The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1927. THE UNKNOWN.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 July 1927, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1927. THE UNKNOWN.

A report printed on Alonday last gave particulars of an important excursion I into the far south district, being planned to he undertaken about Christmas time. Tlie region covers a great tract of country unknown to a very large extent, and on that account alone the expedition deserves to lie encouraged. Folk are often enjoined to know their own country but all too often too little is known. This applies particularly to folk hereabouts who are far from being familiar even with the localities in the* near south. The trip to the more distant part will be an excursion into what is practically a great natural preserve. Its situation, at least, has been something of a sanctuary for the native birdlife of the country, and it is satisfactory to know that the kiwi, kaka, weka. and other birds, growing very rare in other parts, are present in considerable numbers. As the proposed excursion is to include a naturalist and a botanist, a very interesting account .should be rendered of the natural birdand forest life in a country so remote, but so blessed by nature with much bird life and a great wealth of forest country. The country is one of surpassing grandeur for the tourist- or holiday maker. Tlie wonderful succession of deep-water Sounds, stretching south from Jackson Ray. is in itself a surprising phenomenon. Natural features provided by the forest growth and waterfalls of all dimensions are further attractions, which go to make the tract of country a place of peculiar interest. Yet with all its great natural features, it remains apart and unknown in detail. We venture to think that an asset of this nature with such varying possibilities in regard to material development would long ere this have been exploited and been better known in any other country. All the other wonders in New Zealand rolled into one, eonld not compare with tlie striking attraction of our great Fiordland and its environs. Yet the OoyernippTlt

continue to spend thousands oi pounds year alter year on ai'inust arlilicial resorts. while awaiting the magic touch of the means ol regular communication, the glorious and incomparable far south continues to he neglected practically. It is many, many years since the first intrepid explorers in the pioneer days, pierced the veil of secrecy shrouding the great expanse of territory and have told us practically all we know ol the country. Modern exploration and investigation are not fashionable, and the far south remains chiefly a terra incognita. It seems most, neglectful that the task, in fac t the duty, of exploring the country, is not undertaken in a systematic way. What is being done is left to stray setti'ers and excursion parties organised at long intervals, to perform. But even this latter effort is to lie welcomed, and as the party to be organised for Christmas is being constituted with scientific members, it is to be hoped that such an account will be brought back as will stir the authorities to do .something practical to remedy past reinissuoss. One ol the mysteries about the neglect of the far south, lias been the iiuliflereuee ol the public even to patronise steamer excursions to so attractive a region for holiday making. Vet we know that those who have ventured on those trips regal tied the excursions as the outstanding events of their lives. Perhaps when next, such a trip by way ol the sea is mooted, more interest will be manifested, and there will be a keener desire to peep into the unknown, and enjoy the wonderful sights stored there for the looking.