The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1929.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 February 1929, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1929.

A N FCLK'LTFD IFF,SOFT. It is satisfactory indeed to iind of late that Lake Mahinupun, as a public resort. is coming more and more into its own, for hitherto it has been very much neglected. Time was when it was the premier resort, and it was thought that with tile provision of railway access. it. would lie in even greater lav our. Since, however, the boating futilities for reaching the lake area were curtailed, the popularity oi the resort rather waned. Yet it is an ideal picnic ground, and is worthy ol more attention. Of late it is coining hack in favour, barge parlies now visit by train, while boating is being revived. At the meeting of the Acclimatisation and Tourist Society this week, the claims id the lakeside for more attention to add to its popularity, were considered, and it would appear there was quite a reviving spirit shown. Access by both bout and road are to he provided, and these routes, in addition to I lie railway, should ensure Lake Mahinapua coining very fully into its own. II will h>> very gratifying indeed if I Minting facilities are again provided for reaching the lake. In loruvr times that means of transport was the popular holiday outing, and the aquatic trip was the special feature of the day. Tlr> creel; has ahvavs been notable for its

rcllcctions, and in the dark, 'tranquil waters of the stream, these have been a!wa,us a prominent feature of the scenic a I fractions. If the creek can ij<* c.eared for a moderale cost to ensure boa Liny without hazard or delay, there .should be a considerable return in p polarity to the aquatic route. The local Society is moving also in reyard to a suitable landing at Shanghai which was formerly (Tie lavourite picnic resort. The binding is also close to tne seashore, and provides access to a location where the day’s doings may i.e varied in pleasant ways. In addition to the water way, the news that l.h:: road t> afford access is soon to have attention, is also very plcasiny. This is the aye of the motor car, and with reasonable means of approaching the lakeside, the popularity of the resort is sure to he enhanced, and uiuLi traffic in that dirtdion wiil gro.v. There is thus a very premising immediate future for the resort. It is well t/ see the natural features of the district yiven the attention they deserve. Lakes adjacent to centres are always popular resin is, and Lake Mahinapua has also the requisite features to make iL not only a very popular,' hut also a very safe, playground. Local enterprise should exert itself in reyard to these matters, for the more they are fostered, the greater will he the outside patronage to the resorts. The Coast is becoming better known generally, and visitors naturally desire a variety in their entertainment. Enjoying the West Coast air as so many of them do, often they arc loth to hurry away again, and the more locations which can he scheduled for visits am" outings, the longer wiil the holidaymaking public stay in the district. Lake fMahinapua is essentially a resort of interest and attractiveness,.and with easy facilities to reach by a roundtrip hv water and road, or other means of transport, it should provide a very pleasing extra, day’s stay in the town. This round-tour could be cultivated without much extra expense once the creek was cleared and the road completed. In other parts of New Zealand similar round trips are organised and are very popular with tourists and Holiday makers, and a.s this class ol traffic to Westland is now growing so lavourablo, Lake Mahinapua could well he included in the itinerary, and patrons could have a varied, jolly day covering the round trip, and enjoying the hush environment of the lakeside.