THE ROAD TO STRATFORD MOUNTAIN HOUSE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 304, 22 December 1914, Page 2

THE ROAD TO STRATFORD MOUNTAIN HOUSE.

[To Thb Editor iSTRATFoiin Post.;

Sir,—l have only tins day (19th mst.) read the account of the discussion in the Borough Council re the above,; and would like, in a humble way to say a few words on this matter. P'si-ti&vs it would not do lor mo to advu'.ue '.lie sptPding of money on this loud, or at once my action would he construed as one of obtaining personal b.Mielit by it. But I want to unswef tlii «.-?vi!rnl qiitJ-tions put to • Jie C'tu»'cil by Councillor Masters. First question asked is: "Who benefits by it?" As to that, the powers that be do not ' as a ride look for financial benefit from a tourist resort, being satisfied that if it affords a means of recreation and health to those who patronise it, the end is achieved. The insinuation that hotelkeepers benefit by it is all wrong, as this House is so close to the station visitors by'rail (that is those who come specially to visit the Mountain) can come direct to House from train, and on leaving the House need not proceed to town the night before. Independent of all this, local tradesmen all around benefit by it. Then as to the question: "Do any tourists go up there?" I should like Mr Masters to peruse our visitors book. If he should do so, he would find over a thousand names there of those who have visited here since I took .charge seventeen months ago. They comprise names of visitors from everywhere, the majority of course being New Zeakinders, but there are others from all parts of the world, one even, I got the other day written in Syrian characters. Remarks and impressions are unasked for in this book, yet there are scores of opinions expressed there, and not one detrimental to the House or surroundings ; on.the other hand, everything is in favor of the place. I do not intend to try and influence the members of the Council who are against the spending of the money on this road, for -I know that this would be impossible, as it is true what Mr Collis, of New Plymouth, said the other day. When introducing mo to another energetic gentleman of New Plymouth, who is, like Mr Collis, doing his best to exploit tho great beauties of Egmont, he said: "Tho people of Stratford are dead—dead to their own interests; for at their own door only eight miles from the railway station (he was wrong, it is nine miles) they have the making of a splendid house, at the end of a splendidly graded road, a most valuable asset to the town, yet they will not wake up to their opportunity." He only wished that New Plymouth had the same chance. Or, N. J. King's statement that people who visit the Mountain swear they will never fctfihe again is pure imagination—nothing more nor less—as the visitors' book will verify. Contained in the visitors* book are the names of people who have come three, four, six, to a dozen times at different periods. Anyway, neither Mr Masters nor Mr King have been near the House since I have been here, &o they are in no position to judge as to the merits or demerits of the place, while those who favor the scheme are constant visitors. But my letter is not to advocate this scheme, only to answer these two gentlemen who would seem to belittle the House in the public mind. They seem to be basing their opinions on the old' order of things. Trusting I have not trespassed too much on your space.—l am, etc., H. WILLTAMS, ; Manager. Stratford Mountain House, •December 21st, 1914.