SOUTHERN SCENIC RESORTS

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 26984, 9 March 1953, Page 6

SOUTHERN SCENIC RESORTS

IMPRESSIONS OF MR BODKIN « GREAT DEAL TO OFFER TOURIST ” (New Zealand Press Association) DUNEDIN, March 8. “New Zealand’s dollar-earning capacity should be greatly increased as a result of the development of tourist resorts and attractions in the southern portion of the South Island,” said the Minister of Internal Affairs (Mr W. A. Bodkin) before he left Dunedin on Saturday morning with the general manager of the Tourist and Publicity Department (Mr R. W. Marshall) on their return to Wellington. Together they had spent a week inspecting progress on the Homer tunnel and the new hostel at Milford Sound, viewing scenic attractions there and at Lake Te Anau, and discussing with Stewart Island deputations the need for additional accommodation and facilities on the island. Mr Bodkin was paying his first visit as Minister to Milford Sound. He said: “I was greatly impressed by the scenery, and I feel it is entitled to be ranged among the best tourist attractions in the Dominion. This part of the country certainly has a great deal to offer the tourist, and I think that

every New Zealander should make a point of visiting it, too.” Both the Minister and Mr Marshall said they were pleased with the rate of progress on the hostel at Milford Sound. They announced that the main structure would be completed in June, and the hostel would be opened to the public at the beginning of next season, probably early in December. The Milford track would also be opened next season, they said.