MOUNT COOK

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8339, 28 January 1913, Page 11

MOUNT COOK

SOME NECESSARY IMPROVEMENTS,

Sir John Findlay, K.C., one of the most ardent admirers of the Mount Cook reNew Zealand, on his return to 'l-lmaru from X-airtic gave some of ins impressions of the trip to the iimaru representative ot the Christchurch "r'resb.’’ Ho stated that he had visuvu Mount Cook fittecu times during the pas* twenty-three years, and was suit as enamoured as over of taose detightiui regrous. "i have found it,’’’he surd, "the best holiday place to bo found in Now Zealand lor brain lag, and this experience, I know, is general. i have been told that tiro Hermitage was tho cuiy place where, in his later years, the late Mr Justice Richmond was relieved at night of his asthma; and on this visit, as on previous ones, those engaged in teaching, and other brain-taxing occupations, told mo that they felt almost immediate beneficial results from the bracing air and gentle exercise there.” Sir John summarised tho desiderata an follows: —(1) Increased accommodation at the new Hermitage to provide for from 70 to 100 visitors; (2 ) a billiard room should certainly bo provided; (3) tennis courts and croquet lawns on the flat ground about tho new building; (4) a bridge across the Hooker to permit tho vehicular traffic to the Ball Hut; (5) a permanent supply of water, which could be used for lighting and heating purposes, and also for cooking. “The new site,’’ ho said, “is an ideal tne. When the Hooker is bridged it will be within easy walk of the beautiful blue lakes on the way to the Ball Hut. close to the Black Birch creek and tho pretty little glacier which comes down there; it adjoins Governor’s Bush, and is only a mile or so from Sebastopool, while from its windows one can obtain a glorious view of Sefton and the Mount Cook range.”

Sir John said he proposed to see the Hon. Mr Rhodes, as Minister in charge of Tourists’ Resorts, and impress upon him those and other points. “I quite recognise.” he said, “that there will be a tendency on the part of Mr Herries, who represents Rotorua, and Mr Massey, Who represents the Auckland district (which benefits so largely from Rotorua), to continue what I have always felt was an unfair public expenditure at Rotorua. X hope the press will help Mr Rhodes to secure for this glorious scenic place in Canterbury a fairer share of public money than it has had in tho past. In Australia recently X was assured that it fs Rotorua and Rotorua only, which is 'starred’ over there, even by the New Zealand Government Tourist Office, and one would think that Australians would be drawn rather to the Mount Cook scenery than to Rotorua, as the latter has a climate so much like their own. Australians who do visit Mount Cook find their way back there year after year.’’

STATEMENT BY THE HON. R. H. RHODES.

Press Associaton,

OHRtSTCHuRGTI. January 2t>.

The Hon. rr. it. Raroacs,, minister iu Charge ol uio. Tourist and JJ-tracii Resorts, mane a statement regaining tno ctitiiKbUio iiuixib »>a> J’oiiii J; mu my to the ntsumciency ol accommodation being pioviued in tne new hostel at Mount Look for tourists. on John mane a strong point of the tact that the hew hostel, wneu completed, wild only accommuuate Che same number (R>; as the present Hermitage accommodates, and urged taut accommodation snoold on provided for 70. ilr Rhodes said that his attention had been drawn to bir John iaudlay's remarks. The new hostel was being constructed by the Public Works Department, ho said, in accordance with instructions given by the Mackenzie Government. He (Mr Rhodes) had asked that tne plans should be submitted to him, and he agreed with. Sir John that various alterations might be effected with advantage. When he has. inspected the plans he intends making certain recommendations to the Cabinet.

He said that tire present Hermitage buildings would be available for the accommodation of tourists, though as to that point it has not been definitely decided to what use tho Hermitage buildings are to be put. Regarding the accommodation t 6 he provided in the new hostel, Mr Rhodes stated,that it will consist of comfortable accommodation for fifty-three guests, which is an increase on the accommodation available at the Hermtiage. “I have visited Mount Cook on severa' occasions,” said Mr Rhodes, “and I am fully alive to the beauties of the resort and the necessity there exists for malting it more accessible to_ tourists than is the case at present. Visitors still complain about having to stay a, night at Fairlie instead of going right through. I propose to visit the Hermitage shortly, when I will be in a better position to deal with the various matters affecting this resort.’’

With, reference to the advertising of the South Island tourist and health resorts generally in Australia, Mr Rhodes said that the South Island resorts are advertised just as fully as is Rotorua, and the advantages of the alpine regions are placed before all who are contemplating visiting Now Zealand and who apply at the New Zealand Government Tourist Bureaux in Australia for information.