ARTHUR’S PASS

Hokitika Guardian, 5 June 1931, Page 5

ARTHUR’S PASS

MANY IMPROVEMENTS. VISIT OF INSPECTION. Members of the Arthur’s Pass National Park Board of Control have given much of their attention lately to th| improvement of facilities for motorists ‘•ravelling from Canterbury to the West Coast, both in reading and in camping and park ng sites ,and the latest improvement at the Pass is the conversion of a disused school into a community hall, equipped with all the conveniences necessary for tourists.

On Wednesday members of the Board, the Canterbury Automobie Association, and the Christchurch Ski Club visited the Pass to discuss further facilities and to inspect those already in operation. They travelled by the excursion train, meeting representatives of "West Coast interests on the grounds. The party cons sted of Mr AY. Stewart (Commissioner of Crown Lands and chairman of the National Park Board), Sir R. Heaton Rhodes, Sir Arthur Dud ley Dobson. Dr. W. McKay, Dr. E. Teichelmann, Professor R., Speight, Messrs AY. K. McAlpine, R. Twyneham, S. C. A. Darby (Conservator of Forests for AYestlulld,) and C. E. AA'arden, the Board’s ranger (representing the Arthur's, Pass National Park .Board), Messrs F. \V. Fwisillan, G. S. Morris, L. M. Wilson, and J. S, Hnwkes (re* presenting the Canterbury Automobile Association!, Messrs G. G. Lockwood, and E. C. A. Ferricr (representing the Christchurch Ski Club.)

MOTORISTS’ CAMPS. Sites for motor camps were first inspected, and, on the representations of the Canterbury Automobile Association it was decided to reserve areas at Halpin Creek, a block opposite the railway station and a site at Pegleg Creek, just over the divide. \ The line of a proposed track to the Blimit Basin, which has been surveyed by Mr G. Parkinson and members, of the Ski Club, was viewed next. Here it is intended to form a four-foot pack track, which will , extend for sixty chains over the worst stages of .thg journey to the ski-ing grounds and provide an excellent route for trampers. The meeting decided that the best grade had been selected, but that, as the formation work could not be. commenced until the spring, the locality should be kept under careful observation throughout the winter. After discussing the re-erection of the Punchbowl bridge, the Board decided to obtain an engineer’s report on the proposition.

BRIDGE AT THE 'BEALEY. A year ago the Bpard./pplietl to the Main Highways Board to have a light, bridge erected over the AA'uimoknrnri river ,at the -Boaley, and a mm-coni--mittnl reply was received. As Die Highways Board controls the highway from east to west, it is considered that should filli in the only serious gap that remains to prevent motorists from making an easy and comfortable run from the City to the Coast. Recently the Automobile Association, supported, by the Greymouth branch, made, a definite application to the' Highways 'Board to have the work done, and yesterday’s meeting decided to urge the Board to proceed with it as soon as possible, it being remarked that Christchurch motorists had . mountain and bush scenery, far nearer to the City than had Aucklanders, and that the one defect in an otherwise delightful tour should be removed. Mr Freeman said that it was high time that the present indefinite position’ in regard to the proposed bridge was determined. There were 25.000 motorists in Christchurch, and they should be able to make the trip to the AYest Coast with ease and certainty. , Dr McKay said that the approach work to the bridge was eminently suitable for the employment of single tnen during the winter. SHELTER FOR A T ISITORS. Three weeks ago the Park Board purchased a school building at Arthur’s Pass for £125, and £7O has been spent on alterations and improvements for the benefit of motorists and tranipers. ’l'he school was used original \ l, v the children of workmen engaged on the Otira tunnel, and now conveyed to OFra. The building is suitaide for social gatherings of excursionists during wet weather, and has excellent dancing space as w e U as cooking conveniences. An additional shelter has been provided in the railway yards, and visitors will find this extremely useful. Transfers of township sections were granted as followsSection 29, G’lmstplmrch Ski Ch.b to Messrs Lockwood ;I nd Perrier; Section 52. Mr J. LFraser to Mrs F.. G. HiUFr.