IMPRESSSONS OF THE WEST COAST

Kumara Times, Issue 3013, 30 June 1886, Page 3

IMPRESSSONS OF THE WEST COAST

+ [To the Editor of the Kumara Times]. Mr Editor—l'm a Canterbury man, arid being on a visit to the Coast thought I'd like to give you my impressions on things in general. I have travelled over a good deal of New Zealand, but have never seen such scenery as that which we came through from Canterbury to Wentland. The Otira Gorge requires to be seen to be appreciated. The various digging townships we visited have a wonderful charm for a visitor from the Plains. But what took my attention most was the number of hotels and public houses which abound in this part of the world ; and what puzzled me most is how the proprietors all get a living; and what surprised me most was that we met with so very few cases of drunkenness. ■ I have been moving about pretty constantly for the last fortnight and have only seen three men under the influence of liquor during that time. To my mind this speaks volumes. As a traveller, I would like through the medium of your valuable paper to make mention of the courtesy and kindness accorded to us as we travelled through from Canterbuiy. We brought with us on this trip our own vehicle and were exceedingly pleased at the well-kept state of the road. From Arthur's Pass to near Kumara the roads are more like drives through a gentleman's park than public roads. I have been so pleased at my visit here that I have written some of my friends not to die until they have visited the Coast.

Trusting that the Coast may long retain its name for sobriety and hospitality, I am, yours truly, A Traveller. Greymouth, June 28, 1886.