CATERING FOR TOURISTS

Hokitika Guardian, 20 March 1928, Page 4

CATERING FOR TOURISTS

" HOSTEL AT MILFORD SOUND. WELLINGTON. March Hi. A contract has been let for the construction :R, Milford Sound of a lirst<la>s hostel fo provide for sixty guests, according to a statement made by the Minister in charge of lotirist Reports (the Hon. Mr Nosworthv). The Mis-i.-Jer explained that the site was near the old cottage of Mr Sutherland, and provisions had been made tor further extensions of ihe hostel when desired. These could he added to the now building as there was space available. There was ample power for electric light and all other up-to-date conveniences. Mr Nosworthv added that lie had just been informed that the "work of erecting a wireless telephone connexion between To A unit and Glade House would be completed in a few days. This would prove a great convenience, and would enable Milford Sound to be in (ouch with the general telegraph system in New Zealand. Considerable improvements bad been, and were being, effected, and others had been authorised at (Bade House and the huts on the track in the way of drainage. hot and cold baths'etc. Tn the past few seasons a great deal of attention had been paid to that district by the Tourist Department. The road to the Lake from Lumsdon had long been a source ol trouble, but the expenditure by the Government, and the County Council Imd removed all source of complaint. Ho was informed by the general manager, who had recently visited the district that the road was now in firstrate ’order. The Department had replaced the old ramshackle hotel at le Yuan, which had done duty for many vears, with an hotel up-to-date ro every respect. The licensee (Mr Gman)) had improved it also by the provision of a tennis court, and a bowling green was also being constructed b\ him. The expenditure on that hotel by the Government bad been about £IO,OOO. , . , The Minister said ho understood from private sources that a <omp.in\ was being formed in the south for a regular steamer service from the Bluff via Dusky and other sounds to Mi - ford. That would make an ideal roundtrip from Dunedin, via Milford *1 rack back to the Bluff, and vice versa. “Altogether,” concluded the Minister. “I am very pleased w ith the progress made in the improvement ol this famous region, and I look forward to the completion of the Grave Tallmt track between Wakatipu and 'le Anna, over which one of my officers has recently been, and which will Lave a stimulating effect on the tourist traffic to this district.”