OKURU NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 March 1926, Page 1

OKURU NEWS.

HAAST PASS TRAFFIC

(From a Correspondent). OK UR! - , March I

Several parties continue to pass through the Haast Pass whore teams of pack horses are entering the valley from Makaroa, bringing in the camping equipment, of tlv* many deer stalkling parties. The traffic over this route this season is a record which proves it is gaining favour with tourists and others.

A tarty of "White Star Tourist Organisation officials have arranged to visit the track from W anaka, to ascertain the possihili ies of opening it ini for motor traffic. Already sixteen miles from Wanaka could be traversed by cars, leaving only two to three miles of road widening to reach the pass. Another half mile of road formation ami the route would enter the Mile Valley where six or more miles of motor road formation could be accomplished at a very low cost. From this Valley a glimpse of the Brewster Glacier and waterfalls can be seen, and above it towers the mighty Mount Brewster (52(5-lEt. '.alxive sea level). The valley was named after the fact that it was here that Von Haast left his pack mules when he discovered and explored the Pass, which was named after him; also the river which hears the same name. The very fact that mules were brought this far points out no great difficulty in access. If the first stage of the proposed motor road was made to this point (Mile Valley) it would warrant a large and constant stream of tourists from Otago. The .scenic attractions would he both numerous and varied. An excellent view could be obtained of Mt. Brewster. Mt. "Wilson (5000 ft.). AH. Cross (TOOOfT.), Stey Brae (5369 ft.), Top-Heavy. Stewart’s Knot, Kea Craig (a pc-rpendi-

cuhir rocky face about -1000 ft.), the Ninety-leot Waterfalls,. Topsey Falls' and many other large and beautiful falls from immense heights, streaming their everlasting water spray and foam through the lorest and thick undergrowth. The route passes over the rock-hound Broderick Crock, “I m passable Gorge," Haast Gorge and the ••Gates of the Haast,” a point where the river thunders o'er an enormous pillar of rock. At another point the river emerges irom right down amongst enormous boulders of reek. A view of the Wills and Bottrke rapids and gorge can also be obtained from the track. This portion of flic track lias been rightly expressed by the "'Otago Daily Times” as ‘•A Scenic Paradise.”

Little is heard or known of this delightful paradise, but its days of isolation have now passed. A system of advertising followed by results will call in its train a continued .stream of tourist traffic introduced by the best and most lasting form of advertising, that of recommendation. AUTUMN SALE. All local graziers are busily engaged mustering and some fine herds are available for the Northern Side on the lfitli. Every resident is taxed to his limit mustering and running in crops etc. Mcsrs Hevoldt and MarPlier.snn Bros, passed through this day from Arawala with a good line of forward stores for the Waiaron markel. This is the last time Mr Hevoldt will bring stock from this district. Ah- He veldt intends lo reside at AVataroa after a life-time experience of lmsh life here. He was horn at the ■Hickson’s Bay Settlement and probable knows that locality better than any man living, having lived there for many years after the Settlement expired. His mother (Mrs Heveldt) resides in Sewell St., Hokitika. All residents wish the congenial “Gus” prosperitv in his future ventures. MARCH, sth.

Two accidents occurred at Okuru last week. A lad. the son of Air Din. Nolan, was thrown from his horse while crossing the Turnbull River and was somewhat exhausted when he reached the bank.

The following day Air F.. James met with a similar accident while crossing the Okuru River. His horse being fresh, took fright at the ripples caused by a strong easterly blowing and gave a series of plunges, rears and bucks, swinging to the centre of the river where a strong current existed. Being partly unseated by a slipping saddle bag heavily loaded add seeing the wisdom of getting a ducking in the still though deep portion of the river in preference to the swift current. he slid off. but unfortunately his foot remained caught in the stirrup for some moments with the result that he received a knock on the hack of the head from the plunging horse, also a cut under the chin and minor scratches and bruises, Mr James could not

swim mid ho lias to thank his pio>olllo nt mind that ho made his way In the hank, while almost lifted off his loot in deep water, a good stones throw distant. The ‘‘ketch Elsie - ’ is expected here next week with general cargo. Miss K. Cowan returns to school by the return trip. Mr Xiolfan’s party arrived in the r.andshoimgii Valley yesterday For the stalking season, also Messrs Httnler\Yt\ston and Forbes. Two ladies passed through yesterday from Pembroke, who intend to do the all-round trip. They were eondueted by a Most Coast guide. Mr Black and party leave Makaroa on the 2.lrd. to proceed to their stalking block in the tapper Okurn Valley. This will he the first time deer have been stalked in this country. The fair sex have full control of affairs at Okurn at the present time, all the male population being away with stock to the half-yearly sale or mi other business. STABBING AFFRAY.

A stabbing affray occurred at the Flaxmill camp at Makaroa on Saturday night. The victim received a severe stall in the ribs very near the heart, also a cut on tbo back of the neck from a thrown sauce bottle. The man guilty of this foul assault is a married ma.it residing at Mnkaroa and employed at the flaxmill where the unfortunate victim was also cmployed. Further damage would have been done bad not, other men promptly floored the attacker. A cricket match with a Cardrona team had been played that- afternoon and a, fair amount of liquor had been consumed. A bicycle had also t>eoii badly smashed in the melee. Another charge of a serious nature may he also brought against, the offender. Both victim and prisoner were conducted to Pembroke yesterday by Constable Brooks. 'Hie victim is as well as can bo expected, but showed an increase of temperature last night.

CHURCH SERVICE. The aged iPmsbyterialn (Milnister, Rev. Rylie, of the Makaroa Parish, who at the ripe age of !)2 again conducted a well-attended meeting at Makaroa last /Monday. Six Wk-st Coasters wer amongst the congregation. Mr Rylie has been away on convalescence and under the doctor’, care. The latter predicts this grand old man will live to be 100.