The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 1932. A DEVELOPING ASSET.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 August 1932, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 1932. A DEVELOPING ASSET.

The slow but sure unfolding of the 1 ioi. id ay and tourist attractions of South Westland is an indication that this great and lasting asset of the district is, \.ihieing developed. The Southern Alps' are something eternal while the South Island lasts, and no dispoilcr can mar their glorious beauty and unique attractions with ice-field ; giacieis, and enticing snow tops. On the Westland side of the range, -the countiy is forest clad, and in this instance the d’espoiler may have occasion,; as time goes on, to wreak his vengance on nature’s handiwork. Siul,i there is such wealth of timber-land, that it must be many a day before the despoil'er may even make an impression on nature’s handiwork which gives the district a distinction all its own. Even that remot.* possibility of vandalism should not ease the interest of to-day in the beauty spots of Westland and their; secure preservation. There is the call now and always for the preservation •of , our attractive scenery, and jn particular jt js a change to see that forest a peas adjacent to high,ways and mantling the hill country, ape preserved ns long a.s possible,. Westlanders ‘familiar wAh its .bush - area are prone to bcoome indifferent to, the true value of nature’s gilt ; but-if heed were paid to the remarks of (visitors and nature lovers generally, a new. interest would be created in this desire for bush preservation. The East Coaster ' and oversea visitor, alike are impressed with what Westland has to offer in scenery. Such visitors are ready to make comparisons all in favour of Westland’s unique scenery. For it is unique to see these ice rivers, call <1 glaciers, emptying down from the h'gh snow capped mountains, and .petering down through bush clad gorges, till arrested where a new born river takes its birth. The southern glaciers .are very accessible. Indeed horses have been ridden on tbs ice. - The surface of the ice takes varying shapes, the pinnacles always being striking, wftiß': crevasses arc interesting for those, on photography bent. The whole scone is enthralling, -the , background ot majestic peaks lending a special gran- ' deur to the sciene. For the mountaineer 5 South Westland is a paradise with' its- featured high climbs to famous peaks. There is a rest of peaks at the head of the glaciers, and nil arc a challenge to the climber. Besides the. uniqu'e attractions of the Alps and’ all that they hold, there are many bush walks revealing a wealth of nature’s generous portion for South Westiland. Thtere are pools and lake* ■sk> placed that tliejr placid Waters reflect the mountains and buslt in faithful picture difficult to realise where nature ends and the reflections begin. There is ever a changing scene whether afoot or mounted, and g”eatly improved roads offer safe conduct to the retreats where nature holds court This b the great asset of Westland much in' need of more deve’opment And above all to aid tlvt development more must be don e in advertising our wares : abroad. Where -people congregate in cities, and where readerenjoy the factorial publications, more should he dope in -advert’-ring the store of ’treasure in South Westland f'" tourist, holiday-maker, and mountaineer;- Besidies the dory of the scenery, visitors are well catered foi” in homely comforts at the adjacent hoetei's, and further attraction is offered to those bent on an unusual holiday in territory of unusual interest.