HOKITIKA NOTES

Grey River Argus, 22 March 1928, Page 2

HOKITIKA NOTES

(From Our Own Correspondent.) HOKITIKA, March 21. An organised party of experienced southern miners and prospectors is contemplating an expedition to Alivene and Bed Hill ranges, via Haast Pass. Another party have become interested in the Burke and Landsborough Valleys where good reefs have been said to exist. .

The gardens in town are suffering from the Uy pest. Cabbages in particular are showing signs of decay on that account, and it is likely that there will be a shortage in the winter. More timber than usual has been sent by train to Greymouth lately, on account of the timber boats waiting there to be loaded for the North Island and Australian ports. PROGRESS LEAGUE.

The Executive of the Westland Progress League met at the .County Chambers Igst evening. Present: Dr Teiclielmann (President). Messrs E. V. Richards, T. W. Duff, W. D. Mackay, D. J. Evans, A. G. Pilkington, T. W. Bruce, and J. W. Morris. An apology was made for the absence of Mr J. J. Mclntosh. The following correspondence was dealt with: — 11. Peart (Wellington wrote (in reply) regarding Westland scenic pictures for pictorial publication in illustrated weeklies.—lt was resolved to authorise an expenditure of £5 by way of preliminary trial, subjects to be submitted for approval. A new photo of the mountain scrape by Mr Peart with Lake Matheson in the foreground and Fox Glacier in the middle distance, was praised very highly by the Chairman as one of the pictures of outstanding merit of th,, southern district. This subject will be used as soon as convenient.

The Marlborough Progress League wrote in regard to a deputation to the Government regarding the prosecution of the Smith Island Main Trunk rail way. —It was agreed to offer the League’s support in the matter. The Buller Progress League intimated the annual conference of the South Island organisations would take place at West port. May J to May 4.—lt was resolved the President and Vice-Presi-dent represent the Westland League. The Chairman said the Manager of the Tourist Department was expected to reach the district next week, and it was resolved the League associate itself with the local Tourist Association in presenting matters for Mr Wilson s consideration.

The following resolutions wore approved:—(l) That a protest against the scant treatment, of tourist resorts in Westland be entered and it be pointed out to the General Manager ot Tourist and Health Resorts the current appropriations provide for only £35 for this district out of a total allocation of £50.000 under Vote 50, Public Works Services, and £2lO out of a total allocation of £41,924, under Vote 38, Consolida.tcd Fund. (2) That in view of the special appreciation accorded Westland scenic features by Rt. Hon. Amery and other distinguished visitors, the Manager of Tourist and Health Resorts be asked to formulate a scheme for the wider advertising of the special features of .the district, and adopt pro- ] osals to further improve facilities of access to outstanding localities affording special scope for holiday making. (3) That in relation to the foregoing the following routes in Westland be opened up: (a) Good foot track to summit of Mount Tuhua (3,688 feet), Lake Kanieri; (b) Continuation of road access to head of Lake Kanieri; (c) Shelter accommodation on shores of Lake Kanieri in the vicinity of Hans Bay for motoring and picnic parties, also shelter accommodation at Sunny Bright; (d) Opening of Styx route via Brownings Pass to Canter bury, (1) for walking parties traversing Westland territory affording the greatest show of mountain flora in the district, with the ultimate object, (2) of carrying road access from Upper Kokatahi to .the dividing range; (c) Improvement of access in and about Hokitika. Gorge, with provision for suspension bridge to cross the river. Assistance with regard to the clearing of Mahinapua Creek, shelter shed at Lake Mahinapua, and road access from Ruatapu to Mahinapua; (g) Opening track routes in and about Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers; (h) Subsidising motor boat services on the lakes of Westland for the convenience of tourists.

With regard to the conference at Westport in May next, the following matters were mentioned for the agenda paper for consideration:—(l) That the completion of all bridges necessary on main highways is an urgent necessity on the West ('oast in order to bring

the district into line with the facilities for motor traflic in other parts of the Dominion; (2) That keeping in mind the necessity for the conservation of the .timber resources of the Coast, it is important to extend the railway in South Westland as rapidly as possible to recover timber which will otherwise be destroyed and lost by the steady process of clearing as settlement expands; (3) That in view of projected developments in regard to the flax industry in South Westland and as a means to ensure the timber of the district being handled as economically as possible, the Government be urged to arrive at a definite decision regarding the improvement of Okarito harbour as speedily as possible: (4) That it is expedient for the opening of improved traflic east, and west .the Haast I’ass route be improved materially, with camping and paddocking accommodation provided at easy stages along the route.