SOUTHERN FIORDS

Hokitika Guardian, 5 April 1928, Page 2

SOUTHERN FIORDS

BETTER. ACCESS NEEDED. Having returned to Wellington after a visit, to Southern Sounds, Sir Douglas Mawson has nothing but praise for the scenery of that region, which, he says, excels in grandeur and beauty similar liprd scenery in Norway. At Deep Cove in Smith Sound he saw what was a pleasing reminder to hint of his Antarctic exploring days—a young hull sea elephant, which slept on the beach for several days. This animal, which is not a native of New Zealand shores, had probably strayed from Macquarie Island, the nearest home of sea elephants. While fully concurring in the oftexpressed opinion that the walk along the Milford track is tue finest walk in the world, Sir Douglas lamented the fact that the Sounds are practically a closed book to any people at all elderly or not robust. It was three days of fairly strenuous walking to negotiate the track and if could he very wetting however one was clad owing to the perpetual brushing against damp undergrowth. From a. tourist point of view, so as to open up the sounds to others besides Hampers, what was required, he suggested, was a motor road from the west aim of Lake Manapouri to Beep Cove in Smith Sound. This road would he only ten miles in length as the track goes and its construction would present no great difficulties. Were it to be made, tourists would he able to reach b,v launch and motor the shores of a wonderful system of sounds presenting 132 miles of shore line with unrivalled scenery, the exploration of which could he carried out by launch. The famous walk would still he available to those fit to undertake it. but the addition of the road would open up the Founds to numerous tourists and would be appreciated by thousands in Australia and New Zealand alike.

“One cannot but he struck by the enormous potential power resources in the streams and lakes of that elevated region.” said Sir Douglas. “The harnessing of such power must eventually spell great prosperity for New Zealand. Ido not think that New Zealand as yet recognises the national assets she lias in her water power. Everv possible source of energy has been studied in the Old World of late, and the reports of the World Power Conference clearly indicate tlmfi the advantages of the Dominion are recognised,”