BEAUTIFUL WESTLAND

Hokitika Guardian, 9 June 1931, Page 2

BEAUTIFUL WESTLAND

That there must he many Ijttle known beauty spots in Westland goes without saying. From time to time fresh attractions of nature are revealed, and there H occasion to marvel at the wealth of sc-euic wonder nature has lavished on the district. Some time ago in these columns attention was drawn to three lakes in the Weheka locality of which little seemed to be known.» There Lake Muller, Lake Gault, and Lake Gibb are and are relatively close to the tourist resort of Weheka. Probably only the early surveyors are familiar with thescenic charm of the out of the way locality where the lakes nestle. A week or so ago three members of Mr Fred Williams’ family at Weheka, imbued with the spirit of the pioneer, essayed the task of visiting Lake Muller—the largest of the three lakes. . The party consisted of Miss Sheila Williams (who has just left the district) and her two brothers, Thomas and Patrick Williams, the two latter particularly being familiar with bush travel. One of the party spent a day in advance spying out a route through the forest. This was accomplished satisfactorily, but to locate the objective, a large tree had to be climbed and - a compass bearing taken So as to facilitate direction when the party made their hay lakewards the following day. I Lake Muller is some 1,400 feet above sea-level. It is surrounded ,by .low hills and forest, and. actually lias very , little ' water slied. It is essentially.- a ! spring, fed lake, ■ arid .its - waters ~ -are-' beautifully clear—c-loar as crystal the visitors said. It has a pretty sit- ( uation and its waters on the still day of the .visit, gave back .wonderful, .reflections. Several snaps were taken of this hitherto out-of-the way resort, but it has such charming attractions that its popularity would be pronounced once a route were opened for easier access.

'The approach is not difficult in grade, and a wonderful Lush track could he opened. There is a fine forest -area in the locality, with some splendid | timber country—but very remote at this stage of development for utility purposes., : The complete journey! was Uicpdrilpilshed ’easily within the j clay, and; vyitji proper means of accels it .pmuldibe 1 ,,a very! popular walk for 1 tour-, ;ists,’wink would, be rewarded with some ’VeLy| jwjdnder-ful bush and mountain .-scenery! jen route. • ' \\ r iit;l|jifilje, forging of the main road into Westland, and the growth jof pomiiftiion. more and more of the natural'attractions of the territory will be, discovered: The maps plotted by the Caplr-explorers and surveyors, indicate' many natural features which are but little known excepting for the Ina.p naisfeiitt Ihmbably the gold feeke-jy will play some part, too, in opening up the unknown, or little known country south. Lake Mul'er feeds H-w H-d (or stoney) Creek, n- little south of the Woikukupa river, The latter river bed is known to be auriferous, and is now engaging the attention of thp prospector. As tV miner penetrates inland from the sec. .bench: a rich reward may. yet await the lucky one. To assist that erd. more of the country'south might web he copied no with service,a He- t racks for hnth the tourist and the more valuable gold miner. r .