Round Waikaremoana by Camera

Like Maori warriors of old, eight Kelvin Rover Scouts from Gisborne cleared the blue waters of Lake Waikaremoana in canoes in the course of an 11-day cruise last Christmas. In their fleet of three kayaks and a Canadian canoe, they paddled about 70 miles in circumnavigating the lake, visiting on the way all the well-known beauty spots, camping where the whim took them, and shooting deer in the bush. Photographs by the leader of the group, Mr Bill O'Cennell, cover the whole project from building the canoes to the successful completion of the cruise.

Tom Bayliss and Robert deLautour speed through choppy lake waters in their frail craft.

Building the canoes required many weeks of patient work. Mr Harry Nicol and Robert deLautour at work on the frames of two craft.

Transportation was quite a problem. The canoes were carried on trailers. Here Bert Wood and Ray English give thirsty car a drink.

The party photographed en route. From left, Mr Nicol (in charge of transport), Ray English, Bill O'Connell, Bert Wood, Rod McCullough, Allan Bayliss, Bruce Ball, Robert De Lautour, Tom Bayliss.
All are members of the Kelvin Group of the Rover Scouts.

Base camp was at Maranui in this hut. Party shot five deer during trip, got sick of eating vension. Diet was varied with fried eel.

Lake-shore halt photograph indicates low level of water, which fell 16 inches during party's stay.

Like Canadian trappers hunting moose in days long past, scouts race over choppy lake in their kayaks

Previous article Issue contents Next article

The Gisborne Photo News

No 19 : February 9, 1956

Round Waikaremoana by Camera