TRACK TO MILFORD

Greymouth Evening Star, 8 December 1928, Page 4

TRACK TO MILFORD

INSPECTION BEING MADE. DUNEDIN, December -3. Mr T. G. Beck, assistant-engineer on the Dunedin staff of the Public Works Department, and a party of five start to-day for the back country to go over the track from the head, of Lake Wakatipu to Milford Sound, by way of the Hollyford River. ’Phis is known as the Graves-Talbot track. Mr W. Graves, an Oamaru lawyer, and Mr Talbot, a Greymouth schoolmaster, found a possible way through from Hollyford (where the real difficulties are met) to Milford some years ago. Both are experienced mountaineers. They reported their discovery, and in .1914 the Public Works Department sent Mr J. E. M’Ennis (District Engineer) and Mr E. G. Monk to report. They encountered serious obstacles at the Home Saddle and the Graves Ridge, the country being rough and precipitous, and they recommended that at the worst places steps be cut and wire ropes placed in position. This work was done, the Tourist Department spending money at various limes. Now it is reported that the rope has deteriorated, and that repairs to the track are necessary. It is to make observations that the party is setting out on a somewhat adventurous trip. To reach the Graves Ridge previously a. guide was needed, and all who went had to be roped together in certain places. The Department deems it a duty to be the first over the track this season. Mr Beck and his assistants will see what the track is like, do what they can, and arrange for all necessary repairs.