LAKE SUMNER RESORT

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28128, 17 November 1956, Page 10

LAKE SUMNER RESORT

DEVELOPMENT TO BE PRESSED

PROGRESS LEAGUE CALLS PUBLIC MEETING

Since the Canterbury Progress League announced that it was negotiating with the Lands Department for land to be made available for holiday cottages at Lake Sumner, 160 applications for sites have been received. A tally of traffic last Easter showed that 240 vehicles went in to Lake Sumner in two days.

‘‘These figures totally discount the suggestion that only a few people are interested in Lake Sumner,” said Mr A. R. Blank, chairman of the Progress League’s Lake Sumner committee, last evening. But it was true that still larger numbers were deprived of the pleasures of this North Canterbury lakes district because of the state of the roads and the lack of overnight accommodation to save spending much of one day travelling. Lake Sumner abounded in fish, native birds, bush, and other natural attractions. Nearby were Lakes Katrine, Taylor, Shepherd, and Marion, and little-known hot springs. “With better roads and sites for cottages. Lake Sumner could become another Hanmer Springs in 20 years. It is about the same distance from Christchurch and has even more attractive features.” Mr Blank said.

The Progress League committee had recently met representatives of the Waipara County Council, the Commissioner of Crown Lands, and the District Commissioner of Works to discuss prospects of forming the last seven miles of road from Lake Taylor to Lake Sumner. Latest developments and the next steps to be taken would be discussed at a public meeting to be held next Wednesday evening in Christchurch. ‘‘l hope all who have the interests of Canterbury at heart will attend,” Mr Blank said. “Virtually on our doorstep we have one of the scenic gems of New Zealand.’’