RANDOM REMINDER

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31071, 28 May 1966, Page 44

RANDOM REMINDER

DOWN IN THE FOREST

One of the difficulties about visiting south Westland was the fact that whichever way an approach was made, it required a retracing of steps: but the completion of the Haast Pass road has ended all that, and now many more of New Zealand’s many thousands of motorists will enjoy some of the most spectacular scenery the country has to offer. We would advise holidaymakers not to overlook the 30-mile journey from Haast to Jackson’s Bay, which is not, strictly speaking, part

of the circuit, but which is for all that eminently worth-while. The road is good, the scenic wonders roll by in large numbers, and when the southernmost extremity of coast

roads is reached at Jackson’s Bay, there is a splendid seascape. There are other aspects of this journey which merit mention. Apart from rolling seas and snowtopped mountains and bush, all in one sweep of the eye, there is a great deal of animal life to be observed. The most lasting impression is made by the sandflies. It was apparent, when we were there that they hadn't seen a white woman in weeks. Not, one might suggest, the place for a picnic lunch, although it would be a wonderful treat, certainly, for the sandflies.

There were exoticallycoloured birds to see, and one other phenomenon, observed as our car cruised quietly along on the return journey from the bay. As we rounded a corner, there

in front of us was a gentleman who had obviously just emerged from his shower—a waterfall which tumbled to the road-side and made a little ford. It was a situation which would have embarrassed almost anyot.e. But the bather, walking back to his car, clad only in a very small, very damp and very revealing piece of underwear, was remarkably composed. He did not turn his head to look at us, nor did he turn it away: he stalked along the road, with the stiff dignity of the swamphen, without any recognition that he was out of countenance. It was a remarkable sight—one we can not guarantee is available for all tourists, but one, certainly, which will recall Jackson’s Bay far more vividly than any number of coloured slides.