A COMPREHENSIVE TOUR

Hokitika Guardian, 11 July 1927, Page 4

A COMPREHENSIVE TOUR

IN THE FAR SOUTH.

Mr Erie James, now of Mukarora. | writes:—- " 1 have recently returned from a visit to the southern-most end of the Westland Province, the first to penetrate this large area for over four years, with the exception of Messrs MeKeiyrie and Summers, who arrived from Glenrochy a few days before. I was much impressed by the presence of so much bird life—some species, too. now becoming very rare. They included the kiwi. kakn. weka. kakapo and several varieties of penguins. “ I did a bit of prospecting and not one dish did I pan without showing colours. One or two prospects would have made the old miners’ blood tingle with excitement, the pol'd being heavy, coarse, reef gold—a little smaller than a grain of rice, and as many ns fivesuch to the dish. I failed to secure I the valuable nickle ore that I much wished to get. but this was on account of my inexperience. “ Tin. which is now very valuable, is supposed to exist in the Gorge River, where the above mineral has been found to he plentiful. I am arranging a party of experienced men to prospect this country in the Spring. I also know of other parties who propose to prospect for asbestos. They will be

“I am arranging a party of geologists, naturalists and botanists to make a forty-six days’ tour (approximate) through this country from Lake ITawea next Christinas. A journalist will be included in the party, and so far my endeavours to bring this proposed trip to a head are very encouraging. The most southerly destination will ho Milford Sound, via llig Hay, llowden and Grave-Talbot Pass. The tour will he completed at Lake AVakntipu (Queenstown). Provisions for the tour will be shipped to Okuru by the local boat, to Big liny by the Government steamer, and to Lake llowden by pack horses from Lake Wnkntipu. Hacks and pack horses will he taken on the journey with the exception of the Grave-Talbot track to Mii'ford, which is an alpine foot track. Here, my responsibility as a guide will be taken over by an experienced alpine guide.”