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Hokitika Guardian, 9 February 1920, Page 2

At the County Council meeting tomorrow attention is to be turned to two of our attractive scenic resorts, whic-li have not had the attention they should at the hands of the authorities, local and general. Lake Mahiuapua approached by Mahiuapua stream, used to be a special holiday resort, but the convenience of the railway allowed the more pleasant water-way to fall into disuse. Then came the sawmilling industry, and without let or hindrance the waterway has been very much disfigured and clogged by the waste from the I mills. Tiio more notnblo Mirror creek beyond Lake Mahiuapua, has been vandalised beyond recognition by the unchecked march of industry which lias roblied ali those who conic after of one of nature’s most beautiful spots. It appears to be the intention now to call attention to the state of the main stream, and to move in the direction of having it cleared and rendered navigable f for boating. A motor boat trip by the route in question would be popular always, and facilities for the restoration of the traffic might well be taken in band. The idea of putting in a boat lock revives a former movement to render the stream navigable at nil times of the tide, and if this can be brought about the work should be do ftp. Lake Mahiuapua is an ideal holiday resort, and facilities to reach it by wator, rail or road would tend _

to make it more and more popular. It would not take a great deal of road making to “ link the approach to the Lake with existing roads, and then the locality would become a popular renrendezvous for motorists. The community generally is far too indifferent as to its sceuid attractions, and their value in attracting traffic and building up trade. A reviving interest in the matter is a good sign and should, be commended . Lake Kanieri is another great asset to the district, offering a beauty of .another kind to that- of Lake Mnhinapua. Lake Kanieri, must be approached by road, and the locality' is so attractive that it is well worth building a first class permanent highway. The traffic now is considerable, and it will be always an increasing quantity'. In more -favored parts of the Dominion where the Government Tourist Department put so many eggs in one basket, the public expenditure in the ivay of roading and housing of tourists is most extravagant. Thousands of pounds are spent every year not only in providing conveniences for the touring public, but also in adding artificial beauty to the places. The latter is quite unnecessary at Lake Kanieri, where nature has been lavish in her gift of striking scenery. Round about the lake side there are scenic resorts which require to be opened up. Mount Tuliiia should be rendered more readily accessible by a well defined track.. If motorists could drive to Dorothy Falls there would be an added attraction for touring parties. Indeed a bush road round the lake is an asset any other country appreciative of its tourist assets would have provided long ago. The need for improving the main approach

to the Lake is apparent to all travellers ,and it is time that a share of the public expenditure for the purpose came to Westland. During ‘the period of the war such matters had to remain in abeyance, but now that public conditions are more normal, and the Government is launching out in similar expenditure in other parts of the Dominion, here where nature has endowed us with so many , attractive beauty spots, we should bring them as near to the travelling public as possible, so that the most can be made of such rare assets.