AT ARTHUR’S PASS

Hokitika Guardian, 15 April 1932, Page 2

AT ARTHUR’S PASS

DEPREDATIONS OF DEER

NATIVE PLANTS DAMAGED

CHRISTCHURCH, April 14. While visiting the upper val.ey oi the Otira river, members of the Grounds Committee of the Arthur’s Pass National Park Hoard of Control were made aware of the great damage being done by deer or chamois to some of the native sub-alpine plants. Over extensive areas the damage could be traced particular execution having been carried out on the seed heads of the famous “mountain lily” of New Zealand—the giant ranunculus lyallii. All specimens seen had theses parts cropped olf. “A continuance of those depredations will have results not difficult to forecast,” states l)r W. McKay, (hairman of the committee, in his annual report to the Board. During the summer (continues the report), various vis ts to the Park permitted the selection, rough grading, and final construction of two tracks. The first leads from the main highway just north of Lake Misery, proceeding a. mug die right bank of the Otira river in its upper reaches. It extends ror about- a mile and a half, emerg ng on the sliingle of the upper valley j where a splendid view is outained of the Holies con Glacier, the snowfieids of Mt Kolleston, and the giant cirque j uetween the latter mountain and Mount Philistine. This route is not only a source of great interest ana . pleasure in itself, but also provides an easy way of return for those climbing Rolleston or Philistine by alternative routes. There piobably exists 110 otn- : or suowfield in New Zealand that can! be reached by so short a turnip from a| main road. The second track is that to the top of Mount Barron (.ufifiOit) bv way °f Goat Greek. The Public Works Department’s approach to the water intake leads to a height of 6Coft above tiie railway. From the intake there is a track of easy grade, so that the climb has been greatly simplified, and beginning as it does from near the railway station should, when better known prove a popular one. THE PUNCHBOWL BRIDGE. While the committee appreciated the advantages gained by the erection of a bridge over the Bealev to the Punchbowl, it was considered inopportune to proceed with its construction. The finance available was diverted to less costly and more general amenities. In order that access may. be provided when ‘finance is available, Mr Johnson, of the Public Works Department, visited the locality to secure preliminary data and he will be furnishing a report iit a later date; Two bush fires were reported this summer, the more serious one beiiig In the lower Bealey Valley; Mr Warden succeeded in securing the aid of several assistants and took the necessary measures for combating the ft re, The * committee has since drawn up sug- 1 gested rules to guide the ranger on 1 future occasions. The second fire was | near the Park boundary at Aickens, but being confined largely to dead timber, did 110 material damage. POST OFFICE REQUIRED. The committee recojmmends the Board to approach the Post and Telegraph Department with a view to ( having a post office installed at the Pass. This would be of great convemelite to the public, as at present one ( has to rely, in the case of delivery of telegrams or telephone, messages, en- ( tirely to the good nature of the railway officers. Many enthusiastic climbers and Hampers have been making renewed explorations into the Mmglia river district. As detailed accounts of these efforts have from time to time $

appeared in the and much geographical information s'ippled to the Board, these excursions luue proved of much value, besides directing attention to the possibilities for rugged mountaineering existing 111 tliig district.

ARTHURS PASS BOARD

CURTAILMENT OR REVENUE

CHRISTCHURCH, April 14

As a result of the general depression the activities of the Arthur’s Pass National Park Board have been somewhat curtailed, largely on account of the closing of the avenue of revenue by which a considerable sum was raised from local bodies. This information is contained in the third annual report j of tlie board which will be submitted at the annual meeting on April 20. I The report further adds that to 1 date the Government, from whom a £ for £ subsidy had been confidently ; expected, had made no grant whatever to the hoard, except the allowance made for initial expenses over two * years ago. The Christchurch City Council had found itself unable to meet an earlier commitment to pay the balance of its grant. As a result the only revenue available had been derived almost entirely from rents and fees. The reduced income had thus put a restraint upon the improvements planned by the board, Nevertheless certain advances had been made which halve materially improved' the amenities of the park. Regret is expressed in the repart at the fact that the Railway Department , till refuses to arrange for a surcharge in the board’s favour on the numerous pasengers carried on excursion trips during the year. The report suggests that such an arrangement would enable tlie revenue derived to he utilised in improvements for the convenience and enjoyment of tlie railways patrons. A substantial tourist traffic to the park is recorded during the winter. According to figures supplied to the hoard hv the Railway Department, twelve excursions were run during the year, and a total of 5140. passengers carried.