STALKING SEASON

Hokitika Guardian, 28 March 1930, Page 5

STALKING SEASON

Already all AVestland stalkers have

reached their blocks and the holders of Otago licenses arc now 'malting their appearance. As is usual at this time of the year, weather conditions are very unfavourable.

Lord and Lady .Latymer have cnered the Landsborough A r al!ey and not the Burke country as intended and previously reported.

The Landsborough .block, No. 4, was originally ‘secured for the distinguished visitors but upon the advice of Air Forbes, the Westland Society adviser, this was changed for the Burke block it being pointed out it contained suitable stalking country for her ladyship and. that no women could enter the Landsborough No. 4 block. , f v Following personal inspection by New Zealand Government representative, . the Burke country was finally decided upon, . although access via last season’s route whatnot, and acccs via the Okuru A r alley was agreed

upon. , A large advance pack train! landed stores and equipment,- but a t day later the guides returned reporting access would prove tdo strenuptn for the noble couple. His Lordship upon advice then . abandoned the .§? more promising block in favour of.; the earlier stocked and less inaccessible Landsborough country; Unfortunately upon arriving at their camp site the weather broke and activities have been suspended or affected and the returning pack teams from the Upper Burke have been held up for some days by floods. The following stalkers entered last week:—Mr Morgan’s party for Macfar Line River; Messrs Gow and K. Richards for Block 8; Messrs Harrison and Walters for Mule Valley and Air Oovvon (England) for the Clarke River. Vickery’s party go out to-mor-row.

A pair of extra heavy antlers; beleved to have belonged to . the ff first stag to enter- the Arawatu Valley, have been found'and brought to Makarora from whence they-.will be sent to the Dresden-Museum in Germany. >lt is believed this pioneer stag belonged to the Wakatipu v Austrian) herd.

■ Several members of a well known North Island Photographic Society are planning , a tour of South AVest:,nd to take place in Junu. ; Mrs Ewing has obtained occupation of Makarora Accommodation House formerly owned Iby Mr R. Dunning and recently purchased by Messrs Russell and Hazlett.

Another tourist -house has also sprung up and is carried on by Airs Crawford in what used to be the renowned Ewing’s Boarding House carried on successfully for many years by the late Air Ewing., This house is ideally situated on the borders <of alpine forest. The reported discontinuation'of the Thursday launch service is causing some concern within the district, it being a surprise move at this busy period of the season. The “Rotorua Chonicle” writes:— Air Keith Richards and Air AV. Gow have left - for the South Island deer striking. They have secured - Block Bin the AVestland district. From Christchurch they proceed to ‘ Pembroke, crossing Lake AVanaka. and from thence over a 30 miles of rough country to a camp in the mountains. Air Richards states that he is greatly indebted to the Southern ranger, Air Eric James. Since his successful application he has received every advice and assistance from him, details of route, cost and everything that makes for comfort and elimination oi delays and inconvenience. The stalkers on the next block are Lord Latymer and party. Air‘Richards is a first class rifle shot and has. a good chance of securing a trophy worth while.