OKURU NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 May 1926, Page 4

OKURU NEWS.

(From a Correspondent)

OKURU, April 26 11 AS AT PASS TRAFFIC.

Mr Lizzard and friend who are fre<iuent visitors to O'ktiru are clue litre to-morrow. They will he the quests of Mrs A. Cowan. They are travelling via Haast Pass. Mr Lizzard always seeks AVcstland for his holidays, 'he knows of nothing to equal it. Mr L. I*’. Arson, Chief Inspcetor of Fisheries, Wellington, has been invited to join the official party who propose to traverse the proposed motor road route, proceeding from Luke Waiiaka at some later date. Certain directors of some of our secondary industries trading in New Zealand have also been invited to join the party, their business in this direction lias not yet been made known, it was pleasing to read the press report in the “Guardian” of the visit of Mr G. M. Wilson, General Manager of the Department of Tourist and Ilonith Resorts, also Mr W. T. Neill. Surveyor-General. have paid a visit to obtain practical knowledge of the proposed reading scheme, linking Otago with the Westland Main Smith Road. Mr Wilson has been approached on several occasions of late in connection with this scheme and has always shown a sympathetic attention to the matter. The Otago Expansion League, under able leadership of their Chairman, Mr MacDonald, and their keen, energetic secretary, Mr 'steel, have done a lot ill this matter and aftei a personal inspection they intend to co-operate with the Westland Branch of the Progress league to place the proposition before the Government. Messrs Mac Kay Bros., of Manuka, Dunedin Motors Ltd., have taken an active part in the promoting of the scheme and are cutitlde to much praise for the manner in which they have displayed energetic pressure towards their objective. The scheme lias caused widespread interest in Otago and has been constantly discussed in town and country.

Mr E. James, local White Star representative is conducting Mr E. S. Dolliinore, Chief Officer of the Greymouth Branch of the Department ol Tourist and Health Resorts through from Wailio to Otago (Lake W aiiaka) next week. Several Otago tourist olhcials and others have been invited- to make the return trip. Several tramping clubs and other kindred organisations have also been invited to make the trip. No other tour could equal this for our athletic clubs. Mr E. James, a member ol the New Zealand Native Bird Protection S*>ciey is urging that the Paringa Lake, Hapuka Creek and Lagoon, be put aside as bird sanctuaries. Both these beauty spots have been repeatedly mentioned and should be safeguarded

against unlawful “spent..” some are apt to call it. These spots teem with wild dinks, swan and other Native birds, and are appreciated by tourists and others. APIMU 21). Mr Gizzard's party who were due here some days ago have been held up with Hoods and bad weather at Makarora. 'flic weather has been extremely bad throughout the month. Over 10 inches of rain has fallen during the month and very little sunshine. S’everal floods have been experienced. The telegraph, line has aiso been interrupted for several days adding more hardships to tin* present nios, unsatisfactory service. Broccoli and Brussel sprouts that, were planted out, this year are ready for the table. Tile stables at the Blue River are to be dismantled and removed and re-erected at “Jimmy's Creek” near the Paringa Lake. This is an ideal spot and a suitable distance from the Ifaast Accommodation House lor. tourists. The distance of the present stages usually taken by travellers is far too long and strenuous a distance for the usual tourist and will lie much in demand by this class of travellers, inoreso now that the Paringa Tint has been wihdrawn by tbe owners from use foi the travelling public. BRUCE BAY NOTES. BEI'C’E BAY. May 1. Mr John Kenny, the son of n former native.* of Bruce Bay, is at present the guest of Mr and Mrs Trevathan. Mr Kenny was in this district -18 voais ago. Word has been received Hint a hilly wlm recently met with an accident in South ’Westland while travelling over the Pass will] an Otago guide is in the hospital in Dunedin and under frequent x-ray treatment and it is feared her hip has been splintered as the result of this accident. Nothing yet has been done to the long delayed river approach at Paringa River road crossing. Strangers would have much difficulty in picking up the track again alter crossing irom the north. A dray has been taken from Mahitnhi to Paringa recently which points out no great difficulty in opening up for motor traffic is necessary. Extremely bad weather has been experienced during Urn whole month with IS) days of rain. Mrs W. Scott (Karangarua) has icturned from a visit to Canterbury and Dunedin. M A Y Mrs W. Wilson (Kiituku) is expected here shortly on a short stay. Her sister Miss Mahuika will accompany her. also on holiday heat, on the re turn journey. Mails and travellers are held up with floods. Mr Dnlliinore. Chief Officer of ike Grevnioiith branch of the Department of Tourist and Health Resorts will pass through the district in a few days, accompanied by Mr James (Okurul the local White Star representative. They are bound for Makarora, Lake Wan aka (Otago - ).