WANAKA NOTES

Hokitika Guardian, 6 July 1928, Page 4

WANAKA NOTES

(From a Correspondent). MAKARORA, July 1

The launch “ Tangarba'U was washed ashore on the 25th at .Minaret, due to engine trouble during a severe north; erly galo and broken anchor lino. The occupants, an engineor and two local men, landed without mishap. One with live years naval service to his credit, describes the accident as nerve-racking. The boat was washed high and dry on the rocks. Several attempts were made to launch her but all were la.ilures on account of the roughness of the lake and gales. The ship-wrecked men and a. working party were hospitably received by Mr and .Mrs 11. .Speckling (Minaret Station) during the week.

The vessel was successfully launched on Saturday night and towed to Pembroke. At the time of tlie accident she was engaged on the Wanaka Royal 1 Mail ferry service, which was recently taken over by Messrs Mackay and Hunt, of Pembroke. These progressive owners have already outlined numerous progressive plans which are to be put into execution. New engines arc to be installed in the above mentioned boat while a new speed boat is to be added to the fleet next mouth. A regular bi-weekly service will also be run during the summer. Another new arrangement of special interest to Makarora residents will the new Saturday excursions to Pembroke, which will arrive in time for football fixtures arid cinema performances. A free picnic Will be run for Makarora residents to the islands in August. Messrs Watson and Hunt (Pembroke) are making a riding tour to Franz Josef this month, travelling via Haast Pass.

Mr and Mrs Crawford are taking up residence here occupying a portion of Rainy Elat Station, where they intend to commence dairying. Mr Crawlord lias already arrived to assist in the erection of the house. Mr and Mrs Crawford are West Coasters, formerly residing at Hokitika and Okuru respectively. On account of the last school committee being arranged over the telephone, unknown to a number of residents and one or two of the new committee, the Education Board have declared the election invalid and lias fixed Monday, July 16th, at 7.30 p.m. in the school house for the new election.

During the pre-sessional conference between the Otago Expansion League anU district members of Parliament held at Somerset Lounge, Savoy Buildings, Dunedin, on Tuesday evening, attention was again drawn to the desirability of developing the Haast Pass track to the many wonderful attractions beyond.

Mr Horn, M.P., said lie had received communications from Mr James, who had commenced a saddle journey from the head of Lake Wannka to the little known country beyond and connecting with the tourist attractions further north. Mr .lames bad suggested that cinematographic views should be taken of that district and if such views wertaken and shown in Dunedin and elsewhere it would be conceded that nothing better bad been seen before. The Chairman : You are quite right. Mr Horn.

Mr Horn went on to say that this proposal if carried out would not call for much expense. Ho was sure that when he brought it forward lie would get the support of the Otago members of the Expansion League.

A PETITION. A petition is at present being circulated through this and adjoining districts which is to be presented to the lion. K. S. Williams, Minister of Public Works: 1. That your petitioners are settlers or landholders in the area contiguous to Lakes Wanaka and Ha wen. 2. That the opening up of the country to the north and west of these lakes is hindered by the lack of means of transport for cattle, sheep and produce. 3. That a bridle track exists from the Hawea River to Makarora which if made into a road, would greatly increase the amount of produce available for marketing. 4. That the construction of this road would also assist in opening up the South Westland district, which at present has no outlet for wheeled traffic. 5. That your petitioners believe that tho construction of the road would be of great national utility and benefit, in increasing and improving the tourist traffic over thejHnnst Pass, and in submitting it for your most favourable consideration your petitioners will ever pray.

COMING TOUR. A well-known New Zealand mountaineer and writer has made preliminary arrangements, with his son, to attempt the climb of Mt. Hooker in the Hnast district. This peak is a prominent peak as yet unclimbed, altitude over 8,700 feet. Guide James has been engaged to accompany the expedition which has been scheduled to depart from Makarora in December. Mr James has also been entrusted with the guiding and arrangements for a party of ladies who are attempting a round trip from Wanaka to Wakatipu, via Hnast Pass, and the little known jungle of southernmost Westland in the spring. As yet no ladies have made this long trip, which penetrates the most isolated part of the Dominion, an endless, dense, trackless forest intersected by numerous rivers, lagoons and creeks. The itinerary includes some mountain work, no fewer than five saddles having to be crossed and some twenty rivers and streams have to be forded. The fiist successful tourist party to get through were some Dunedin men with Guide James in January. Tljis tour occupied sixteen days. After leaving Okuni, with the exception of Gunn’s, ol Martin's Bay, successors to McKenzie Bros., no occupied habitation is found until Wnkatipu is reached. Horses are to be taken right through and provisions will be shipped at stages along the coast by the Government steamer.