Preserving Scenic Regions

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 149, 19 March 1936, Page 11

Preserving Scenic Regions

Sir, —May I, as a so-called "veteran” lover of the wild places in our mountain ranges, congratulate Mr. R. H. Roberts on his protest against the growing tendency to spoil some of these regions -with roads and hostels?

Iu New Zealand we have already developed a number of “star” resorts in such a way that the average tourist can reach them and enjoy their beauties in comfort and without the expenditure, of unnecessary energy. Rotorua, Tongariro. Wanganui River, Egmont, Frauz Josef and Fox Glaciers, Arthur’s Pass, Mount Cook district and now the Egliugton Valley and Milford Sound are only a few of the many scenic wonders made easy of access. These cover every class of scenery and any traveller who visits them has seen something typical of our hw-i natural attractions. In common with thousands of fellow lunatics who love the more arduous worn entailed iu undeveloped districts, 1 feel compelled to back Mr. Roberts in lv> general protest. 'The “opening up” of a resort for tourists has generally resulted in placing it beyond the means of those with small purses, so that they have look for their enjoyment elsewhere. It is not generally realised that ve have in New Zealand some 5000 memberof clubs formed to encourage tramping, climbing, etc., and it is no exaggeration to say that the great majority of these are men or girls to whom the cost is a matter of great importance. Also most of this large fraternity delight in penetrating off the beaten track and expending energy iu attaining their objective. It is true that there are still large areas hi the back country available for this kind of work, but only a few exist near our larger cities. These should be preserved in their natural condition and not spoilt bv so-called “opening up."—l am, etc.. ARTHUR P. HARPER. Wellington, March 18.