MILFORD TRACK

Hokitika Guardian, 6 December 1928, Page 2

MILFORD TRACK

IN NEED OF REPAIRS. DUNEDIN, December 3. Mr T. G. Beck, assistant engineer on tin- Dunedin staff of tlie Public Works Department, and a party of five are to start to-morrow for the back country to go over the track from the head of Lake Wakatipu to Milford Sound by Way oif the Uollyford river. This is known as the Graves-Tnlhot track. Mr W. Graves, ail Oilinai'u lawyer, and M,l' Talbot, :i Greyilloutii schoolmaster, found a possible Way through from Hollyford (where the real difficulties are met) to Milford some

years ago. Both are experienced mountaineers. They reported then* discovery and in 1914 the Public Works Department sent Mr J. E. McEnnis (district engineer) and Mr E. G. Monk to report. They encountered serious obstacles at the Home Saddle and the Graves Ridge, the country being rough and precipitous, and they recommended that at the worst places steps be cut and wire ropes placed in position. This work was done, the Tourist Department spending money at various times. Now it is reported that the rope has deteriorated and that repairs to the track are necessary.

It is to make observations that the party is to set out to-morrow on a somewhat adventurous trip to reach Graves Ridge. Previously a guide was needed and all who went had to he roped together in certain places. The Department deems it a duty to be first over the track this season. Mr Beck and his assistants will see what the track is like, do what they can, and grange for all necessary repairs.