MAKARORA NOTES

Hokitika Guardian, 7 March 1930, Page 7

MAKARORA NOTES

Lord and Lady Latymer will'reach Pembroke from Christchurch on March 10th. They will then proceed to Makarora from whence they start on a six weeks stalking holiday into South Westland. The noble couple will be accompanied by Ernest Wiffin, Esq., (Department of Internal Affairs), who

is acting as organiser to Messrs Thus. Cook and San, who are airranging the tour. A week engaged in fishing at Lake Taupo will precede the visit to the district. Messrs Geo. Humphries and John Dennison will act as guides and Mr Eric James is in charge of transport arrangements. The distinsguNlied party will stalk on Block 10, which comprises the upper regions oi the great Burke Canyon and river which will be reached via the Okuru river and the West Coast, a long overland journey to near Mueller Pass from which point the party can stalk this rugged country with a minimum of energy. This is a four days pack journey over the Haast Pass. The wonderful and wild scenery en route will undoubtedly impress the distinguished visitors. The advance party with a long pack horse convoy departs on March 4th.

A much larger quantity of meadow and clover hay has been saved for winter use than in previous years. Heavy rain followed by floods occurred on Sunday,

There are signs of preparations which are usual just before the stalking season, but it is estimated the numbers will be much less than last year. A Melbourne sportsman will stalk Block 11.

Though in every respect a remarkably fine month, February this year closes as one of the worst on record from a tourist traffic point of view. Professor Turner’s scientific party reached Makarora on Tuesday on the return journey. Although the party were delayed with floods during the return journey they experienced perfect weather throughout the period spent on the Bed mountains. Mr H. Porter’s Aspiring party returned to Pembroke during the weekend after a very successful mountain-' coring trip on which occasion the successful ascent of Mt. Aspiring was made in perfect weather.

The beauty of the most attractive and popular tourist attraction and beauty spot. Pigeon Island and Paradise Lake has been destroyed 'by fire mailing a clean sweep of the whole island. The destruction was caused by fishermen who were marooned tnrough a broken propeller while fishing and making fires to attract attention.

Mir Forbes, Christchurch, entered the Haast region last week.