WAIMAKARIRI GLACIERS.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18347, 2 April 1925, Page 8

WAIMAKARIRI GLACIERS.

NEW CANTERBURY RESORT

"THE PRESS" CONGRATULATED

As a result of the publicity given to the matter in the columns of "The Press," stated the organiser (Mr P. K. Climie) at last evening's meeting of the Executive of the Progress League, a good deal of interest had been awakened in the proposal, first suggested by a correspondent of "The Press." that the glacial regions in the Waimakariri Gorge should be developed as a tourist resort and included among other Canterbury tourist attractions officially recognised by the Tourist Department. Mr Climie staled that before discussing ways and means of developing the district, it would be necessary for a delegation to visit the region and make a detailed inspection. He had made investigations, and intended to visit Springfield with the object of enquiring further into the matter of transport. The nature of the country made transport very difficult, but after some trouble he had got into touch with two young settlers, who had agreed to supply pack-horses, if a party, intended to visit the district, and generally arrange for as comfortable a trip as possible. The cost to each member would be about £1 a day, and as about four or five days would be occupied, the total cost would be between £4 and ££i. In order to have as large a party as possible, it was proposed to make the tour during the Easter vacation. He had made application to the Defence Department for the loan of a number of military tents, and was hopeful of a favourable reply from the Minister. Ihe prominence given to the matter by "The Press," continued Mr Climie, was such that he had received communications from all parts of New Zealand, fvom Messrs Von Haast and Arthur Harper, among others. These two gentlemen would give valuable assistance when the matter came before the Government.

The chairman (Mr A. F. Wright), remarking that Canterbury could well do with another tourist resort, stated that "Tho Press" was to be congratulated on'tho stand it, had taken. The route as far as Bealey was fairly accessible, and it would be for the League to go into the question of improving the road beyond Bealey, a matter which would not be very difficult under the provisions of the Main Highways Act. . Those members of tho ' League to whom the idea of spending Easter under canvas as pioneer tourists were requested by the organiser to submit their names to him as soon as possible.