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Hokitika Guardian, 14 April 1925, Page 2

The proposal to establish a township at Lake Kanieri is one to lie commended. The lakeside is a distinguished beauty spait, and as such is a popular rendezvous. It is a complaint from time to time that residential sections have not been available. This was owing to the foreshore, other than the freeholds granted many years ago. being a scenic reserve. It is proposed now to subdivide a portion of the scenic reserve, in a good situation, and provide about fifty sections, or allotments, which will lie available for selection by the public. Each area will be about a quarter of an acre, and a good tenure will bo given. The result should he the creation of a community at the Lakeside, and it is proposed to name the town ‘‘ Ruaroka.” Conditions arc to ho’ imposed on the building projects to prevent anything unsightly being placed within view of the lake. This is a very proper precaution to bo taken, and it should result in something of a garden township being created, and add to the genera] beauty of the surroundings. Lake Kanieri, despite its proximity to Hokitika, and the outstanding beauty of the locality, is taking a long time to come into its own. The present movement. however, will he helpful to that end. and should result in the lakeside being popularised very greatly. No doubt many outsiders will be disposed to seek for building sites for week end or holiday vacations near the lake, so that, in the not. distant future there should be a new community established in the district.

[ Ttrrc rerent controversy at the County meeting between residents of Kokatfihi and flection holders at the upper end of Lake Kanieri has drawn attention also, to another feature of possible development at Lake Kanieri. It has been in mind over long years for a road to circle Lake Kanieri. In a more progressive country, or where the district wa« not the Cinderella of the possible tourist resorts, a road right round Lake Kanieri would have been long ago an accomplished fact. The late Mr Keddon had such an idea in mind, and he was instrumental in authorising certain work as a commencement, which Itegcti on the Sunny Bight side of the lake. •Since then access by track lias been opened up to Dorothy Falls on the opposite side of the lake. The settlers of Kokntahi are anxious for access from a third quarter—from Kokntahi, by way of the Styx to the head of the lake. The.se several routes show the accessibility of the lake from different points of view, and the possibility of development for hoi id.Tv making traffic. Tbe controversy in regard to the track at tbe head of the lake, however, has taken quit" another turn. It is not our intention to refer to that matter now, as the local body is still deliberating on tbe question, but tbe matter of improved access by road by recognised routes should not be last sight of, for it is essential that so beautiful a resert ns Latte Kaneiri should ho opened up to

tlie greatest extent, andf”its riati features enjoyed to tlie iimest.