EGLINTON VALLEY

Evening Star, Issue 22272, 25 February 1936, Page 12

EGLINTON VALLEY

ACCOMMODATION FOR TOURISTS RECORD SEASON EXPERIENCED "The present tourist season has been a record one for New Zealand, and there are still two months to go, said Mr L. J. Schmitt, general manager and secretary of the Department of Tourist, Industries, and Commerce, who returned from Milford Sound by the Marama, in an interview with the ‘ Southland News.’ “ If it had not been for the unfortunate strike in Australia we would have had over 2,000 more Australian tourists. This season Has been the best New Zealand has ever had, and the Bluff-Melbourne service has contributed to the quota in large measure,” he continued. Mr Schmitt said he considered his department gave more publicity to the South Island than to the North Island, and in the latest booklet issued there were more pictures of South Island scenery, the centre pieces being striking views of Mitre_ Peak and Mount Cook. These are replicas of the first of a new set of impressive posters being distributed -by the Tourist Department. “ The South Island labours under a great disadvantage when compared with the North, for in the latter instance eight or nine ships arrive direct from Australia every month, while, in addition, there arc ships from the U.S.A., Canada, and Britain. Against this, there is _ only one direct service with overseas in the South Island every three weeks ; and that is the Bluff-Mel-bourne service. That is why more tourists visit the North Island. We are getting out a film of scenic views of the South Island, and it will'be ready in two or three weeks. It will be published all over the world, and should do much to popularise the attractions in the south, which comprise the best scenery in New Zealand. We have never yet had a film devoted entirely to the North Island,” added Mr Schmitt. SITE CHOSEN. In company with Mr W. G. Pearce, Public Works engineer, Mr Schmitt visited Te Anau, the Eglinton Valley, and Milford Sound. “ One of the mam objects of my trip was to find a suitable site for the erection of additional accommodation for tourists in the Eglinton Valley. I think Knobb’s Flat is as nice a position as any,” he stated. “It is about halfway between Te Anau and Milford, there is plenty of water, and the surroundings are most picturesque. The plans will be out shortly, but the building will be one in keeping with the surroundings, and one which will give satisfaction _to those going along the tracklt will supplement the accommodation at Te Anau and Milford.” After choosing this site, Mr Schmitt went over the Milford track, where he found all the facilities in good order. “ I am pleased to say that a considerable number of visitors crossed the track this season,” he continued. “ I spent practically two days at Milford making careful investigations in relation to our future activities, such as the provision of additional accommodation for 60 to 100 people at the Milford Hotel and also accommodation for motorists by building garages.” PREPARATIONS FOR THE FUTURE. " I am optimistic of the results to be achieved when the road through to Milford is completed, and I have been looking into the matter of‘providing landing facilities for overseas visitors at'Milford Sound, both from the personal point of view and that of motor cars, for quite a number will start their tour of the Dominion there. The Hon. Mr Langstone, Minister in charge of my department, is taking a keen interest in the whole project, with the idea of being ready when the scheme is finished. Milford is the pivot point for the tourist attractions here, and we are looking well ahead so that we will be fully equipped to handle the traffic which is sure to follow on completion of the road. This will not be for two years yet, hut meanwhile we will push on with the extra accommodation on the Eglinton road itself.” Mr Schmitt went north on Sunday night.