasurer: B.Tonar
• Equipment Officer: B.Tonar
• Liaison Officer: NZSS J.Hobson, P.Barrett.

General Business: L.G Watson moved that the sec write a letter to the Nelson Spaleo Group and wish them the best of luck, sconded by l.Fow. J.Hobson moved that new members should keep a log book of the caves visited, the date, the Leader, and the reason for the visit and present them to the committee when the 100 hours were up. L.Fow seconded it.

P.Barrett proposed that the club should hold an official trip every two months. This was seconded by J.Sandford. All were in favour. It was then discussed about putting a notice of the club’s activities in a shop window. Miss J.Bullock said she would approach Canns Sports shop to see if they would display a notice. There being no more business for further consideration the meeting closed at 9.5 pm.

After the meeting C.G. Hunt spoke on his Xmas trip up North and Mr F.Tonar screened a movie film of the caves in the Te Kuiti district.

Wednesday 19^th October: B.Tonar, J.Fow, Miss J.Bullock, Miss A.Low and B.Archibald left Hamilton at 5.45pm for Virginia Cave. By 9pm everyone was down the ladder and the sightseeing bgan. After a late supper the Blacks had kindly left us we set off for home. Arriving Hamilton at 3.30am.

Sunday 2^nd October: B.Tonar supported bu other H.T.G members led a bus load of 19 Waikato Tramping Club bods to Gardner’s Gut.

Sunday 18^th September: A large party from H.T.G went to Gardner’s Gut where some photographed and others explored.

Thursday 13^th October:The monthly meeting of the H.T.G was held on the 13^th October at the Cathedral Tennis Club Pavilion at 8pm. 18 members attended.

Business: The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. B.Timmins proposed that a notice be sent to members who had joined the H.T.G in the last six months explaining to them how to keep a log book and the purpose of a log book for the 1^st 100 hours. L.G Watson seconded the proposal.

Representatives for the NZSS council were called, P.Barrett nominated P.Dimond and was seconded by P.Heaslip. It was proposed that the official cave trip be held on Sunday 30^th October for Rumbling Gut Cave, the leader, J.Hobson. It was also proposed that notices be sent to all members concerning this trip.

A discussion was then held on certificates for 100 hours caving. A show of hands showed that the majority were for certificates and another show of hands showed the majority were for paying for them out of their own pocket. It was proposed that H.T.G badges were for sale to those having done 100 hours caving. The business part of the meeting closed at 9pm. The secretary of Alcoholics Anonymous gave the H.T.G a very interesting talk on his life doings.

Sunday 11^th September: John and Daphne Hobson, L.Fow, Miss P.Watson and P.Dimond found a new entrance to Urenui Cave on Dimond’s farm. It was down a 100ft tomo along a 23 yd wet passage and down a 12 chimney into the main stream. Just above Logan’s Joy. This entrance was christened “Prickly Pot” after John had forced his way along a very narrow passage covered with coral like formation. An easy way was later found over this. A 50 ft side stream passage was also found.

October 24^th: John and Daphne Hobson and P.Dimond investigated two tomoros on Davis Bros. Property, Fullerton Road. The first tomo was a large one about 100 feet deep and a very small stream was running down it. After 200 yds of cave the stream lumped. The passage was quite high in places, about 10ft wide and covered in mud. Large numbers of eels were present and so the name – Eel Rift. The second tomo about 30ft deep had a large stream flowing down it, we followed the stream 80 yards until stopped by a waterfall over 30ft down. When we came out Daphne, she had found another cave. We entered it by a muddy crawl to find a 700yd large cave but there was evidence of exploration before us. The waterfall stream flowed through this cave.

Sunday 30^th October: The official trip of the H.T.G was held and 14 members turned up and went through Rumbling Gut. In the afternoon ladder practices were held in the waterfall toot on Wildman;s property.

The monthly meeting of the H.T.G was held at the Cathedral Tennis Club Pavilion on Nov 10^th. 27 members and friends attended.

Business: The minutes of the Oct meeting were read and confirmed. A letter was read out from the Waikato Museum Society asking for a representative from H.T.G for their committee. L. Watson nominated Mrs. Hobson and Miss Bullock seconded it. There being no more business three gents from the Underwater Spear Fishing Club then entertained is with talks and slides and a display of aqualung diving equipment.

The monthly meeting of the H.T.G was held at the Cathedral Tennis Club Pavilion on Dec 8^th at 8pm.

Business: The minutes of the Nov. meeting were read and confirmed.

It was brought to the attention of the meeting that Les Kermode was selling scaled down copies of the H.T.G maps at 2/6 each. It was generally thought that it was unfair to H.T.G as it was spoiling our sales. John Hobson moved that the Secretary write to Les explaining the situation and asking if H.T.G could share in the profits of these sales.

Len Wylde then asked members to return all caving equipment by Sunday 11^th Dec as he wished to take it down to nelson. John Hobson then told members of a small tape recording he made at I.X.H but he was not sure if it would be used or not.

L.G Watson then explained to ise of his Luckie Dip Roster to see who would wash up after supper. It was later named the Unluckie Dip.

There being no more business two films were then shown to wind up the evening.

The monthly meeting of the H.T.G was held at the Cathedral Tennis Club Pavilion on the 9^th March 1961.

There was some discussion on blowing the natural bridge in Gardner’s Gut to stop tourists passing this point, The general feeling was that it should be done.

The official H.T.G cave trip was arranged for Easter Sat to Warren’s Self Respect, leader P.Dimond.

The President explained to members about being incorp. To the Society and it now appears that all members have to pay their NZSS sub as well as H.T.G sub, however bulletins are still optional.

John Hobson announced that H.T.G badges are now available from the secretary for those having done their 100 hours underground at 5/- each.

Mr. V.W. Lake was made an honorary member and presented with a set of cave slides for the work he has done for the club. There being no more business, members showed their Xmas slides.

Members who have joined the club before 1960 may qualify for certificates without a log book.

The monthly meeting of the H.T.G was held at the Cathedral Tennis Club pavilion on Thursday 13th of April 1961 at 8 p.m.

Business: The minutes were read and confirmed.

John Hobson then spoke to members about the official club trips and said it was very disappointing not to see novices turning up as these trips were specially arranged for them. Cavers were also told that a natural bridge in Gardeners Gut is of no further use as it now lies in the bed of the stream in many pieces.

There was some discussion on having a club hut somewhere in the Te Kuiti district. Peter Barrett, then proposed that H.T.G should build a hut, it was then seconded by Mrs Hobson. All in favour.

LG Watson then proposed that the offices of H.T.G be also the hut committee and Peter Barrett, seconded it. P Heaslip said it was time that the club had its own measuring tape, seeing that we already had accomplice and proposed that the club would buy one. John Hobson, seconded it

Peter Dimond congratulated Mr Watson on his fine effort with the newsletter, which was well received by all members. There being no more business. Our guest speaker, Mr M Rasoreti gave a talk on Maori welfare.

The monthly meeting of the H.T.G was held at the Historical Society Rooms in Bryce Street on Thursday fourth of May 1961.

Business:

The minutes were read and confirmed. John Hobson. Then produced a new tape bought by the club and said it was free of equipment fees if it was returned, clean and in good order. As regards to the club hut that Peter to demand said he had inspected, a Ministry of works hut on Mr Haggus’s property at Waitomo. The specifications of the hut being 20' x 20' with a 7'6" stud, lined with pinex, lino on floors, painted inside and out, wired for 230 volts and a roof of corrugated fibrelite. He said Mr Haggus might sell to the club for about £30. It was proposed by Peter Dimond and seconded by Ian Stanford that the hut committee investigate the Haggus hut and a suitable make an offer to Mr Haggus.

The official club trip was then arranged to go to Luckie Strike on Sunday 21st of May.

There being no more business, Mr Boyd then gave an illustrated talk on light and colour.

The monthly meeting of the H.T.G was held at the Historical Society rooms in Bryce Street on Thursday first of June 1961.

Business:

The minutes were read and confirmed. The President then went on to say that the last official club trip to Luckie Strike was a great success as about 30 bods turned up. He hoped future trips would be the same. L Fow proposed that the next official trip be to the Lost World Cave, and this was seconded by J Pennikett. The date was fixed for the first Sunday in July. John Hobson then told members that the hut committee had decided to purchase the Haggus hut for £40. Mr Haggus had asked if the plug could move it as soon as possible. John then asked the cavers if they would give one day of the long weekend to work on the hut to dig the piles out.

The giant slide evening was then discussed and volunteers were called for, for various jobs. Russell English then asked if we could select a group of slides that he could get copied so we could sell to the public. The profit being 50% on 100 seats. It was decided to leave it till the next meeting for discussion. Mr LG Watson then offered a vote of thanks to the Royal Society for the use of the cups for our meeting and also for two guineas donation. Members John Hobson, also gave a vote of thanks to Don Coates for a donation of one pound. Members were then called on to give a brief account of their recent caving activities. The guest speaker, Mr Bill Cole then showed slides of Spain and around Europe.

The monthly meeting of the H.T.G was held at the Historical rooms in Bryce Street on Thursday, 6 July 1961.

The minutes were read and confirmed. All members were in favour that the committee should decide when and if the colour slides should be copied and sold. The President then told members that the last official trip to the lost world was quite a success, but the attendance was not as good as previous trips. The survey team survey it as far as the waterfall under very wet conditions.

John then called for a work party to put in piles for the hut on Sunday ninth of July. The secretary gave a report of the club finances, Peter Barrett then told members that he was doing research on Gypsum and asked members if they would forward the name of any cave where this was found. Mr LG Watson then spoke on the giant film evening held by H.T.G and said what a great success it was. He also offered a vote of thanks to the Tonar family for their help.

There being no more business, Mr Jim Halley gave a very interesting talk on whaling in Antarctica.

August meeting of H.T.G.

The monthly meeting of H.T.G was held at the Historical Society Rooms Bryce Street on Thursday, August 3, 1961.

The minutes were read and confirmed. The President said he had a request from Auckland and Nelson for a loan of the ladder dies, and this should bring another two pound to the club.

A letter from Tom Campbell said he hoped to get a friend to bring out from England some Carbide lamps which he would sell for 15/- each. J Hobson said that the club had now paid for the hut and now was the time to think about shifting at. The big shift was arranged for the weekend of the 12th and 13th of August and if time permitted a trip to the Burr cave. J Hobson spoke on the S.A.R for some club members who got lost near Waipuna. He said that it was only a matter of a few hours after they were reported lost that a party from Hamilton found them. The lost members in appreciation of what was done, donated a first aid kit for the hut. Mr Watson then offered a vote of thanks for the donation of the first aid kit. Discussion on the expenses for future SAR operations then followed. Mr Watson then moved that toll calls in picture expenses be met by the club. Pete Barrett, then seconded it. All were in favour.

There being no more business, Mr Devine then spoke on life at Waikeria prison.

1961 Annual General Meeting of the Hamilton Tomo Group.

Held at the Historical Society Rooms on 7 September 1961.

Present: P. Barrett, A Bielsky, Mr and Mrs Hobson, Mr and Mrs L Fow, a Kennedy, J Penniket, P German, W Anderson, T O’Fee, Miss J Bullock, LG Watson, Miss M Dunn, Miss P McManus, D Pryce, are single town, V Lake, CG, Hunt, B Tonar, J Sanford.

Apologies: A Wesley, P Lawless, C Bell, P Bennetts.

In and in the minutes were read and confirmed. Moved by LG Watson seconded P Dimond.

Presidents report.

The president reported a very successful year, and a number of firsts for the club. We were the first group to own a hut, the first to find the deepest shaft on the North island, the first to find the longest underground waterfall, the first to climb the right-hand tomo in Gardener’s Gut. We also had the best set of tackle and the best set of cave maps. The President also said how very successful the official trips were and it was very gratifying to see how members helped to raise money for the hut program. The President said from the social side of the club we made an excellent move in moving to larger rooms and it was amazing the large assortment of speakers we have had.

Election of Officers.

• President: J Hobson - moved P Barrett seconded J Penniket
• Vice President: - J Penniket - moved P Barrett seconded Mrs Hobson.
• P Barrett - moved LG Watson seconded J Penniket
• Club Captain: P Dimond - moved J Hobson seconded J Bullock.
• Sec/ Treas: B Tonar moved, L Watson seconded J Penniket
• Equipment officer: J Hobson - moved P Barrett, seconded P Dimond.

General business.

L Fow was then presented with the first qualified certificate. Mr LG Watson said he thought it would be nice to elect one or two persons who had helped the club to the office of Patron. He then nominated Mr C.G Hunt, Mr F.Tonar and Mr G Dimond. P. Barrett seconded, all were in favour.

The official trip was then arranged the Sunday 17th of September, to visit Mr Hughes’ coalmine. Mr Watson then called the material for the NZSS bulletin and said the next bulletin would be properly printed and may even have photos.

The balance sheet was presented and passed. Moved Watson seconded Pennekit.

Cave maps were then discussed and it was suggested that a full list and prices be published in the HT Griff. Mr J Pennekit said he would look into the matter of printing them. It was decided by the members that they would leave the designing and purchase of building materials for the H.T.G hut to the committee. It was also the general feeling of all members that a peaked roof should be placed on the huts.

There being no more business for further consideration. The meeting closed at 9:45 p.m.

The monthly meeting of the H.T.G was held at the Historical Society Rooms in Bryce Street on Thursday, 5 October 1961.

Business:

The minutes were read and confirmed. Moved Watson seconded Dimond.

When the President told members that Frank Walton had donated some bus seats for the H.T.G hut. The secretary was asked to write to Tokoroa and accept two sinks and the seats for the La-La. John then told members that to put a peaked roof and top floor in the H.T.G hut would cost approximately £85. But a flat roof and floor would cost approximately £34. P Dimond moved that we abandon the peak roof and put a flat roof on, seconded D Hobson, all in favour. Labour Day was fixed for a working party on the H.T.G hut. Also, 28 October.

The first Wednesday in November was fixed for Te Kuiti film show. The president suggested that members show 30 cave slides every meeting to help bring back a caving atmosphere to the meetings. LG Watson moved that a letter of appreciation be sent to T Hughes for conducting the club around the mine. Seconded W Anderson. LG Watson moved that a list of official trips for the year be sent out to all members also a list of members of the H.T.G, seconded L Diggle. It was decided that two phone numbers be circulated to members who might want information as regards to trips. J Pennekit and B Tonar volunteered to do this job. There being no more business, F. Coulter then gave an interesting talk on Australia.

The monthly meeting of the H.T.G was held at the Historical Society Rooms in Bryce Street on Thursday, 2 November 1961.

The minutes of the October meeting were read and confirmed, moved Lawless, seconded Watson.

A working party was arranged for 4 November to lay the floor in the hut. Len Wylde, then read a letter from the Southern Caving Group, reporting on their activities. LG Watson then read a letter from Ron Scarlet requesting Moa bones etc. Mr Scarlett requested in particular that he would very much like a new cranium and beak. Peter Dimond, then read out a list of requirements for the hut and asked if members could help supply anything. Lyn Diggle moved that a gift or something be presented to the Dimonds at the hut opening or at the Christmas party in appreciation for all they have done for us. D Hobson's seconded. All in favour. Jo Bullock then offered the use of her place for the December meeting, all were in favour. The H.T.G Christmas party was then arranged for Saturday night ninth of December, the night before the official trip to Millers waterfall at the H.T.G hut.

Members were then called for accounts of their last trips. John Hobson then gave us the story of the Ringlefall cave.

There being no more business for further consideration, the business side of the meeting closed at 9:30 p.m.

The monthly meeting of the H.T.G was held at the Historical Society Rooms in Bryce Street on Thursday first February 1962.

The minutes of the November meeting were read and confirmed, moved, seconded Fow.

Apologies: Mr and Mrs Hobson.

A discussion on the H.T.G hut then followed. John Kendrick said he would ask Paul Jensen of the Waikato tramping club if he would wire the hut for us. Don Copeland said he was prepared to pay half the expense for the Pinex if somebody was prepared to pay the other half. John Kendrick, then volunteered to pay the other half. Jim Pennekit then moved a vote of thanks to Don and John, and it was then seconded by the meeting with great applause. After much discussion about the official cave trip, it was decided for a weekend trip to Millers and Virginia on the weekend after the March meeting. Len Wilde moved that we have a working party on February 17th to the 18th seconded by P Pennekit. Then there being no more business members, then showed slides of the Christmas holidays.

The monthly meeting of the H.T.G was held at the Historical Society hall on Thursday 1st of March 1962.

The minutes of the February meeting were read and confirmed. Moved Pennekit, seconded Copeland.

Apologies: L Fow, P Lamlesss, and J, O Fee.

Mr LG Watson then read a letter from the Nelson group about their big expedition early next year. A long discussion then followed about members being covered by insurance against caving accidents. Mr LG Watson pointed out that it was usually the President and Secretary, who suffered in the case of the club being sued. Mr Watson then moved that the President and Secretary be covered by the club..Seconded Dimond, All in favour.

Peter diamond moved at a log book be left at the H.T.G hut. Seconded by Pennekit. Daphne Hobson, said she would donate one. The official trip was then fixed for Sunday eighth of April to the Burr Cave. Another official trip was also arranged for Easter weekend to visit Ernie’s Waterfall Cave.

There being no more business, Henry Lambert then gave a talk of his early caving days and the start of the Society.

The monthly meeting of the H.T.G was held at the Historical Society hall. Thursday, 5 April 1962.

The minutes of the March meeting were read and confirmed. Moved Copeland, seconded Mrs Hobson.

Apologies: P Lawless, J Pennekit, J Bullock.

J Hobson then spoke on insurance and asked if any members wish to be covered, would they hand their names into the secretary. The premium being 5/3p. LG Watson then read out a letter from the Nelson group about the Easter trip to the Fox River cave. J Hobson then called on members to donate to the gift for the Dimonds. Mr Hobson then started the donations by handing the Sec one pound. Don Copeland then said it was time the club had a mascot and he would like to move that the dog Mandy be the club mascot. B. Wilson's seconded. It was found by a show of hands that three were in favour and four were not in favour, the rest abstained. The motion was defeated.

There being no more business, Mr and Mrs Tonar then gave a talk and showed slides of their travels through Japan.

The monthly meeting of the H.T.G was held at the Historical Society hall on 3 May 1962.

The minutes of the April meeting were read and confirmed, moved Wylde, seconded Dimond. J Hobson then called for donations for the Dimond presentation.

LG Watson then read a letter from the Nelson group saying they had visited the Fox River cave. They found NZSS had an incorrect account of this cave in their bulletin. They also had found two more caves o the Buller River. A work party on the hut and the official cave trip was then arranged for the 12th and 13th of May.

P Dimond moved that a letter be sent to NZSS about the loss of our 220 foot nylon lifeline, and asked them to return the rope or send us the money to buy a new one. Seconded by L Wylde . P Dimond, then moved that the ladders be painted red that on the ends of the rungs so we might recognise our own ladders. Seconded L Wylde. J Pennekit moved that a primus be given to P Jensen in appreciation of the work he had done in the hut. Seconded D Hobson. The meeting closed with a talk from Mr Blake and Mr Watts on the National parks of New Zealand.

The monthly meeting of H.T.G was held at the Historical rooms on Thursday, 7 June 1962.

The minutes of the May meeting were read and confirmed. Moved J Pennekit and, seconded D Hobson.

J Hobson then told members that the Nelson is Speleo group had produced a book covering all the caving activities up to date, but he was not sure if this book is yet for sale. The president been called for final donations for the Dimond presentation. An outline of the official opening of the H.T.G hut was being given to the members with a lot of do’s and don'ts. It was decided to charge 2/- per head for supper at the evening party.

John then announced that the map of the St Benedicts caverns was now complete and is on sale at 4/- each. It was proposed by P. Heaslip that the official caving trip for June could be run to St Benedicts cave. Seconded J Pennekit. The date being the weekend of the 23rd 24th of June. John then decided that on the Saturday, he would blast the entrance to allow the more portly gentleman of the club to see this cave. On the Sunday, Mr and Mrs Haggis would be taken on a guided tour through St Benedict's. The meeting closed with slides and talk by Mr House on his experiments on Picain island.

The monthly meeting of H.T.G was held at the Historical Society Rooms on Thursday the 5 July 1962.

The minutes of the June meeting were read and confirmed. Moved D.Copeland, seconded P Lawless.

J Hobson then told members that St. Benedicts cave was now well opened up and anyone could descend wearing a pack. He also mentioned that he had not found out yet if the Nelson group had put the cave bulletin out the sale.

The Nelson group have decided to make their Christmas Mt Owen trip, the official NZSS trip for 29 December to 7 January.

The official cave trip to H.T.G four months of July and was cancelled, but the official trip for August was proposed to visit St Benedicts on Sunday the fifth.

The clubs 200 foot nylon lifeline was then produced and members were able to see what shocking condition it was in. It was then decided that John Hobson, display the rope at the next NZSS council meeting and request it to be replaced.

A small discussion then started on first aid equipment, etc, but it was decided to leave this until the August meeting. Don Copeland then got up and donated 5/- to ambulance fees.

Pat Lawless, then moved that the hut walls be amended so that day visitors pay something for the use of the amenities and suggested the hut committee arranged something to that effect. Seconded D. Copeland.

D Hobson proposed that LG Watson write a letter for the Golden Kiwi lottery, to see if they could lighten the financial problem of the club. Seconded J Bullock. The meeting closed with a small talk from Mr P Main on parachute jumping and skydiving.

The monthly meeting of the H.T.G was held at the Historical Society Rooms on 2 August 1962.

The minutes of the July meeting were read and confirmed. Moved Mrs Hobson, seconded P Dimond.

John Hobson told members that the last council meeting. They had decided to replace the 200 foot nylon lifeline, and it would appear the old lifeline would be chopped up into short lengths and sold at the NZSS AGM to help pay for the new one.

John then announced a few items of interest they being: ASG have now bought a bus.

Judy Kershaw was coming up in the near future and may have the Nelson cave bulletins with her for sale.

The NZSS AGM was now on 8 September. The official drop this month was to St Benedicts cave on Sunday the fifth. Mr Watson then told members he was trying to arrange a debate with Tokoroa next year.

He also said he had a phone call from Mr Bullock, who had made an offer of a heating system for our hut. Mr Bullock said it was his appreciation to members who helped his daughter in the time of need. The only details Mr Watson, head, was it would hate the hut and also hot water for showers, but we would have to raise about £45 for installation. L Fow proposed that we write a letter of thanks to Mr Bullock for his offer and that we look into it to see what the unit is and the running costs etc. All were in favour. It was decided that the Secretary try to purchase Carbide lamps for the club. All were in favour.

Apologies were received from:

Dr Valhenburg and P Bennetts.

There being no more business the meeting closed with slides and talk from Mr Roy Loggi on the Antarctic.

1962 Annual General Meeting of the Hamilton Tomo Group.

Held at the Historical Society Rooms on 6 September 1962.

Present: B Wilson, D Copeland,, M Oettli, L Barrett, J Pennekit, P Dimond, J Bullock,, T O’Fee, D Hobson, M. Dimond, V. Lake, D Pryce, L Watson, C.G. Hunt, J Hobson, B Tonar and three visitors.

Apologies: were received from: J Kendrick, P Barrett, P Bennetts, P Lawless,A Bieleski, P Heaslip.

Minutes of the last Annual General Meeting were read and confirmed. Moved J Pennekit and seconded J O’Fee.

The balance sheet was then presented and passed. Moved L Fow, seconded L Watson.

The president then gave a summary of the past year's activities.

Election of officers:

Patrons: C. G. Hunt, F Tonar, C Dimond. Proposed: J Hobson, seconded LG Watson.

President: J Hobson proposed L Watson, seconded P Dimond.

Vice presidents: J Pennekit, proposed D Copeland, seconded P Dimond. P Dimond, proposed J Pennekit, seconded J Bullock.

Sec/Treas: the Tonar, proposed J Hobson, seconded T’Fee.

…………… could send and the weight of it. It was decided to send all the gear except 100 ft nylon lifeline. This year would have to be sent in early December. J Hobson then told members that J Pybus had sent to large photos to H.T.G and one large photo to Mr Haggus. It was proposed to send a letter of thanks to the J Pybus.

It was proposed by D Hobson that the club frame these photos. Seconded J Kendrick. LG Watson then offered to frame the photos if the club provided the material, Mr Hunt then offered to pay for the materials.

It was proposed to buy two bags of cement and leave in the club hut, so if someone had nothing to do, they could start to excavate an eight foot wide stretch along the side of the hut and lay concrete for the shower box etc.,.

D Copeland then gave us an idea of the expense involved in running a club, ball or dance, but owing to the expense involved LG Watson proposed we abandon the idea and have a Christmas party in the hut. Seconded by D Hobson. The Christmas party was arranged for 1 December and that the committee is seen to the necessary catering. All were in favour.

Mrs D Hobson proposed that the official trip be held once every two months. Seconded D Copeland. It was carried by one vote, the rest abstained. P Barrett moved that the official trip then be arranged by popular vote at the meeting. Seconded by P Dimond. H.T.G representatives to NZSS were then elected.

J Hobson, moved J Pennekit, seconded P Barrett.

B Tonar, moved J Hobson, seconded D Hobson.

It was agreed at the meeting for J Hobson to purchase helmets from Plastic Products for the club. There being no more business the meeting closed with J Kendrick showing slides and films of little barrier island.

The monthly meeting of the H.T.G was held at the Historical Society Rooms on Thursday, 1 November 1962.

The minutes of the October meeting were read and confirmed. Moved D Copeland and seconded J Pennekit.

P Dimond said the insurance agents had not yet had a look at the hut and that he would go in and stir them up. LG Watson said he had written to Auckland about our 200 foot lifeline and Auckland said it was already on order. J Hobson proposed that the club by about 230 feet of terra line for tiebacks. P Dimond, seconded. All were in favour. T O’Fee, then offered to see if he could get it at Te Kuiti, at wholesale rates.

J Hobson then showed members a plastic hat as a sample of what he could get the club. It was then agreed that John would spend up to £10 for these hats. The official trip for the month was then arranged for Sunday fourth of November, to visit Waipuna. There being no more business the meeting closed at 10:15 p.m.

The monthly meeting of the H.T.G was held at the Historical Society of all on November 6, 1962.

The minutes were read and confirmed. Moved T O’Fee and seconded D Copeland. J Hobson said that the 200 foot lifeline had arrived and the club have now purchased 200 feet of Terelene for tiebacks and these had been sent to Nelson with the rest of the gear. John also said he had managed to get 12 plastic hats with the inside fitting, but no plastic buttons to hold them together.

Hut fees for large parties was being discussed P Lawless moved that the max hut fees for large parties be £2.10 shillings. This was seconded by D Copeland. All were in favour.

The official trip was arranged for a trip to Rumbling Gut. There being no more business, Mr LG Watson ran an evening of fun and games.

The monthly meeting of the H.T.G was held at the Historical Society Rooms on February 6^th 1963.

The minutes were read and confirmed. Moved D Copeland and seconded R English.

John Hobson then told members that the new 200 feet lifeline was not nylon and could not be used in cold temperatures. John said he would look into the matter and have more news next meeting.

It was announced that there were two waste loops for sale at GT A foot, and that anyone requiring plastic hats, minus the inside fitting to see John. John Copeland then asked the club members if he could start a school to train novices on ladders, rope work and also arrange a small test for novices to pass before going on exploration trips.

He said he had also written to the town clerk to see if the garden place wall or the old water tower could be used for the ladder work. When this was put to the meeting all were in favour for Don to go ahead. The club then gave John permission to purchase another 2cwt of Carbide.

The official club trip was then arranged to visit the blowhole on Sunday night. There being no more business. The members then showed slides of their holiday activities.

The monthly meeting of the HTG was held at the Historical Society rooms on March 7, 1963.

The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. Moved P Dimond and seconded D Copeland.

John Hobson then told members that all the gear was back from Nelson and that there was no news from NZSS about our new lifeline, also, that he had tried industrial gas company for Carbide, but at the moment Carbide was not available. Don Copeland then gave a brief report about his training school for cavers and said he would like to see some more novices attending. Don then asked the guides, for Karamu as he was taking a Bible class through and there were no volunteers.

John Kendrick then proposed the official trip for the Black caves at Taumatamaine for the weekend 16-17 March meeting at Hangatiki at 8 a.m. A working party on the hut was then arranged for Sunday 24th of March.

L.G Watson then produced a box of J Pybus’s black and white enlargements of various caves. Members could buy these if they wished. P Dimond moved that the club by NZSS bulletins volumes 1 and two and get them bound for the hut library. Daphne Hobson seconded it and the majority of members were in favour. J Hobson said he would see Pam about the bookcase for the hut. There being no more business, Mr G Corbett then gave a talk on the Youth Hostel Association.

The monthly meeting of the HTG was held at the Historical Society rooms on April 4, 1963.

The minutes of the March meeting were read and confirmed. Moved R English, seconded J Kendrick.

John and told members that we now had 2 cut of Carbide and he had seen Pam about the bookcase and drawn up a plan. Pam said that she would contact cabinetmaker in Cambridge and see about the construction. It was decided to keep the bookcase locked and HTG members could obtain key from P.Dimond.

It was announced that we now have the new 200’ lifeline and Carbide lamps with a sale at 35 /-each. John said the last work party was quite successful and the framework of the above box was finished, the roof on, and the 200 gallon tank in position.

J Kendrick then gave a brief account of the official caving trip to Taumatamaine. The trip was not quite successful as the cave was not found, but John said on a more recent trip cave had been located and looked into, but not quite fully explored.

It was also decided to take part in Waikato scientific Association display on the 15th and 16th may.

D Copeland said he had received a letter from the City Council about the use of the old water tower for ladder work. The council would let us use the tower if we got our solicitor to draw up an indemnity against any accident or damage arising from our use of the building. The secretary was then instructed to contact Mr P Bennetts on this matter.

It was announced that a brother Nicolas was visiting New Zealand and wish to study bugs etc in our caves. Arriving on 19 June he will give a talk in Auckland. Arrangements for these trips will be made at a later meeting.

J Hobson told members that 1XH was interested to know about any special trip or exploration taking place as they could use this information on their local news.

D Copeland announced the next training schools caves would be the first Saturday after Easter at the fire station. The official club trip was then arranged for 7 April to explore the balcony shafts. Discussion then followed on membership cards. L Diggle moved that seeing NZSS issued a card. There was not much point in HTG doing the same and HTG should discontinue membership cards. Jim Penniket seconded it. All were in favour. There being no more business, the meeting closed with a talk in slides on gliding.

The monthly meeting of the HTG was held at the Historical Society rooms on May 2, 1963.

The minutes of the April meeting were read and confirmed will stop. Moved by J.Penniket seconded D Hobson.

Apologies were received from P Bennetts.

LG Watson said he had seen a solicitor and had a letter drafted out to centre the City Council about the use of the old water tower for ladder practices etc. John Hobson then called for volunteers to help with the scientific display to be held on the 15th to 16 May. Seven members volunteered to help.

John Hobson then gave a brief account of the last official trip to balcony shaft.

A letter from Ian Campbell was then read out, Tom said he could get stainless steel cable for ladders at 1/2 a foot, but seeing as the club had no funds John said the matter should be left to a later date. LG Watson then announced he had some of J Pybus's photos the sale at 1/-each.

The official trip to May was then arranged to go to Johnson's property in Waitomo prospecting. There being no more business the meeting closed with a demonstration of Judo.

The monthly meeting of the HTG was held at the Historical Society rooms on June 6, 1963.

The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. Moved L Frow and seconded D Copeland.

The Secretary then explained about the £30,000 insurance policy that the club would have to take out to indemnify themselves in the City Council against accidents on the old water tower, if this was used for ladder practices. D Copeland proposed that we abandon the idea as the club was not in a good financial position and the fire station tower was not so bad after all, as no finance was required. This was seconded by J Kendrick, all were in favour.

A letter was then read out from the Waikato Museum Society asking us to nominate one of our members for the Council. J Hobson proposed L Frow, and this was seconded by D Hobson. J

Hobson then told members about an idea of taking large amounts of cave slides to make up into sets to sell, but the C.Shaw said it would be much simpler to copy slides from members sets. Colin said he would bring some sample copies to the next meeting for members to judge the quality.

Mr Watson then welcomed members from Tokoroa Caving Group. The official trip was then arranged for June 16 to take new members to Rumbling Gut cave. There being no more business, members were then entertained by Ron Scarlet from the Canterbury Museum.

The monthly meeting of the HTG was held at the Historical Society rooms on during the July 4th 1963.

The minutes of the June meeting were read and confirmed, moved D Hobson and seconded LG Watson.

John said that Colin Shaw had diminished show of slides around at his house to let John see the difference between copies and originals. John said that in some cases the copies were better than the originals, and that this system used to make the copies could be used by H.T.G in making up sets to sell. At the moment Colin is making up a copying gadget for his camera and this could be used on other members cameras with the same fitting. Lyn Diggle had donated a 35MM colour film for our first effort.

Don Copeland said he had given the police 82 feet of club ladder for the search and rescue for the missing SkyLiner. Members said they had no objection.

LG Watson moved the club buy the Carbide lamp off in Walters and end raffle it. Seconded by D Hobson. The official trip was arranged for Sunday, 14 July to St Bens, but on Saturday the 13th work party on the hut was arranged.

Apologies were received from J Kendrick and Peter Clarke.

LG Watson moved the members give a 5 min talk on caving at each meeting. L Frow, seconded it. All were in favour, except a loud no from T O’Fee.

P. Demand and P Barrett then gave an account of how John Ash fell 12 feet and St. Ben. There being no more business, Mr Hunt gave us a very interesting talk on archaeology and members showed their latest cave in slides.

The monthly meeting of the HTG was held at the Historical Society rooms on Thursday 1^st of August 1963.

The minutes of the July meeting were read and confirmed. Moved D Hobson, seconded J Kendrick.

John said the official trip to St Bens was very successful as a new upper level was found. The work party on the hut has made the shower usable but there is still quite a lot of work to be done yet.

Colin Shaw reported that he had sent the gadget for copying slides to Algie Watson to try, and Algie reported that he had used a but the slides were still in his camera.

John then on behalf of the members congratulated him on his engagement. It was announced that the Sec had sets of cave slides for sale at one pound per set .Don Copeland said that next Saturday, he would take a school for novices at the fire station and he would like to see a few more attend.

Colin Shaw then asked for permission on behalf of the SAR if the ladders could be used for the work if the need should arise. All members were in favour.

There being no more business, L Diggle, then showed slides in New Guinea and J Kendrick put on a movie film on caving.

1963 Annual General Meeting of the Hamilton Tomo Group.

Held at the Historical Society rooms on the 4 September 1963.

Present: J Pinnock, it, Peter Barrett and wife, M Oittle, I.Standford, B Daysh, P Clark, V Watson, L Barrett, G McDonald, V Lake, LG Watson, C G. Hunt, D Green, J Kendrick, L Harrison, T O’Fee P Dimond, C Shaw, Miss C.Johnstone, Mr and Mrs J Hobson, P Lawless, and B Tonar.

There were no apologies

Minutes of the last Annual General Meeting were read and confirmed, moved J Pennekit , seconded D Copeland.

The balance sheet for the year ending August 1963, was being presented and passed, moved C. Shaw, seconded P Lawless. The President then gave a summary of the past year's activities.

Election of officers.

Patrons

• Mr C.G. Hunt
• Mr C. Dimond.
• Mr F. Tonar.
• J Hobson proposed that these be re-elected, seconded D Hobson.
• President: J Hobson . Moved L Watson, seconded J Pennekit

Vice President's:

• P Dimond, moved T O’Fee, seconded J Pennekit
• J Pennekit, moved J Hobson, seconded P Barrett.
• I Stanford, moved D Copeland, seconded L Fow

Pat Lawless moved that the club have three vice presidents, seconded by C Shaw. There were 17 for and six against.

• Secretary/Treasurer: B Tonar, proposed J Hobson, seconded D Hobson.
• Club Captain: L Fow, proposed D Copeland, seconded Sanford.
• Equipment Officers: J Hobson, proposed P Lawless, seconded D Hobson.
• Training Officer: D Copeland prop posed J Hobson, seconded, P Dimond.
• Hut Officer Custodian: P Dimond proposed T O’Fee, seconded J Pennekit

Representatives to NZSS: B Tonar moved D Copeland, seconded J Pennekit, J Hobson, moved T O’Fee, seconded L. Fow, P Barrett, moved P Dimond, seconded D Hobson.

Business:

The secretary reported that the rope which the police instructed the club to buy was on the way. LG Watson showed some slides which he duplicated with Colin Shaw’s gadget. John said it was now up to the committee to go ahead with the idea of duplicated slides for sale.

Colin Shaw moved a vote of thanks to the farmers at Taurmatimirie, for what they had done for us. Seconded by J Kendrick. Algy reminded members of the AGM of the NZSS and Auckland on September 14^th..

A discussion on subscriptions and then followed and finally P Dimond moved subs be the same as last year. Seconded D Copeland. There were three members who objected. There being no more business for further consideration, the meeting closed with a talk from one of our patrons Mr CG. Hunt.

The monthly meeting of the HTG was held at the historical Society rooms on Thursday, October 3, 1963.

The minutes of the August meeting were read and confirmed, moved LG Watson, and seconded I Sanford.

The official trip for the month was arranged for a working party in the Hut to complete the shower box on Sunday, 6 October. It was announced that the training school for cavers would be held at the fire station at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday fifth of October. John said the bookcase for the hut was now finished and only the lock had to be fitted. The only problem left was to transport it to Waitomo. Mr P Clark, senior said he would be able to take it down to Waitomo.

Mr LG Watson then said he would like guides to help him conduct a party of girls on the weekend of the 19th and 20th of October. There being no further business the meeting closed with a sound slideshow of the Milford track by Mr A Bryce.

The monthly meeting of the HTG was held in the historical Society rooms on Thursday seventh of November 1963

The minutes of the October meeting were read and confirmed, moved P Dimond and seconded T O’Fee.

John said the bookcase had now the lock fitted and was being transported down to the hut on 8 November. He also showed members. The engraved plaque to go on the front of the bookcase.

It was announced at the meeting that Mr LG Watson was about to leave us as he was shifting to New Plymouth. John said Algy had done a great deal of work for the club and was a foundation member, and it was the wish of members that he be made an honorary life member.

Volunteers were then called for editor of the Griff. P Dimond said he would do it, providing members helped to gather the information and forward it to him.

The official trip for the month was then arranged any members wanting a caving trip could help Algy and his gang of girls on the ninth and 10th of November. The President then showed a picture taken from a magazine of a lot of monkeys smashing up the cave. P Dimond moved that the picture be framed and hung in the hut. Seconded J Sanford.

Algy then suggested that a ASG comedown for the next meeting for a debate on caving. All were in favour. There being no more business, the meeting closed with two five-minute talks, new slides and housie.

The monthly meeting of the HTG was held in the historical society rooms on Thursday fifth of December 1963.

The minutes of the November meeting were read and confirmed, moved D Hobson, seconded D Copeland.

Apologies were received from Len Wylde.

He and read out a letter from Auckland lawyer and it appears that the first threat of legal action following a cave accident is being investigated. Peter diamond said he replied to the letter, and although this did not concern the tomo group, we should take heed.

John says he had a letter from a young man from Palmerston North, who wants to do a caving trip at Waitomo during the Christmas holidays. John asked members who might be doing the trip and could take him to see John.

John also reminded members that a ”do” for Jim was on 6 December at 24 Glenview Road.

L Fow then gave a report from the Museum Society. He said the society had got the land for the Museum and the museum was designed to lecture rooms with projector and screen etc. The secretary then gave the club's financial report for the month. This was then followed by a discussion on hut fees and the cost of power. It was finally agreed to help with the hut fees the same.

A discussion, then followed on whether the club should have a social committee to arrange the club's monthly meetings, Colin Shaw moved that the committee should attend to these matters. This was seconded I Sanford. It was then arranged that the committee should always meet at 7:30 p.m. or an hour before the main monthly meeting. There being no more business the meeting closed with members slides and housie.

The monthly meeting of the HTG was held in the historical society rooms on Thursday sixth of February 1964.

The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed, moved, L Fow, seconded D Hobson.

Apologies were received from: L Barrett, J Pennekit and W Anderson.

Logan Fow said he was running the official trip on the weekend of the eighth and ninth of February to Waipuna and Uranui cave, anyone interested to see him after the meeting.

At this stage, the president welcomed the new faces to the meeting. Several letters were then read out from members etc, these were later handed to the Griff editor.

Don Copeland then announced that the training school would be in operation next Saturday at 1:30 p.m., Don invited the new faces at the meeting to come along.

There being no more business, the meeting closed with members holiday slides.

Members list 1956-57

Peter Luckie.

Stan Winshaw

Vic Goodin

Lyn Diggle.

Neil McPike.

Lewis Vause

Ron Simpson.

Ted Payne.

Bob Goodin

Neville Kane

John Kendrick.

Geoff Wilson.

Noel Johnson.

Barbara McHaffie.

Brian Crawford.

Jim McGill.

Jackie Baker.

Tony Ryan.

Bill Dingle.

Maurice Beale.

John Hobson.

Warren Blake

Peter J. Barrett

Ewen Tonar.

Byrne Tonar.

List of HTG financial members.

John Kendrick.

John Hobson.

Mrs Daphne Hobson.

Byrne Tonar.

Neville Walters.

Algie Watson (life member)

Paul Bennetts.

Logan Fow.

Peter Dimond

Miss J Bullock.

Tom O’Fee.

Russell English

Mrs Pam Luckie.

Miss Vivian Dimond.

Anatol Bieloski.

Arthur Wesley

Maurice Beale.

Dick Singleton.

Lyn Diggle.

Len Wylde.

Leicester Barrett.

Max Oettli.

Van Watson

Bruce McGregor.

Ron, A Summers.

Mr and Mrs Barry Daysh.

Don Brace

Horrie Nation.

John Ash.

Cliff Rickard

Lin Merry.

P Barrett.

Rodney Davy.

V McGregor.

Laurie Melton.

Gail Bilton.

Lynette Clark.

Colin Read

John Harding.

Peter Crossly.

Brian Clark

G Burtenshaw

Nicholas Drury.

Douglas Wheeler.

G. Wilson

HTG Patrons.

Mr C G. Hunt

Mr F Tonar.

Mr C. Dimond