VIEWED THROUGH AUSTRALIAN EYES.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 March 1916, Page 6

VIEWED THROUGH AUSTRALIAN EYES.

I COhUJiOI'S SCE.NhiKY A VALUaulIv I ASSET. The Hon. Mr. \Vcb>lcr. Australian Federal i, u;is highly delighted with the seeuciy ill the upper Wanganui river, particularly between Taumanmui and the houseboat. "it is something motc than bwtmiful." he remarked to ;i Wanganui Herald representative; "it is gorgeous. Xot only k it worth preserving, but in my opinion it would be a crime to permit the destruetion of natural beauties that can never be replaced." The Postmaster-Oneral expressed the opinion that the Wangftimi River was one of New Zealand's choices! scenic attractions. "Some people,'' he said, "-peak of closing the river a?, a national highway. That, I think, would be a very grave mistake. Rather do 1 believe that some day in the not distant future not only will the river be restored to a condition where navigation will be effectively carried on, but it will be permanently relieved of the disabilities with which it is now affected. To achieve tiiis desirable result, which is of national importance, is but a matter oi engineering skill and financial ability." " I Speaking of his short stay at the j houseboat. Mr. Webster said it was a do- j ' lialilful break in the journey.- It was an ! | ideal resting place, and he was loth to 1 j leave it. The houseboat was splendidly j 'conducted, and altogether .the trip.was a most delightful and economical one. •Mr. Webster added that the present was his first visit to New Zealand. ... He is hopeful, however, of returning with Mrs. Webeter on a health-recruiting i visit when he has completed the legislative and administrative \v,ork be has ' iri hand, which will take at least twelve months to accomplish.