MILFORD TRACK

Hokitika Guardian, 25 August 1931, Page 3

MILFORD TRACK

In response to a suggestion from the south the Minister of Internal Affairs .(Mr- P. A. de> la Perrelle) has instructed Mr G. W. Clinkard (Tourist Department) to prepare details with a view to reducing the costs of the upkeep of the Te Anau-Milford track and the hostel at •Milford -Sound. The Minister stated today that the contract for the 'erection of- the Milford Hostel had been let by the Reform Government in February, 1928, the price being £14,178 3s. The work included the accommodation house, staff cottage, electric lighting supply, and water and drainage. The Otago Expansion League and the Southland League had pressed for the erection of a new hostel for a long time before the work was commenced and the press and public of that end-of the South island had appreciated the recognition given to the finest walk in the world. Owing to the abnormal condition of the weather the work of erecting the hostel was not completed until December, 1928. Since then the general economic depression had progressively militated against the success of the track and the hostel, but those who had visited the beautiful track and the Sound had claimed that the Government of fhe day had made a wise move in providing adequate accommodation at one ot the world’s finest scenic resorts. The Milford Sound and other, similar places where tty-*- physical difficulties were great were always responsible for a considerable expense, Mr de la Perrelle said, but they must not be condemned because of .that. . Thejr should be regarded as part ot a gie-it national asset, for such the tourist traffic +o the Dominion undoubtedly was. Milford Sound and the walk to it among the Dominion’s greatest attractions.' In other parts of the Dominion tourists from overseas had repeatedly stated that they would advise their friend.s to vis't New Zealand if it weie only for the) sake of the walk over the track.

“We cannot afford to neglect the assets we have built, up in the past simply because they are not showing a profit in these days of depression,” Mr de la jPerrelle added.