MOTORING ON THE WEST COAST

Hokitika Guardian, 9 March 1929, Page 6

MOTORING ON THE WEST COAST

At present on a motor tour of New Zealand is Mr E. J. 'fait, the wellknown theatrical manager, who has been responsible ‘for bringing to New Zealand a great number of popular stage productions. Starting from Auckland on - February 11, Mr Tait. who is accompanied by his daughter, worn u;ro'.erfi Taupo to Wellington, for to Piclon. down through Nelson to t' e Fran"’ Josef Glacier, and across Arthur’s Pu.-r to Christchurch, where lie rde ion Monday night.

Tho trip across Arthur’s Pass, Mr Tait describes as unique, and (says the Christchurch Star) he is a motorist of 22 years’ experience. Ho said that even in the European Tyrol, where there are passes 10,000 feet in height to lie negotiated by the motorist, he did not come across anything as steep as the road over Arthur’s Pass. “For the first time in my motoring experience,” said Mr 'lait. “1 went 'through a river not under my own power. ’That was through tho Healey; where I relied on horses to pull me through. The road is good all the way. Although a lot ol it is loose stuff, it seenis to have a springy hod.”

The splendid condition o'f the West Coast roads amazed Air lait, although there were one or two places that could do with a few bridges. According to Air Tait, tho roads over tho whole of New Zealand are good, especially in the South Island. “South Island scenery is much more inteiestiug than that of the North Island, said Air Tait. “Your roads are better, too, although there is a good de.i of loose shingle on them. Pei haps when you get some heavy steam rollers that will he improved. The roads are great for motoring, hut the dust is bad at times.”