"Operation Trout Fry"

An Auster aircraft and pack-horses were linked in an unusual transport team last month for "Operation Trout Fry".

With 10,000 fry from the State hatchery at Rotorua aboard, the Auster reached Makarika Station, inland from Ruatoria, in less than an hour.

A truck sped the fry to Waingakia Station, then pack-horses took over for the trek up the rugged Hore Hore track, to the headwaters of the Waingakia River, in the shadow of Mt. Hikurangi, where they were liberated.

×

 

• 

Doug Hutton leads pack-horse along narrow track

×

 

• 

The Auster, piloted by Mr D. J. Phillips, touches down on topdressing strip with cargo of fry.

×

 

• 

Pilot & Doug Hutton discuss operation.

×

 

• 

Ray Grenaway on the Hore Hore track.

×

 

• 

Laden with trout fry, pack-horse proceeds up steep Hore Hore track.