GOOD WILL TOUR

Hokitika Guardian, 17 May 1930, Page 3

GOOD WILL TOUR

A FRIENDLY INVASION

Tlie Canterbury party on the goodwill tour returned from South AVestland yesterday at 4.50 o’clock, and departed at 8.30 by train this morning for Christchurch.

. Despite the fact that a good deal of rain was encountered on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, the party as a whole confessed to having had a very jolly time. Mr Langford, of the Railway Department, who was the pilot for the tour, stated this morning that the idea of the Westland Progress League in meeting the party on arrival, and Dr Teichelmann’s kindness in enlertaining the party the same evening, brought all members of the party much closer together, and from then on they were as one family. Tt was a happy party, making light of the steady rainfall, hut always making the best of the happier aspects of the tour. Members of the party spoke well of the roads traversed, of the cars supplied by Newmans Motors, and of the •obliging and informative drivers in charge, all of whom were most careful. Likewise special praise was given o the accommodation provided on tile lour. Speaking of tlve southern hoslelrlcs, one visitor said he was- surnrised to find them all so well appointed. Tn some respects they could give points to favourite hotels on the East Const, so well were the conveniences of guests cateed for. Altogether there was an entire absence of grumbling, an’d the happy disposition to make the lost of the trip, was manifest on all sides. The visitors were loud in their praises of. the scenery en route. Their interest had been aroused by the excellence of Dr Teichelmann’s picture display seen on the eve of gofng south, and their experience coni-umed all they nad seen in. picture. The opinion was expressed by some of the travellers that far too little was known outside of the beauty attractions of Westland. Much that they saw in- forest and mountain scenery, including the unique glaciers, was a novelty indeed. The’ scenes were all very refreshing to the eye. They were a delight in every respect, and more should be known" of the scenic resorts, when a greater influx of travellers would result.

All spoke well of the attention shown them while in the district. The m<kor drivers were a fund of information about the various localities visited. At Waiho, Messrs Graham Bros, and at Weh'eka Messrs Sullivan Bros, did - all they could to supply information, and make their guests quite at home, it was a most homely trip, said one visitor, and we felt quite at home whereever we went.

A' couple of the travellers remarked adversely on the slowness of the train journey between Greymouth and Hokitika, and thought if tourist traffic was to be encouraged not only should the service be speeded up, but at this time of the year the carriagse should be steam heated. A, district such as this containing such outstanding features in l regard to natural attractions, not to be peached so easily, anywhere in the Dominion, should have more consideration from the Bail way Department, which in other parts of New Zealand goes out of its way as it were, to cater specially for the tourist. The return drive from Weliekn yesterday was accomplished in fine weather, and all had a splendid view of the rivers, mountains, lakes and fores*t This morning Tjsforq departing Mount Cook and Mount Tasman were to be seen at their host, bathed in bright sunshine. There was a noble view of the Southern Alps, all the li’gh peaks being tipped with the rising sun. One member remarked that though lie had not brought his camera with him, lie had some wonderful memories stored up of what lie had seen, and regretted he had not been an ! earlier visitor and that he had riot longer to stay. In the early future lie hoped to come again, and enjoy once more the glorious scenery Westland has stored up for all who care' to enjoy nature in her most wonderful colouring of green and gold.