FINEST SCENIC ASSET

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 98, 20 January 1936, Page 11

FINEST SCENIC ASSET

’ Beauty of Milford Sound VISITORS’ IMPRESSIONS “The new track to Milford Sound by t way of the Eglinton and Hollyford Valleys will be the finest scenic asset New Zealand will have,” said Mr. Gordon Short, who returned from Australia via the Milford track on Saturday morning, having as his companions on the walk ills wife (Dr. Greta Short) and Dr. Edgar Bainton, Mus. Doc., director of the New South Wales Conservatorium of Music at Sydney. “We had the advantage of entering Milford Sound on the Manama on one of the most perfect days imaginable,” said Mr. Short. “Everything was clearly revealed. After the glories of the Sound itself, majestic mountains rising from-the mirrored surface of the Sound —we were amazed at the comfort that awaited us at the Milford hostel. We enjoyed every minute of the three days’ walk to Te Auau. No one has seen the ■best of New Zealand until he has trod this track. Then, when we got to To Anau, we doubled back by service car up the Eglinton Valley, and then on up tho Hollyford Valley, its head. Tins' brings one within seven miles of Milford Sound once more, but between the head of the valley and the Sound is a very high range of mountains through which a tunnel is being made. We actually went into the tunnel. The men commenced to work there only last month, and they are now into the mountain about 50 feet or 60 feet. When we were there a mechanical shovel was being prepared for work inside the tunnel. This tunnel is going to make a wonderful difference. While the route opens up s'ome of the most glorious scenery in Eglinton Valley, it reduces the journey between the Sound and Te Anau. This distance we took three days to cover on foot. By the new route it will be done in 3} hours by service car. “No New Zealander can boast of being truly loyal to his country until he has seen the marvels of the Milford-Te Anau country. There’ may be some excuses for those who live in the North Island, but iu Dunedin I met several people who had never ventured over the track, nor had they thought of doing so. That to me was incomprehensible. My w’ife said it was so beautiful that she wanted to cry.” While away Mr. and Mrs. Short had every minute of their time occupied. In Sydney they mot Mr. John Tait, of J. C. Williamson, Ltd., Mr. Sutherland, general manager of Paling’s, Ltd., and Mr. Grant, the representative of Allen's, music publishers, as well as manj’ of the leading musicians, including Dr. Edgar Bainton, of the Conservatorium (who was with Mr. Short in Ruhleben camp in Berlin during the Great War), Mr. Frank Hutchens, the brilliant pianist, Professor Brose, and others). Mr. and Mrs. Short secured one of the flats in Macquarrie Street, and It was the scene of several forgatherings of music folk. The travellers were Invited to the Christmas party of the Victoria Music Teachers’ Association in Melbourne, and were given a reception by the musicians of Adelaide. He also did a good deal of broadcasting in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide, gave recitals in the Sacred Heart. Convents of all three cities, and generally had a very full and delightful time.