OKURU NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 February 1926, Page 4

OKURU NEWS.

(From A Correspondent.) FEBRUARY 9. Two lady tourists made the tour from Waiho to Wanaka via Haast Pass last week. They were both delighted with the mangnifieent scenery they passed through and considered this" route would in time become one of New Zealand’s most valuable scenic and tourist routes. A young man, a native of Scotland, attempted the trip on bis own on two occasions but without success. On the first ocacsion lie bad the misfortune to get on the wrong track and while crossing an old rotten culvert his horse went through and he had to obtain assistance from tlie Haast to remove it. The second attempt was made in wet weather and he was faced with swollen rivers and had to return to the Clarke lint where lie was compelled to remain until the floods abated. Unfortunately lie turned his horse loose and was unable to catch it and was compelled to return to the Haast on foot, a distance of 33 miles and without food for about two days. He lost his camera and saddle on this route and points out the necessity of an accommodation house midway between Haast and Upper Wanaka, a two days ride. There is at present a progressive movement a foot offering better treatment to tourists and others using this delightful route.

Mr Eric James also passed from West ro East via this route on business lent, returning on the 12th inst. Mr James predicts a large increase in tourist traffic through this route in the very near future. Otago residents are realising the great importance of the opening u)i of this track to connect with Waiho. This would enable tourists to make a complete round trip of the island. While in Dunedin Mr James became acquainted with the facts concerning the missing party at Martin’s Bay and received the assistance of Mr Steel (secretary) and Mr McDonald (President'' of the Otago Expansion League in securing an official enquiry and search with the result that a search is to he made from Westland via Okuru and Otago via Glenorchy. ft is to he oped our fears for their safety are without grounds. Mr J. Black (Dunedin) leaves with his partv for Okuru about the Bth of next month where ho intends to stalk deer in the Upper Okuru -Valley. Mr Black is an enthusiastic sportsman and has several good heads on exhibition at the Dunedin Exhibition. This will he, the first occasion deer has been stalked in the Okuru district. Mr Black will he the guest of Mr Erie James. Several young ladies intend leaving Pembroke for Waiho via the Haast Pass in a few days time. Mr McLennan (Pembroke) will he their guide. An attempt was made recently to climb Mt Aspiring (border of Westland and Otago) from the Otago side hut owing to weather conditions the attempt was unsuccessful but the parly intend to make another attempt next year from the Best Const side. Dr Teichelmann has previously attempted the • limb from this side.