LAKE KANIERI.

Hokitika Guardian, 7 July 1921, Page 4

LAKE KANIERI.

A RARE BEAUTY SPOT; HOW IT MAY BE DEVELOPED. (Paper read before the \A estkind Progress League.) It appear* there is something very near at hand which would add to the progress and prosperity ol this immediate neighbourhood if it were more developed. The reference is to Lake Kanieri which is an ideal tourist resort set as it is in perfect surroundings. Every visitor from abroad marvels at the abounding beauty of Lake Kanieri from every point of view. But it has more than beauty to its credit, it is a resort where tranquility can be had for the visit. There is about Lake Kanieri an atmosphere and sense of rest fulness which is a veritable nerve tonic. In the brightest sunshine, in the dullest of sombre days, this merit may be felt. It lias a quiet restful repose which induces calm and pleasurable feelings, and leave the visitor highly contented and agreeably satisfied. As to its beauty, one heard the other day that a North Island photographer who had travelled the Dominion in. the pursuit of bis art, had gathered together a wonderful collection ol scenic views. Alany of those he had enlarged and framed and exhibited in Auckland and of the display the outstanding feature of them all selected by a world famous tourist agency as the most arresting picture of the group, was the artist’s view of Lake Kanieri. It is a very beautiful lake, but like so many other natural views in AVestland with which we are familiar, our frequent or every day association has culled out vision and we do not. recognise the charm nor absorb thf glory of the view, but the artist can pick out the beauty spot; the visitor can revel in the glory, and

carry away memories, which told and retold, add to the fame of the resort. Having this great prize of nature at our doors, what use are we making oT it? Should we not see more of it ourselves; make it more available to our public ; advertise it abroad; attract more and more people; and certainly devclope tlte resort itself by adding to the convenience by which its points of interest may be reached, and the whole glory of it he more unfolded to those who revel in the beauty of hush-chid nature within its wonderful setting of lake and mountain country .

AA 7 e should, to begin with, know more of the lake itself. Tt deserves a booklet. of illustration and explanation to itself. In addition to the pictorial story unfolding its beauties, there should he an account, of the lake itself; something of its natural and ancient history; or its distinctive features; of its flora and geology; of its surrounding mountain peaks- -what they are and their height. This knowledge and information should be collected and distributed broadcast in pamphlet form, and would he a means to the end oT making Lake Kanieri better known, and so attract a larger flow of visitors.

A great deal requires to he done regarding reading, first- for access purposes, then for exploration. The main road to Lake Kanieri requires to he improved out of nil present, knowledge so that it will he an ideal spin for motor traction —such for instance as America would create were so (.harming a beauty spot within each reach of any United States centre. Lake Kanieri requires added motor ear trips or tours A road should circle the lake; mainlv in the hush ; but here and there at

suitable points, fringing the water side where pleasant glimpses of the broad sheet of water and the mountains may be had. The head of the lake should lie linked up by road via the Styx with the Kokatahi main road to form a secondary route to the beauty spot, without traversing the same road on the return journey. Likewise, an alternative route by way of Doughtown to the Arnhura Valley and Humphreys should be opened. and so constitute yet another line of connection. Those roads, and paile ularly the circle road round the lake would add enormously to the popularity of the beauty spot, and constitute bake Kanieri. as it should be, the central holiday, resort of the district. Til.l all will not wish to whisked to ! the lake side and home again., Many, indeed most visitors, will refer f*> linger

I -.- the way. and by association drink in the ‘ pleasures of the resort and i relish the renewing joys of the traii'juil situation. So for these there should be more side excursions provided. The r«r to j to the top of Mount Tuhua should i - improved, and camping aecommodaticn provided on the summit. A hush track, up the lakeside of Mount Graham should lie cut, and look out points for thit wondorfuil scenic views opened. The public should be given a knowledge or at all events some indication of the magnificent mountain panorama and far stretching view of Westland to he seen from the elevated points mentioned. Then Dorothy waterfall should be made more accessible by additional tracks to its summit, and by the provision of a shelter where picnic parties could remain in lingering pleasure instead of being rushed away abruptly. Accommodation for picnic parties might he provided also at the head of the lake

where on Lawyer’s Delight beach there is a pleasant camping grounl.

All these works are necessary to bring Lake Kanieri into the degree <.f usefulness its beauty and worth demands. Its asset value to the district is quite being missed, and were an interest taken in the resort, and the rcq lircments suggested urged persistent!-.-, they would all come in good time. The

local folk need to know more of nature’s

gem so near at hand, and on holid cheap motor trips should be inaugurat-

ed. These combined with a ticket for an aquatic trip on the lake itself would help to add to the popularity of the outing, and lie the beginning of the effort to bring Lake Kanieri into its own. Wake up Westland, and start this work. D. J. EVANS.