MAKAROA NOTES

Hokitika Guardian, 3 December 1927, Page 3

MAKAROA NOTES

AN IMPORTANT VISIT. (From a Correspondent). MAKARORA, Nov. 21. A large representative party, comprising members of Parliament, members of South island Progress Leagues, Government officials and public men, is being organised to make an official trip over the Hnast Pass track with the aim of inspecting and reporting on the possibilities and advisability of urging the Government recognition of the great need and importance of linking up the West Coast road system with the Cold Lakes districts of Otago by a vehicle road via Hnast Pass. Special arrangements are now underway whereby the members of this party are to receive a public reception on various stages of the journey, which will occupy from 9to 10 days. The date lias not been definitely fixed hut it is believed to commence the first week in February, 1928.

'Fho party will divide lorecs for the trip, the northern' party under the auspices of the Canterbury League, will proceed via Hokitika to Wailio, where the other party oragnised by the Otago Expansion League will meet them, the former party occupying the mounts evacuated by the Otago people on the five days’ ride through South Westland to Lake Wanaka. The parties will eventually meet at Dunedin, where a conference will be held. TOURIST TRAFFIC.

Advice has been received to the effect the Christchurch Trumping Club will be making an official tour over tbe Haast Pass from Wunaka into South Westland, returning to Christchurch via Arthurs Pass. Several private parties also anticipate making the trip from Christchurch. Enquiries are to hand from landscape artists who desire to enter the Haast Valley to paint during the summer.

The Wilkin Valley, judging front enquiries, is likely to find favour this seeason with ladies who desire toe rugged mountain and forest environment under canvas during their holidays. This valley, being easily accessible, and offering some rare and magnificent scenery, may attract large numbers of sightseers in the futuie. One of the chief attractions is the fine glacier which is easily accessible by a wide track. The mountain track from Arrowtown to Pembroke via Hotutnpu is to be visited by a riding party early in January. GENERAL. An important land sale by auction is approaching which will affect the greater portion of Makarora, also several thousand acres over the Westland border. Two local anglers landed several fine rainbow at the head of Lake Manuka last week. The largest was Tibs.

A taxi, driven by a Queenstown resident, collided with a local ear, the property of Dr Morris, Pembroke, near the M’anaka Hotel on Saturday. Both cars were damaged and had to he put under repair. Mr Eric James returned from Christchurch and Dunedin to-day. He will visit the M’ilkin Glacier and inspect the track this week. Two “ hard-up ” travellers from Westland made themselves comfortable at lints on _the journey for a few days at the expense of their absent occupants. Mustering on the local sheep stations commences this week. Farmers hack races have been arranged for New Year’s Day. to be followed by adults and children’s sports. Nov. 29. The English vicars of Clyde and Fab-lie held a joint service here last evening to a large congregation. A number of anglers visited the district yesterday and had good fishing in the Wilkin. Local sportsmen have had some fine catches of late. A number of boats built in tbe district ale nonfinding their way on this lake.