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Hokitika Guardian, 9 January 1920, Page 2

Tub tour of the Prince to include New Zealand is now being arranged. It is to he hoped that when Hia Highness conies to the Dominion, the West Coast/ will not he omitted from the official itinerary. The connecting link to he between the East and West Coast*— The Otira Tunnel—is the magnum opus of New Zealand. The Prince should not be allowed to leave this country without belong afforded an opportunity to inspect tins great work—the longest tunnel in the Southern Hemisphere. A visit from Royalty would be helpful In drawing attention to Hie magnitude of the work, and from an engin.. eering point of view New Zealand lias every reason to be proud of jthe skilful accuracy with which the mountain range was pierced. If it is possible to arrange for the royal tour to the Otira Gorge, it should lie possible to arrange also for a further inspection of our beauty spots, and the tour might well embrace a visit to the Waiho glacier which lias the distinction of Iteing the most accessible glacier in the world. Incidentally the road into South Westland would take the Prince through scenic and pastoral territory well worth inspection, varied though the Prince’s travels

leretofore have been. Such a visit vould help to make Westland better inown, and we are sure the visiting jarty would find much to please and i great deal to interest by a diverted brip to Westland. It is the customFor distinguished visitors to be nursed up and down touris resorts such as Hanmer and Rotorua. On the West Coast, the visitor has nature unadorned by the hand of man, and she is adorned the most on that account. It would be well because of the custom just mentioned to put forward the claims of the Coast for a visit as early as possible, and representations should be made to the proper quarter well in advance, so that when the itinerary is being fixed, it cannot be said that any suggestion for a Coast visit was made too late.