DUNEDIN NOTES.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 11790, 13 January 1904, Page 5

DUNEDIN NOTES.

(SPECIAi TO "THE PRESS.") ! DUNEDD7, January 12.. Speaking on the inadequacy of tt» tourist arrangements for the overland Milford Sound trip, the "Star" says: —"The fact that a large number were coming tbis season was perfectly well known to the Tourist Department for months pant. Various agencies have urged the head office to make provision for a large number of travellers. We believe we are correct in saying that the Union Steam Ship Company and others have repeatedly called the attention of the powers that be to the imperative juxd for more huts, tents, and guides, as well as for additional means of communication between the head oi Lake Te Anau and Milford Sound, but practically nothing lias been done, and chaos and confusion reign supreme. It is simply farcical, and obtaining money under improper conditions, to permit parties of forty and fifty persons to start on the overland trip. There is only accommodation in the huts for, say, eight persona going and eight returning, and a time-table should at once be inaugurated that will avoid more than this number being upon the track on the same day. Aβ things are now the tourists, ladies included, are sleeping on the floor attheMilford accommodation houses, and taking it in turns to have their meals. There is only provision for a dozen to sit down to table at the same time, and the crockery and cutlery have to be cleaned before the next relay ot guests can be served. During the Christmas and New Year trips parties were eagerly rushing ahead of each other m order to get accommodation. Some had to wait till 11 o'clock before their breakfast turn came." The "Star" says it protests emphatically against this sbate of affairs, and urges a prompt and thorough revolution, and concludes: —"It is as stupid as it- is annoying to invite the world's pleasureseekers to give us their patronage, and then, when they respond to our appeal, to wail in helpless impotence, *We really did not think you meant to come, and co we did nothing to meet your wants.' We submit the matter to the attention of the Minister in charge of the department."

It was stated at a meeting last night that Dunedin's total indebtedness, including overdraft, was £799,457. The annual interest on the sinking fund was £39,895. Much of this money was spent on remunerative works. Adding the Drainage Board loan, Dunedin's indebtedness is over one million sterling. Much anxiety is expressed as to the future by a number of ratepayers.

- Speaking at a banquet at Riverton, Lord Ranfurly said the people of that part of the colony had a great Advantage over the northern portion, in that land values had not been boomed up to the terrific prices existing here. In some parts of the North Island, if one wanted to buy a farm he would have to pay heavily, for it. In Southland it seemed to be purchaseable at from 33 to £0 per cent, less than in the north. In future if there was a fall in land values, the north would suffer most, and therefore he congratulated the southern farmers.