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Hokitika Guardian, 14 December 1927, Page 2

The Railway Authorities are again endeavouring to popularise Lake Alahinapua as a picnic resort, and excursions at cheap rates are being organiser! for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Lake Afahinapua is one of the neglected assets of the district. Yet there are signs it will come into its own. The Tourist Association is moving with the object of having South Hokitika road extended so that motor cars may traverse the banks of Alaliinnpua Creek ns far as the railwav bridge crossing. There, it is suggested, the passengers would be deposited to take a motor boat to the Lake, and if desired, continue the aquatic jourpey to South.

Creek (sometime Mirror Creek) and there pick up the motor car again aiid return by the Rose road. Or tbe time may be spent in the lake waters and in tbe beautiful crock, and return to tbe starting i»oint where the i-ar was left at the railway bridge. Access by this means would tend to greatly increase the public patronage to Lake Mahinapua which has much to < harm and attract. At the Shanghai landing at the lake there are facilities for a pleasant stroll through the bush a the ocean tiench, or a walk about a nile through to Ruatapu. This is he time- of year when folk arc mov.ng about in considerable numbers, and all like variety or variation for their holilay outings. The combination id posibilities of transport going to or returning from Lake Mahinapua aideddenty of choice so that all should he 'ratified. Jt the new route is opened. >r rather, reopened, there is sure to lie much curiosity aroused its U> the dghts to be seen. There can he no doubt that the scenic attractions will please. The water trip up the wooded creek with reflections oi nature for which its dark waters have always been notable, is sure to a popular one. A little enterprise on someone's part in providing a launch suitable for the traffic, and the patronage will grow. Lake Mahinapua has an cntiri*.v different setting to l.nko Kanieri. so they cannot he rivals. They are not in c mipetition but afford alternatives, though most visitors will he disposed to sample both, for each has its excellent points of commendation. Meanwhile we hope to see Lake Mahinapua winning hack some of its former fame as an ideal picnic resort for parties large or small.