THE MOUNTAIN HOUSE

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 220, 23 January 1911, Page 6

THE MOUNTAIN HOUSE

Mr. Murdoch (Eraser, of New Plymouth, was recently interviewed by the Hawera Star on matters connected with Mount Egmont. When asked to express an opinion, or draw a comparison- between the two sides of the mountain, Mr. Fraser said it was impossible to draw a comparison. Everything was in favor of Dawson Falls. This was his first visit there, and ho was astounded at the wealth of beauty and scenery on the southern side, and the excellence of the accommodation provided. The committee controlling Egmont House had for some considerable time had under consideration the question of erecting more suitable accommodation on the New Plymonth side. Subscriptions had been raised and guarantees given, which, with the Government subsidy added, amounted to about £2500. Competitive designs had been invited, and plans had been received for buildings which would cost from £ISOO to £2500. Mr. Fraser regretted, however, that difficulties had arisen which for the present appeared to be insuperable, and it seemed improbable, owing to the objection of the National Park Board, Mat the present scheme I would be carried through. This visit to j the south side, 'however, had convinced pirn of the folly of allowing a parochial 'feeling to permeate the National Pur, Board, to the prejudice of either one side of the mountain or the other. His idea was that the people on this side of the mountain should do what had been done in New Plymouth, and if a similar sum of money were raised, and. the question viewed in the right spirit, Egmont could be made one of the most fascinating tourist resorts in the Dominion. The mountain should be looked on as a Taranaki asset, and all should work together for the benefit of the district. Let the southern people emulate the example set them by the northern, then one committee could be elected to control affairs. New accommodiition houses should then be erected on both the northern and southern sides, with stop-over huts between the principal houses. Tracks could also be made to such beauty spots as Lake Dive an 4 other scenic resorts, and he. felt sure than if this wore done the results in a few years would amply justify the expenditure involved. Mr. Eraser concluded by saying lie knew of no more beautiful tourist resort in New Zealand, and •■■ the people of Taranaki all joined forces the scheme for further popularising the Egmont National Park could meet with nothing but success.