HAMPERED BY WEATHER

Evening Star, Issue 20056, 22 December 1928, Page 2

HAMPERED BY WEATHER

MH.FORD SOUND HOSTEL COMPLETED [Special to the 1 Stab.’] CHRISTCHURCH, December 22. "One of the hardest jobs ever pub through,” said Mr J. A. Hart, contractor for the Milford Sound Hostel, who returned to Greymouth accompanied by eight of his men yesterday. He told a reporter that, owing to almost continual rain and stormy weather, practically no progress could be made for five months after tho contract commenced. During the past three months, however, over forty men were working at full speed, with the result that the building was practically completed at the beginning of December. It is_ constructed of West Coast timber, which, with tons of other sup&was taken south by the steamer , specially chartered. Much arduous work, ((badly handicapped by the weather, was entailed at the sound, where all the material had to be landed from the steamer by boats. The official opening ceremony will take place about the end of January. The hostel is fully equipped and staffed, and accommodation is’ available tor approximately 100 guests. Referring to a recent statement regarding tho prevalence of sandflies at the hostel, Mr Hart said the statement was very much exaggerated. Questioned as ; toMilford Track, he replied that it was now in splendid condition for walking parlies, and a farther improvement would be the result of the top-dressing which was now being done.