WESTLAND’S WONDERLAND

Hokitika Guardian, 20 September 1928, Page 4

WESTLAND’S WONDERLAND

GHMYMiOUTH, September 18.

Although criticism has often been levelled at the 'Government for neglecting to givo adequate publicity to the scenic attractions ,011 the AVest Coast, there is abundant evidence to show that active steps are now being taken to put Westland on the map as the scenic wonderland of New Zealand, inuring the (last year bridges liave bee a erected and reading improvements carried out which will bring many new scenic spots within reach of tjie holiday visitor. In addition to the. work npw being undertaken in tbs Grey, Duller, and Westland Counties, under subsidy from,the Main Highway Board, an active programme is in progress to make the drive to the famed South Westland Glaciers an excellent road for the ever swelling volume ol motor traffic,

Mr T. A. Johnston, District Public Works Engineer, who returned to Greymouth last evening from an official visit which extended ns far as the Fox Glacier, stated that an extensive programme was in 'hand, which would occupy fully eighteen months, and involve considerable expenditure.Amongst the important works to he carried out was the bridging of Slatey’s, Dougherty’s ami the Oir.cre creeks, and the reconstruction of the bridge over the Waikokopn river, which was washed away some time ago by heavy floods. It is expected to have the construction of Slatcy’s Creek bridge completed before Christmas. The whole of the hardwood and steel material for the other bridges has been ordered, and the work is to ho commenced immediately the material conies to hand.

Deferring to the traffic on the South Westland rend, Mr Johnston said tlint very little interruption, oven in flood seasons, was now being experienced by the service \ cars. TT.o road right through to the Fox Glacier was in excellent order. Ho expressed the opinion that tlio most treacherous stream yot unbridged was Dougherty’s Crock, which was a raging mountain torrent when flooded. When the improvements are effected, both the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers would be accessible during any season of the year. The number of visitors to the Franz Josef Glacier last season exceeded 5000 Tlio structural work for Messrs Sullivan Bros’,, was practically completed, and the installation of electricity for ‘tlio building was commenced this week. The appointments include a spacious billiard room. The hostel will bo’ available for accommodation early in November. The distance from the Fox Glacier to the new hostel is just two and a quarter miles along a pretty bush track.

Tfiie whole of the tourist tracks in the glacier region, were inspected by Mr Johnston, and certain necessary improvements and repairs are to be put in (hand immediately.