OPENING UP WAITAKERE

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 31 December 1912, Page 3

OPENING UP WAITAKERE

A SCENIC ATTRACTION TO VISITORS.

HELENSVILLE HOT SPRINGS INCLUDED IN SCHEME.

Mr A. M. Myers, M.P., whom we have, in a great measure, to thank for our express train, has a word to say for our Hot Springs in connection with the probable opening up of the Wai • takere Ranges which, h.6 sa^, could be made one of the most popular drives, and also one of the finest health resorts in the Dominion. In reply to a Herald reporter, Mr Myers said that what struck him at the moment was that as the exhibition would open at the end of next year, and would attract thousands of visitois, the present was a most opportune time for some definite action to be taken to see that these magnificent ranges, with their gioyes of kauri trees and the finest bush and gorge scenery imaginable, should be made one of the principal scenic attractions to visitors. His idea was that a "round trip" might be made one of the features of the exhibition, Excursion trains could be run to Helen sv: lie, where the hot springs could be visited. This would specially commend itself to those who had not the necessary time to visit the thermal district, On returning, say, to Henderson or "Waltakere, visitors could make a detour from there to the top of the ranges, then down to Titirangi, where probably a 'bus or motor service could pick them up. Et will be seen by these remarks that Mr Myers has not forgotten a promise, made when he was Minister of Railways, thct an excursion train should run to Helensville in connection with our Hot Springs, to allow visitors who could not spare the time and expense of going to the thermal district further away from the^city. The present Minister of Railways is too busy elsewhere to trouble about the thousands of people in the city of of Auckland, who could enjoy the benefits of our Hot Springs for a few shillings, without the loss of many hours if a special express train was arranged for the week end, We have not the least doubt that it would pay its way if it was sufficiently advertised and given a fair trial. Referring to the condition of the roads, Mr Myers suggested that the Mayor of Auckland shoulu call a meeting" of the suburban local bodies, including Waitemata County Council, with a view to framing some/general scheme for the purpose of improving the present roads, and making the various localities accessible. He believed the needed expenditure would be justified in every way. Thousands of tourists would make the journey and avail themselves of the opportunity of viewing the magnificent panorama, and the lavish display of kauri trees, nikau palms, pung-as, rimus, etc.