OVERLAND TO MILFORD SOUND.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 11485, 19 January 1903, Page 5

OVERLAND TO MILFORD SOUND.

TO TOT EDITOB OF THE PEESS

Sir, —Although both the Government tourist otgent and Cook's were mostobliging and anxious to give me all the information fn their power, it requires one to be over the track himself to.know the tame it will take, the money it will cost, and the best way to do it. My daughter and myself havt! Juet returned from this trip, and if you will be good enough to publish this letter, it may give some information that may (Jβ useful. With regard to the journey iteeli, it takes six days from CJarietohurch, to reach Milford. The first two by train to Lumsden, the third by a coach drive yt fifty-two miles to the lower end' of La£e Te Anau, the fourth by a steamer to the head of the lake and six miles of a walk to ihe first hut, called Midcamp, tv« filth to the second hut, Mintaro, a distance of seven miles, and tlien over McKinnon's Pass and to the Sutiieriand Fall to Beech hfut, another eight miles; the sixth day about eight miles of walking and four and a half mike by boat on Lake Ada and Arthiuir river to Milford.

If the walking part, about 32 miles, could be done in good weather, for anyone havmg fairly good lege and eferong boots the distance is nothing for too days and a halt. But like all other porta of bhe South Island of New Zealand, this season has been wet and cold. On the flwt day of -walking we went to Mintero, the latter part of the walk being done in heavy rain. On going over Mc&iiinoß'a Pace there was no enow on the ground, and the mountain lilies were seen in great profusion. On arriving at Milford we were again stuck up a second time for e> wthole day on account of a deluge of rau>.

But although the weather was bad, the worst, oot guide, Mt Donald Boss', e*y s » experienced for ten years in the month oi January, and although we were frequently wet through, we thoroughly enjoyed tne trip and never got a touch of a cold. The bad weather had its advantages, for we saw the "Mitre" covered with snow from its peak almost to its base, and on recroseing' the Paw we were in the enow three hours, and eometimes up to our nips. The rain again brought down •tine mountain sides so many waterfall* and avalanches, and made the rapids in tie Clinton and Arubur rivers so mucih fiercer, that the sight repaid us far the extra toil. It cost us for everything £17 10s each. We had oeen told it would cost us from £25 to £&Q each. With regard to closing, I would adroee those going to leave beuond them at tie Head of the Lake everything except two flannel shirts, a suit of Jight olottbee, a pair of strong boots with leggings, two or three pairs of socks, and above all, an umbrella, and pyjamas and slipper* to flit in in the evening, while the walking things are getting dried. In fact, one's coat Iβ mostly a nui&anoe, end you would be better without dt, unless when going down Lake Ada in a boat, if it happens to be cold. Lad'ke should walk in very short skirts, or, better etill, in knickerbockers.

Talking the accommodation houses along the road, one can say they are good, some of them exceptionally so, cod one's" life in the ihaits enjoyable, nobwMistandikig the hard beds! In tne buta you axe well fed, and the fires are lovely. Mr Donald Ross, our gui*de, we found- a- very pleasant and well-informed companion. The track is thoroughly good, except in a few places w&ere there have been slips tiat the men have mot yet had time to repair. There are, 'however, several places, especially between Midcamp and Mintaro, where bridges or planks should be useful. On going up in the rain I had to wait over many small streams up to my knees in water.but on coming back the solee of my boots were not. wet.

I •would ISce to point out th«.t uolesa the Government, wish to strangle £ha tourist traffic they must alter the days of departure of tb« coach from Tβ Acau *o Lixmsden. At present the steamer l«ives the Head of the Lake at 2 p.m. on Monday, and the coaoh leaves the lower end of the lake at 6 a.m.- on tie name day. There one ie stuck up for three days before you can get away by the next coach. Were it not fo? this utterly absurd arrangement for coaoh departure on« could ccc the beauty and •gra»deTir of tie Waiaii, Manapouri, Tβ Ansa, "the CTutan and Arthur Valley*, ibe Sutherland Falls, Lake Ada, ami Milford Sound, and be back in Christchurch in a fortnight.—l am, etc.^ COURTNEY NEDWTLL. OhristchuTcih, January 17th, 1903. P.S.—The heavy fall «£ snow oa the pass referred to in my leiter should not deter anyone from going, for the warm rain •which followed would probably clear it all away in a day or two. [Our readeis, we feel sure, will be grateful to Dr. Neiwill for his practical aid interesting letter. From personal knowledge we are able to add that for beauty and variety of scenery this trip ie unsurpassed in Xew Zealand.—Ed. •rfße Press."]