ARTHUR’S PASS

Hokitika Guardian, 25 October 1929, Page 3

ARTHUR’S PASS

BOARD OF CONTROL. CHRISTCHURCH, Oct. 23. The first meeting of the Arthur’s Pass National Park Board of Control was held yesterday, Mr W. Stewart, Commissioner of Crown Lands, presiding. Other members present were: i Professor R. Speight, Dr Teiehelinarin (Hokitika), Dr W. M’Kay (Greymouth), Messrs A. D. Dobson, W. K.i M’Alpine, R. Twyneham and F. W. Freeman. The chairman explained the nature of the legislation constituting tne board, its proposed . duties and the area under its control. An executive comniittee consisting of the Commissioner of Crown Lands, the Mayor of Christchurch (the Rev 'J- Professor Speight and Mr Freeman were appointed. _

A deputation from the Christchurch Ski-ing‘ Club waited on the Board. ;* Tfie object of the deputation was to secure better facilities for ski-ing, the need, for a hut being particularly emphasised. $Mr G. Butler said that the desire of- the deputation was to bring under ‘ bf the Ski-ing Club, which hoped to eoin helping the work Of development * Many of the club members knew the district well and could assure the members of the Board that there Were extensive -snow fields close to therroad. The accessibility of these -ffelds was to have a hut made available so that the areas could be used to advantage. At the present time the ski-ing was confined to the Pass alone, but-within two hours from the road there were' other; good fields. They desired to ask the Board to erect a huf for the use of. the public and members of the dub. • Mr -G. G. Lockwood said that it seemed to them the time was righttor .an organised attempt to take advantage of the winter facilities, for the Pass was made more attractive in winter than in summer. There was not the silglitest doubt tnat they could rely on substantial support. They were keenly interefsed in the general . development of ithe .Pass and. the club

could in'that" Avay be of assistance to the -Board. At Tongariro there were five or six; clubs. with an aggregate

membership of 1000 people some of whom were scattered all over the North Island, and who simply came for. a week in the year. They could at Arthur’s Pass offer better facilities than that. Conditions were such that some provision would have to he made because at present it needed an experienced climber to get near the ground at all. They wanted to encourage the novices. . . " “We feel that the hut should be of a fair size because we have no doubt the development will be very considerable in the near future,” Mr Butler said. He added that the club had no finances whatever, but the members would be prepared to do what they could in the way of manual effort.

In answer to a question, Mr Butler said that the slopes were immediately opposite Mount Rolleston, on the eastern side, between the Blimit Peak and the ton of the Pass.

Miss Ferguson said that unless there was a hut right on the grounds it would lie practically impossible for women to participate in the sport. The deputation then withdrew.

The" chairman said that he did not think they could do much until their finances were assured. They would have to depend on voluntary organisations such as this to assist them in protecting the place. The balance of the meeting was devoted to formal matters.