“SUPREME HOLIDAY GROUND OF NEW ZEALAND” Mr J. A. Lee Comments

Lake County Mail, Issue 45, 14 April 1948, Page 1

“SUPREME HOLIDAY GROUND OF NEW ZEALAND” Mr J. A. Lee Comments

Mr J. A. .Lee, leader of the Democratic Labour Party, at the conclusion of his holiday at Queenstown last week, gave the following impressions of his visit: —

“ When I stood on that earthy platform and gazed across the river bed to Paradise, at the head of Wakatipu, I knew I had attained the pinnacle of all the scenic grandeur it has been my fortune to see. It was not an occasion for words.

“It was the climax of an unrivalled holiday, commencing with the Lindis Pass, followed by the Remarkables and Queenstown, and then a view of the mountains far away through the gorge and across Hawea to amazing Aspiring, and, the climax of all —Paradise..

“ Returning on the Earnslaw, I looked towards Earnslaw Peak, and as it faded from sight, turned towards the Remarkables. There I saw a purple twilight, only seen in mountainous country.

“I have had an inspiring week, and I shall return to talk of Queenstown and its environs. This is the supreme holiday ground of New Zealand.”

Mr Lee said that he was surprised at the lack of adequate cheap booklets describing the mountain and lake beauty. He said that such a booklet, well done, would pay for itself and sell for years. It would provide the sort of memento the visitor takes aw;ay willingly.

“ Good propaganda can be made a commercial success without Government aid, Rotorua proves that, and it is time the South cried its own wares. The results would produce good profits as they do in other parts,” he said.

“I believe there is, in this area, sufficient material for pioneer and goldmining stories to fill many books. I hope to use much of this material in short stories which I am writing. Our papers, however, have not the room or the inclination so serialise such stories if they were written.

“ When the economics of high country life are made vital in the lives of people who live against the alpine snows the problem will become human enough to compel political action. The men on the skyline need reinforcement and they scarcely receive even appreciation.

“I go home enthralled by a grand week’s holiday.”