OAMARU-—GARDEN TOWN OF OTAGO

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21644, 30 November 1935, Page 5

OAMARU-—GARDEN TOWN OF OTAGO

Oamaru is to-day the garden town of Otago. Present-day visitors are most enthusiastic in expressing their admiration of the spirited manner in which the scenic beauties of the town have been exploited and developed. Everywhere one finds the hand of nature beckoning in all her picturesque and green-robed glory. No matter where one wanders, by the seaswept shore or sun-clad hill, the revealing touch of the Oamaru Beautifying Society stands out with an inspiring prominence, and it may be truly said of the worthy past and present keepers of the town's sesthetic life that their work is their everlasting monumeiit. No town in the Dominion has been gifted with a greater: variety of nature's beautiful walks than Oamaru. To walk over the hill to the Old Mill is to be transported from the hum-drum existence of everyday life to the val-

ley of an inspired vision and spiritual harmony. A® scene no artist could honestly depict upon a canvas; a picture only nature could screen with such impressive and uplifting effect. For those Who love the lash of the sea and derive the spirit of a stronger will-power from the ocean's mighty roar, the Marine Parade provides the way. Sumpter's Gully, The Gape, and Bushy Beach are other well-known walks, while there are many rugged and less-trodden tracks which visi-tors-may seek for themselves and feel refreshed both in health and spirit by the adventure. Camping Facilities Kakanui is the camping seaside rendezvous: It is only a short distance from Oamaru, and on gala days all roads lead-to Kakanui. The beach is good, and one may indulge in either surf or river bathing. Then, too, there is fishing aplenty. There is boating of all descriptions, and the Stacker's Regatta is especially delightful. What nature "has not done for the foreshore in Oamaru, the citizens are doing, both 1a regard to the harbour and Friendly Bay, The improvements that have been made for recreation purposes at the reflect a real

to what little extent natural advantages have helped. Handy to the town and of easy«access, Friendly Bay has provided many parents and children' with their only opportunity of a splash in the ocean. All manner of aquatics are carried on here—sculling, motor-launching, speed-boating, and rowing. A playground fully equipped with the many devices that go to make the fun of the fair is provided for the children. Friendly Bay is a favourite resort for salt water swimmers, and some engage in this bracing and healthy exercise all the year round.

Beantifnl Gardens The Oamaru Botanic Gardens rank with the most favourably khown gard-ens-in the Dominion. Here nature has been more than generous in the bestowal of her picturesque'and romantic Bettings. It is on her gardens that Oamaru has bestowed her most lavish regard, and the distinction which they have achieved is therefore well merited. The avenues of great and lordly

old trees impress one wth a sense of majesty. The splendid bronze statue, "Wonderland," presented to the children of Oamaru by Robert Milligan, is a popular source of attraction, and is an inspiration and delight. To visit the Oamaru gardens is to appreciate the whole-hearted service given by those past and present who have been entrusted with their cfare. On entering Oamaru from the south, one obtains one of the most striking panoramic views in the Dominion. Banged in the background th§ line of towering hills stretches as far as one can see, ; and on either side the land sweeps out to the sea* Surrounded and sheltered by the hills, the town of Oamaru is laid ; out in an ordered and dignified manner amidst a wealth of native beauty. The final touch is given by the Pacific in the foreground, reaching away to the horizon like a great blue carpet From the north ,the scene is entirely different. The Thames highway, which stretches a mile or so beyond the town, is said to be the finest street in the Dominion, and the envy of Australian and New Zealand .cities.- A mile, of avenue with its stately lines of trees, nodding a cheery welcome to all who, come, and waving 4 hopeful Ml rer jytfrtoßU wto tombs I 1