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Hokitika Guardian, 16 May 1918, Page 2

Ti.t. unrestrit-teil opinion expressed by Mr R. Ailgus of the Cook’s Tourist Agency, regarding the grand scenic attractions of the Waiho Glacier in South Westland, which was published in Tuesday evening’s issue, was very pleasant reading. It was a confirmation of much similar opinion which had gone before, and coming from the gentleman it did, it means that the fame of the attractions of South Westland will tie spread far abroad. Mr Angus is stationed at Auckland where many travellers arrive heat only on ,-visiting Rotorua. No doubt for the future those who seek information from Mr Angus in regard to novelty tours, will have the fullest information placed before them With regard to the little known scenic Wonderland of Westland. It occurs to us that if the remarks of Mr Angus were reprinted on a leaflet, and illustrated by views of the Country he refers to, such a medium scattered broadcast would help to make the district more favourably known. As the gentleman remarks, the beauties of the Duller Gorge are wellknown, but south of Hokitika there is a more remarkable drive still for the tourist who cares to feast his eyes on the beauties of nature. In passing it might bo mentioned that just south of the glacier, where Mr Angus did not travel, there is probably one of the finest views of bush country extant in the outlook from the Waikukupa Saddle. The country is as yet served by a horse track only. A few thousand pounds still are necessary to open the road for vehicle traffic; and then will ho brought into easy access a most notable range of scenic country, with another glacier—the Fox—just beyond. •South Westland lias all its future before it as a tourist njsort.

Mk Anous issues a timely warning in regard to the saving of the native bush fringing the main South Road. He recalls tin* national loss occasioned through the neglect of the Government in regard to South Auckland whose mirror-like waters were a perfect reflection of nature all about them. On the main South road the beauty of the trip might be marred by the ruthless destruction of the bordering forest trees, and the authorities should see to it in time, that arrangements are made with tin* owners or occupiers of the land to save the special'beauty of the southern drive for posterity. Mr Angus made one omission in his report and that was in not stressing the necessity for bridging-the southern streams to Permit of regular traffic. In the more favoured districts where tourist resorts flourish only bv reason of the large annual outlay of the Tourist Department, the roads have been perfected so far as bridges and culverts can assist through traffic. Here, in a district which seems to be the Cinderella of the provincial family, the people may get along as h**st thev can with or without bridges. The bridging of the southern streams is still the most urgent matter in the district for Government attention. The local body has given the Public works Department a lead by assisting private enterprise to bridge the Mikonui river. As a complement to the highly important work the Government" should take in hand the bridging of the lesser streams and so ensure certain and rapid transport. This convenience would be

A il! ■! tS tC“TI3t- traffic, &nd result in Mr Angus’ kindly references bearing tin* most satisfactory fruit;