MOUNT EGMONT.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 118, 5 October 1912, Page 4

MOUNT EGMONT.

THE NEW HOSTEL. OPENED BY THE GOVERNOR. Mount Egmont liae come into her own the splendidly equipped new iliosteJ representing the consummation of S& of eilort and hope, .has been officially opened, and henceforth is available to all ■ and sundry. Taranaki from a tourist view-point now vies with many of theprincipal resorts dn New Zealand, and accommodation is now offering whick should satisfy tlie tastes of tJie most, fastidious globe-trotter. The ohriMenmg took place yesterday afternoon, the ceremony being performed by His Excellency the Governor. Amongst those present were Messrs. Lee and Okey, M.'s.P., the Mayors of New Plymouth and Ingle wood (Messrs. G. W. Browne and Bennett), and several representative citizens and ladies. His Excellency arrived in New Plymouth by special train from \\ anganui in the early hours of the morning, and left I by motor car for the Mountain about eleven o'clock, closely shepherded by several other automobiles. That portion of theroad jiwt past Egmont Village wag in a deplorable state—it is questionable whether it could have been much worse—but after enduring much discomfortur* Lord Islington and party eventually reached the hostel.' In all, eighteen cars crossed the radius line, it being estimated that close upon a hundred persons were present at the function. By the time the visitors reached their destination they were well clear of tit* dense fog which hugged the lower level* throughout the whole day, and to th*surplus® of all a glorious outburst of sunshine heralded their arrival at the hostel. Better still, it was not long befor# the clouds completely lifted, enabling the visitors to obtain a magnificent view of the snow-clad mountain from bate to summit. Egmont was at her best; majestically and approvingly on the pilgrims doing thomage to her awe-inspiring grandeur. His Excellency, who was accompanied by Ms aide-camp (Captain Duncan), spent a short time looking around, and then foe and his party partook of lunch in the spacious dininghall of the new hostel. The banquet was of a semi-private nature, no toa#t« being drunk. Those at His Excell«ncy'a table were:—Messrs. Okey, Lee, King, Burgess, Collie, Bullard and Browne. After the dinner was over the visiting public lunched in the building, and then came the opening ceremony. In a few fitting remarks Mr Newton King, as Chairman ol the Guarantor?' Comnjittee, outlined the movement which had led up to the erection of th» hostel, and then .formally handed the key of the building to His Excellency.

THE GOVERNOR'S ADDRESS. His Excellency delivered a short address, in which he dwelt upon the mag*ificient scenic resources of the mountain, and the increased patronage on the pari .of tourists and the public generally which would sure to follow in t)>e wajje of the splendidly equipped and up-to-date hostel. He congratulated the committee on its important achievement, which would mark a new -era an the history of the mountain. He eulogised the pub-lic-spiritedn-ess of the people of New Plymouth, especially the Guarantors' Committee, in coming forward and shouldering the financial liability of an undertaking 'of this sort, without any prospect or desire of monetary gain. Their's wa9 an entirely disinterested motive. Th« only gain they Imd was the furthcranc# of what they considered the interests of the -district demanded. Such publicspiritedness and self-sacrifice was deserving of the highest commendation. Passing on, he enlarged upon the scenic beauties of the mountain and- its surroundings. an<l- touched upon the health-pro-moting qualities of its bracing climate. Continuing, His Excellency wished those concerned every success in this the-ir important public enterprise, and concluded by opening the building, the key of which ■he afterwards formally handed over t« Mr. G. H. Bul-lard, Crown Lands Commissioner, as Chairman of the National Park Board.

Mr. Okey, M.P., then spoke, heartily welcoming the Governor to Taranaki, and apologising for the absence of th« Hon. 0. Samuel. He went oil to express regret at tlve approaching departure of His Excellency from New Zealand's shores, and assured Jiim that hj« would carry away with 'him the best wishes of the whole of the Dominion. Mr. Okey eulogised the spirit which had prompted the guarantors to come forward and make the building of the hostel an assured thing, and, concluding, hoped that the mountain and its accommodation 'house would be accorded som« spare in the tourist guide-books. His Excellency and party were subsequently conducted ovor the old accommodation house by Mr. W. A. Collin, who pointed out that it was a historical and venerable pile, .having once done duty as barracks on Marsland Hill, New Plymouth, wihere it sheltered some of the Imperial forces at the time of the Maori War. A thorough inspection was then made of the new ihostel, where afternoon tea was served, and by that time, on# by one, the automobiles <had commenced the not too pleasant homeward journey. A MAGNIFICENT STRUCTURE.

The new hostel, which has already been described in detail in our columns, is constructed of concrete and is finished white outside with rough oast, 'lJje whole of the interior ie finished off "with white plaster. The premises are served with a septic tank, and are situated 3100 feet above sea-level. The building comprises a large dining-room, social room, sitting-room, six double and eight single bedrooms, a large kitchen, scullery and the like, and quarters for the manager and staff. Detached' from the building ia a photographers' dark-room. The whole structure, which was designed by Mr. Messenger and erected by Messrs. Boon Bros., cost approximately £2500. This includes furnishings. The staff consists of the manager (Mr. Murphy, s-enr.), and his wife, Mr. Murphy, junr., and two domestics .

TO-DAY'S PROGRAMMt.

In "the afternoon His' Excellency will visit Bell Block, and inspect Mr. Newton King's wiell-known herd of Holstein-Fries-vans. He will then proceed to Waitnra Road and inspect Mr. Jas. Purdie'f) grade Jersey iherd. At Waitara Road opportunity will also be token by the farmers of Waitara Road, Tikornngi. North Taranaki and Bell Block Dairv factories to present Lord Islington with an illuminated address .