KAIKOURA.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 12190, 10 May 1905, Page 8

KAIKOURA.

MOVEMENT TO FORM A TOWN BOAItD. DR. GUNN INTERVIEWED. Kaikoiira is rubbing its eyes and drowsily awakening to the fact that thero is a possible future ahead of it. Shut in and guarded in its "splendid isolation" by the stern, unbending Kaikouras, tho picturesquo little township has hitherto jogged serenely along tho hum-drum tenor of its way, unambitious, and satisfied, with what tho day, of its own accord, brought forth. But the sleepers are waking, and a refreshing desiro for progress and self-improve-n.eiit is manifesting itself. Tho most significant sign of the times is a movement which has just been set afoot for the purpose of seeming the establishment of a town board to control tho affairs of tho town, which aro now under tho jurisdiction of tho Kaikoura County Council —a body whose area extends from the Conway to tho Clarence. One of tho prime movers in tho agitation is Dr. Gunn. Hβ has resided in Kaikoura for many years, has an unbounded admiration for tho place, and a great faith in its possibilities as a popular health resort, and has never missed an opportunity of urging its claims, and endeavouring to advance its interests. For a long while it has been an uphill fight against contented apathy, but there are now signs that the tide is turning. Dr. Gunn is at present on a visit to Christcburch, and last night accorded a "Press" reporter an interesting interview in regard to Kaikoura and its prospects. "In my opinion, Kaikoura has a great future before it as a health resort," he declared confidently. "Tho scenery along tho northern route is pretty well known, I think, and is extremely beautiful, with tho sea on the one side, and tho splendid bush climbing up tho hills on tho other; the route from Kaikoura to Cheviot is very similar, and more picturesque still, with its lovely New Zealand bush and tern, tinted with all the inagie? ever-varying shades of colour. Tha place is becoming better known, but is certainly not as popular as it deserves to be, owing partly to its isolation and tho fact that communication is not good." Dr. Gunn •waxed eloquent with the enthusiasm ot the expert over the fine, equabjo climate of the- town.' H3 has been taking meteorological records for over ten years past, and these prove that tho average mean Bummer temperature is oßdeg., and the mean temperature for wmtor 48d«g. Its temperature in midsummer is thus equal to that of midsummer in the Islo ot Wight, England, while its mean temperature for winter corresponds with that of the South of France and tho North of Italy at tho aamo season. Other attractive features, he pointed out are tho splendid facilities for sportsmen. Phenomenal catches of fash are mad© not far from tho shore, whilst for tho rod and hno disciple thero is a good stock of trout in at least two of the local streams. Then there is rabbit and hare shootinc to be had on the epot, whilst the moro ambitious can hunt wild pigs within four or five miles of tho town. Lord Ranfurly visited Kaikoura during bus term of office here, and was delighted with if a better or moro attractive "allround" resort he had never experienced, ho assured the doctor. Tho town has not yet been included in tho itinerary of the Government Tourist Department, but this omission will soon be remedied. Dr. Gunn has written a description of the district for the Guide Book, and this, it is expected, will bo published in August next, Ulustrated by tho doctor's own photographs. But it is no use attempting to attract tourbts unless every effort is made to render the- conditions as comfortable and convenient as can reasonably be expected. Dr. Gunn was strong in emphasising this point, and ho expressed tho belief that great improvements would bo effected by the inauguration of a Town Board. Good, properly-made footpaths, effective lighting of tho town at night, and an improved sanitary system, are the chief reforms that the Town Board, when established, will be called upon to cany into effect. A petition urging the desirability of establishing such a pystem of local government is being cir--1 culated throughout the district, -end will : shortly be forwarded to the Gorernor-in-Council. in accordance with the constitutional procedure. Dr. Gum said ho anticipated no great difficulty in securinc the needed reform. The people were becoming alive to its necessity, and now that united action was being i taken, ho saw no reason why the movement should not bo successful. When tho improvements mentioned had been carried out. said Dr. Gunn, the people's I policy would be to advertise the place j as much ns possible. When it became known, its popularity would increase rapidly, and tho growing passenger traffic would doubtless result in a more frequent steamer service. He faad not a great deal of faith in the proposed railway. Tho engineerinc: difficulties. he remarked, are so tremendous that it will be yery many years before tho country is likely to be opened up to the iron horse. ■ Another movement that is afoot is a proposal to erect a small freezing

wcrks, to foster and develop the fishing industry, which has for long formed tho principal mainstay of tho place. Under present conditions it not infrequently happens that when a big haul of fish is made, it is absolutely wasted because of no steamer being available. Not only that, but fishing can ]>c "Varried on only on the days preceding tho arrival of tho 'steamers—three a week— and thus many favourable opportunities aro lost. If tho proposed freezing works wero erected, the industry, could bo carried on regularly and systematically, as catches could be kept fresh for a day or two until tho boat arrived. J)r. Gunn expressed himself strongly in favour of the scheme, which would not, ho said, bo allowed to drop altogether, even if immediate success was not forthcoming.