ARTHUR’S PASS

Hokitika Guardian, 2 May 1930, Page 2

ARTHUR’S PASS

POPULARITY GROWS

BOARD’S REPORT TO MINISTER

That Arthur's Pass National Park will become the most widely used resort of its kind in New Zealand is the prediction of the Arthur’s Pass National Park Board in its annual report to., the -Minister':, for the year ended March 31st.

Now in its seventh month of existence, the Board has. done much ' useful work in developing the resources of the Park. Certainly most of its efforts have been of a ~preliminary ntture, but they, have - formed a sound basis for future development. In its report the Board states that it has been engaged mainly in. securing finance wherewith to develop the resources of the Park. The Government has made ft grant of £2OO which will cover initial expenses and allow. certain minor urgent works to be undertaken. The most important contribution is that of the Christchurch City Council, which has undertaken to find £SOO. provided other local bodies between them contribute a like, sum At present' the canvass of the. other local-.'bodies bp.’’ ir r organised..awl U • s bored to raise the necessary amount, although probably not without diffidftlty. 'V. With subsidy from the Gov eminent, which it is hoped will 11 r forthcoming, a sufficient sum for definite progressive works will be available.

GOVERNMENT’S : ASSISTANCE

1 “The public of Canterbury and Westland'lmve a proper appreciation of the action ' that the Government has taken to provide for the development of what is regarded as one of the greatest scenic and natural playground assets that both provinces possess,” the report adds. “The Park is rapily increasing in popularity as a holiday resort, both for overseas tourists and for our own people, and is patronised during summer vacations and for winter sports. The Railway Department has done much to make this resort popular by providing for excursions, which invaiiably produce capacity trains. It is safe to predict that the Park, being so easily accessible and within the means of almost every person in’both provinces to utilise and enjoy, will become the most used of such resorts in New Zealand.

- : “One of the chief features of the Park is .the abundance of, and variety of, its flora, which is decleared by scientists within the Dominion and beyond to be unique and in need of expert protection. This phrase of the Board’s work is' receiving full attention, as it was one of the prime motives for asking that the area he placed under a local board of control. A ranger has been, appointed, and several local enthusiasts are being approached to see if they will assist by accepting appointment as honorary rangers. This part, of the Board’s responsibility is possible, even with its present limited finance’, and developmental work will require to wait until more money is available.

MOUNTAINEERING AND SKI

CLUBS.

‘‘The chief bodies connected with the Park for the promotion of sports are the Canterbury Mountaineering and Tramping Club* and the Christchurch Ski Club ’ The former club has been operating if or some years, and has already built a hut suitable to the needs of its members, known as the Carrington Memorial Hut. The Board proposes that a lease for a term of 21 years he granted to the club, at' a nominal rent, an'd with the bright to charge small fees to non-members. Th eclub is doing valuable exploration work, and many of its discoveries have been incorporated in the map of the Park now being prepared. The Ski Club is of more recent formation and is chiefly interested in the utilisation of the opportunities the Park provides for wintei sport. It is becoming strong numerically, and. anticipates .a..,very good season. '■

“Both clubs are co-operating enthusiastically with the Board and can probably be relied on for assistance, particularly. in providing manual labour for the formation of tracks, and the erection of liuts. < • •

ATt should be stated, however, that fhe Board has defined a policy that its first regard must be ifor the general nubile, rather than any particular section of it. The Grounds Committee recently carried out a fairly thorough inspection, and in consequence the formation and improvement of existing tracks to places of interest and beauty and accessible to the average walker, have been determined upon.

“Good ski-ing grounds are available Strong representations have been, made for the erection of a suitable accommodation hut, and this will be undertaken when the more general needs are anc j fianance is available.

“Perhaps the greatest need for the Park .is a modern accommodation house Without this the Board cannot expect +o attract a large section of the citizens who would like to enjoy an outin" or who would benefit lm a prolonged •t.nv in the Park surroundings, hut who ■'nve reached that age when some comfo>'t is needed. There are hopeful indications that this necessity is receiving the consideration of private financial interests.

DEER STALKING

“The destruction of flora b” deer was causing alarm but the Board has been empowered to license deer stalkers to operate. The result has been thaf

good sport has been obtained, and menace has been considerably less ened.”

The Board concludes its report by expressing gratifications at the considerable publis interest that has bee aroused in its operations, and thanks the Press of both Christchurch and Westland for its liberal and sympathetic assistance.