EGLINTON VALLEY ROAD

Evening Star, Issue 21747, 15 June 1934, Page 12

EGLINTON VALLEY ROAD

EXPANSION LEAGUE'S ADVOCACY The secretary of the Otago Expansion League (Mr W. B. Steel) writes;— While my league is in thorough accord with your expressions of gratification over the decision of Cabinet to carry the EgHnton Valley road through to Milford, it does take exception to the statement in your leading article: “It was with some disappointment that one noted the omission of the Te Anau, Milford road from the list of subjects discussed at the Otago Expansion League’s annual meeting this week.” This seems to infer that the league was either hostile or apathetic, and it certainly was not.

Since its inception twenty years ago the league has recognised Milford as our major attraction, and has agitated most consistently for better means of access. More has been written and printed on this subject than any other, and the league’s description pamphlet ou the ‘ Finest Walk in the World ’ has been adopted by the Tourist Department as a standard. The league lias kept itself closely informed of the progress of the work, and was aware that the critical point had been reached.

In the annual report, which was adopted by the meeting you refer to (and which was reviewed in the ‘ Evening Star ’ the day before the meeting), the following reference is made:— “ A great deal has been said of late of tbe pushing forward of the work of the road extension in the Eglinton Valley, and some of the people are prone to see in it a menace to Otago. The league does not share that view, but metaphorically takes off its bonnet to the man who had the vision to place a road to Milford and the courage to carry it through.” In the message of congratulation and appreciation to the Hon. Minister of Public Works, the league wrote;— “ We, in the south, who know and appreciate the manifold' beauties of the wonderland which lies beyond the ranges, are delighted to learn that within a comparatively short time they will be open for all to see. and that this glorious ‘ Heritage of Nature ’ can be seen and enjoyed by thousands instead of a few favoured of adventurous individuals. The story of this road to Majestic Milford will be known soon far beyond our boundaries, and will, like a magnet, draw unto itself all those from abroad who desire to see some new thing. We wish you and the department every success in this great task, and hope to be amongst those who will see the official opening of the national highway.”-