The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1927. WORTH WHILE.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 December 1927, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1927. WORTH WHILE.

The visit of the Rt. Hon. L. 0. Vinery to Westland has proved worth while more ways than one. The distingi'.isiied visitor lias had a delightful houd.iv rod a recuperative change, which has been greatly to his liking. His advent here, however, has served a special purpose in that he has seen and extolled our scenery for what it is lval'y worth. His crossing of the Southern Alps, and his appreciation of our special asset of value will he a great advertisement for the locality. As a member of the Alpine Club he will on his return Home further elaborate his experiences, and the fact that he conj templates returning again to view mere of the backbone of the South Island suggests that his interest and enthusiasm will inspire other mountaineers from afar to visit here and likewise enjoy “ the shining wonders ” of the glacier region. But those not disposed to scale the mountain tops will he more interested in his vision of “ the lower world,” where “fern ad fuebia” grow —our “ wonderful, rich, green world.” Mr Amerv has said in spontaneous eulogy that nowhere else exists such a wonderful combination of scenery ns is to be seen in South Westland, and hero is a text for much publicity for the future. He has told us that when m New Zealand a few years ago he had not been informed of the wonders and glories of the Franz Josef region. Apparently that territory has been washing its glories unhonoured and unseen for many a year. The present is an opportunity to extol what is to he seen and hv wider publicity make it worth while for other tourists to come in streams to view the land of exceptional glory. Another good service Mr Amerv has done was to correct the had impression that had gone abroad as to the state of the roads to he traversed on the journey to the Waiho. He averred that the roads were “well constructed and comfortable to travel over.” The time occupied between Waiho and Ross by the motor trip yesterday was less than 3| hours, including a stoppage for morning tea. to cover the 74 miles. That was no mean achievement, and indicated a good road surface hearing out Mr Amery’s frank statement on the matter. Tlie visit of the British Cabinet Minister was therefore quite worth while, demonstrating ns it has done and calling attention to phases of the country which need to be noised abroad for public information. Quite a lot lias been attempted in tlie effort to advertise the district, but much remains to fie done. The visit of Mr Amerv will help to make the task easier, for his voice and opinion will carry far, and at the same time his reference will he an incentive to renewed effort locally in seeking wider publicity—for what is a great asset to the whole district. The visit may he regarded as a special occasion in the history of South Westland. Tt will direct peculiar attention to the locality, for Mr Amery’s views will reach many who would not otherwise hear of tlie subject. The people will therefore have occasion for gratification at the visit, one from which

lasting benefit will accrue to Westland as the years roll by and tourists wend their way to the Southern district.