WANAKA NOTES

Hokitika Guardian, 14 November 1928, Page 7

WANAKA NOTES

(From a Correspondent). The river is in good fishing condition and plenty of fish is reported. .Mr \Y. Simpson (l)nnedin), formerly ■ I Doss is to spend a week photographing the llaast Pass Track in connection with a publicity scheme. The first, series of photographs to 1m? on sale in Dunedin of the Haast Pass and Ok urn are being exhibited by W. Watson, photographer. 44 Crosby St., Dunedin. A collection of coloured lantern slides were displayed privately at a Dunedin Club meeting recently with such marked success that the outcome has been that several public showings have been, arranged. This collection embraces many rare- views of South Westland and Western Otago. TOURIST TRAFFIC. The Wilkin River Valley has been recommended as a first class mountain resort for the summer holidays. Until last year it was almost unknown by tourists, but apparently this year many bookings have been made for this delightful spot. An alpine party intend to attempt the climb of Alts Caston and Rollix, l.oLh of which are high unelimbed peaks on the Main Divide. Both peaks may he seen from Okuru, also from the populated districts in Otago. Hookings for the new riding tour to the Fox and Franz Joseph Glaciers are up to those of last year. Many enquiries have been received for the a’pine walk over the Copeland Pass A party of geologists will visit the Red Hills early in the coming year. This party, which will approach the interesting ranges from the Cascade Valley in South Westland, will have six to eight weeks exploring. Specimens will probably he shipped from Okuru. The party consists of mining students under a University lecturer on geology. James’ Horse Service is in charge of (lie horse transport arrangements which will proceed from Makaroa. There are many enquiries for stalking country in the Haast district and some lirst-class sportsmen will he competing at the ballot. An oversea stalker has secured the one remaining block in the adjoining Otago District. Tin? West-Wanaka country has yet to be offered.

There is a largo number of tourists who have marie arrangements for a riding tour to Alartin’s Bay. among whom are many ladies. Invercargill residents particularly, patronise this district.

Mr W. Ciittnnoo. late of Okuru. and now of the Bands Transfer Department,

Invercargill, is spending his holiday tin’s month, after salmon at To Anau.

A party of botanists were organised last summer to visit the West Coast Sounds hv sea and to finally land at the Haast River mouth, thence proceed overland to Wanaka. This expedition fell through on account of unforseen circumstances, but it is hoped to make a further attempt this year. Air Biggar, Gore, at the ripe old age of 74, has been chosen to guide the party. Afr Biggar has spent the greater part of Ins youth with geological exploration parties on many parts of the West Coast, from the Bluff to north of Nelson, and lias perhaps a wider knowledge of the hack country of the South Island than any person living. He commenced his career as an assistant in Dr Hector’s early expeditions and later in his successor’s many expeditions. Tie has repeatedly been chosen to load search parties in search of lost travellers in the sound regions, including the cases of McKinnon, Professor Alainwar in g-B row n and Donald Keith of Nelson. The latler died a few minutes after being found, through starvation. The rescuer himself nearly succumbed to a similar fate a- few rears before

‘■us when returning from the Big Bay rush. His companion died a few mouths later from the results of exposure and starvation. Air Biggar was also present at the death of Doehertv, the companion of Afr Geo. llassing, the grand old man of Southland, who landed at Afaknroil Valley in 1860, the first European to reach this fertile valley, then a mass of shrub, flat and vines, and during their later ninety daws’ exploration trip to the AA r esl Coast and Alt. Hooker. IHTiff, via Haast

Bass. The deatTi of Doehertv was due to .semi-starvation, followed by a hearty meal at the small hotel at Preservation Inlet during the diggings period, the late explorer breathing his last

quietly and suddenly on the same bench on which Air Biggar was writing home to his family in Southland.