SOUTHERN WESTLAND.

Kumara Times, Issue 2566, 12 September 1884, Page 2

SOUTHERN WESTLAND.

The Westland County Chairman (P. Dungan, Esq.) concludes an exhaustive report of his official visit to the southern part of the county in the following words :

“ I have now given to the Council in a matter of fact way, and in as concise a manner as possible, some idea of the position and wants of the people in the southern districts; but I may be pardoned if, for a moment, I point out that outside the material world there are other attractions to be met with in the same direction. The West Coast, from its vast mineral resources, has been designated the Cornwall of New Zealand and Westland, for the richness of its mines lias largely contributed to win so well deserved a name ; but there is not a spot within the sea-girt isles of New Zealand that has so many rare and beautiful scenes as can be witnessed in the southern parts of Westland. Many parts of this unknown country, from its wild and rugged character, might truly be termed the land of mountain and flood. Its snow-capped mountains, lovely lakes, waterfalls, ravines, wondrous glaciers, hot springs, and sulphur springs, are worth to the tourist, and admirer of picturesque and matchless scenery a long journey to witness. But beyond all, and more marvellous to behold and to admire, is Mount Cook qf world-wide fame. Its snow-capped peaks, glittering in the morning sun, form a scene of surpassing loveliness ■ its majestic grandeur making it the monarch of the southern world.”

Mr Dnngan left Hokitika on the evening of the 4th August, for Ross. Left Ross on the morning of the 5 th,

taking the road for Jackson’s Bay, being accompanied by Mr Butler, Road Overseer, Mr Mueller, Chief Surveyor (on one of his annual inspections), and the Rev. Father Ahern, of Ross (on a visit to the remote part of his district). He returned from Jackson’s Bay, the farthest point of his tour, on the 20th August, ar.d arrived at Hokitika on the 6th inst.

_ Members of the Council highly eulogised the County Chairman’s report, as giving valuable information to the Council regarding the southern portion of the county, and the accomplished way in which he carried out not a pleasant task deputed to him by the Council.