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Hokitika Guardian, 12 February 1923, Page 2

rrv is it that a beauty spot so often praised as Lake Mahinspua is, is deserted most of all by our own people? Lake Mal'inapua has many pleasant attractions and features which make it an ideal picnic ground, and it should in point of fact, be the picnic ground of the whole Coast served by the railway system. Probably there is no other country with such a beautiful resort right beside its railway system, which is so much neglected in regard to patronage by the authorities and the public at large. The Tourist Department might not know Lake Mahinapua existed, so trifling is the attention paid to the unique resort, with its broad sheet of water, its beautiful bush, and the ocean l>each within sound. The Railway Department appears to be reminded of the existence of the Lake, only when private enterprise organises a picnic visit. Only one day in the week is there a service which permits a visit to the lake and the return journey the same day. It would not ho too much to expect this convenience at least three- or four times a week, the connections to serve as far north as possible. The lack of suitable rail connection cuts off many picnic parties from a day’s visit, and the parties have to take a more costly excursion to some other rendezvous. The water journey to Lake Mahinapua. so long a special attraction, has been cut off, but with a little interest and enthusiasm this might be revived. There is the call for some enterprise to attain the re-,

| quired result, but if united action were ' taken, and a boat serrioe provided, if only bv way of experiment, the result would justify the action. Lake Maliinnpua is so near to Hokitika, and Hoki- ' tika will soon be so near to Christchurch that the development of the lakeside as a holiday resort, and camping ground can be only a matter of time. Nature lias provided a play ground which could hardly be excelled. The natural features are there, and it is a reflection on our appreciation, and certainly our enterprise that they are so poorlv patronised. Wo lcpeat the question with which v.e opened, and will ask another; cannot something be done to stimulate interest in the lakeside. and seek to make it a more popular holiday resort f

Whiting of holiday resorts recalls the article contributed in the previous issue relating to Okarito Lagoon. We can quite bear out the testimony given as to the delightful attractions of that quiet corner of South Westland, for in some respects it is beyond compare with anything else in New Zealand. From tbe Wnitangi Bluff at the northern end of the lagoon there is the wonderful panoramic view of the countryside, with the Southern Alps and its glaciers and highest peaks showing up ou the left, and to the right a great seascape of the Tasman Sea. Sir Julius von Haast who visited that locality in the ’sixties lias written in his records of the wonderful view to be had from the vantage point referred to, but the impressive view seems to Ik- too remote for most visitors, and hundreds of visitors ‘‘cut-out” Okarito and its environment in the south trip, and so miss one of the best pages of the scenery of beautiful W’estland. There are indications, however, that Okaiito and its special attractions arc now being discovered. During the present season quite a number of visitors have been induced or specially diverted to look in and enjoy a glimpse of the beauty spot. Among the number were Mr Justice Adams and Mr P. R. Climie. each with their respective parties. AH were delighted with the little side trip which can be made, too, with so much comfort, there being a homely lostciry near-by where good accommodation is obtainable. In a week’s time, Okarito will be all agog with its annual race meeting which despite its small population has iioon maintained with enthusiasm for a. long iiumlior of years. Visitors to the racecourse have to cross portion of the lagoon, so that it is hoped those who have their first view will be induced to stay on, and see more of the local beauty spots. It is tbe exploration of the sheet of water which will give the greatest pleasure, and visitors should not fail to stop over and take the opportunity of enjoying a locality which provides such a beautiful, and at the same time, so little known, scenic spot.