MINISTER OF LANDS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 7 September 1925, Page 4

MINISTER OF LANDS.

TRIP TO DAWSON FALLS

SNOW ON THE TR ACK

.V WON DFif {FTT L SIG HT

After the political meeting - ; it had been arranged tentatively iliat a party would go with the Alinister for Lands, the Hon. A .D. AicLeod, to see Dawson Falls, part of the route o-f the proposed mountain road and the site of the .suggested new hostel. On Sunday morning it was found that the snow on the road to the Falls was down practically to the Reserve gate, and the trip was abandoned lor the morning. Later, however, word was received from Air. Murphy that with the help of a snow plough the road was comparatively easy, and that .several other cars had made the journey, it was therefore decided to go through to HHliam and pick mp Air. Hawken and Air. Cramp and then to take on the trip. Jt was a wonderful .sight, when about a. mile past the gate the snow was encountered. The trees were festooned in white, and the truck was one expanse of white, save where the plough had cut out two furrows. The beauty of the scene increased ass the house was reached, and there the buildings were set in a field of snow nearly a foot deep, with roofs isuow-dlad, and backed by the bush and the white mass of the mountain behind. It was. altogether a wonderful sight, impelling enthusiastic admiration from the whole party, especially those from! town, who had not seen it previously. The falls looked very beautiful indeed. The river above was piled high with snow, and it looked as though the cascade leaped out of a frozen scream. The effect was beautiful in the extreme.

It was noit feasible to see the route of the mountain road, except from a distance, but Mr. Aiuiphy sketched it 'briefly and gave it as hie opinion that there was iliititle difficulty for the main' part of the route, and l that as far as Stratford track the work would be comparatively easy of completion, and that only one or two portions presented much difficulty. The suggested site for the new hostel was seen by the Alinieter from the house, and he could seen enough of the position to realise that it wound be an ideal place lor the purpose, providing •a' - wonderful view over the whole countryside and allowing plenty of room foil- grounds and all improvements re-, qu'ired.

ALr. AicLeod is fully alive to the value ol : tourist" traffic and the need, for doing everything possible to increase knowledge of the possibilities of the Dominion front this- point of view. He said, however, he was convinced that much more could b© dona in Australia to attract tourists and to get people from the Commonwealth to get the habit, of coming to New Zealand frequently. He urged cosopenation with 'Australia in this matter, and stressed the fact that while pants of Australia., especially Queensland, were ideal, for people from New Zealand who wished to escape the cold of winter. New Zealand was an ideal resort for Australians to get away from the excessive 'heat experienced during the summer months. H© added that he saw no reason«why many thousands should not be induced to come across every year, and, in,.fact, .to get the habit of doing so.. There are already quite a number of people from the cities and from the hottest portions, of the country who regularly make the trip, and this number could, in Air. AlcLeod’s opinion, be very largely inereeisad. This would lead to an enormous, increase in popularity • of New Zealand's scenic attractions and tourist resorts). lit is quite wise to encourage tourists from America and the Old. Country, but both have to make a long trip to New Zealand, - whereas Australia is within a few days sailing, and Mr. AicLeod is strongly of the opinion that this? interchange' of visits between Australia and New Zealand could be developed extensively, with mutual advantage to both countries, and resulting also in a bet-ter knowledge of the people on both sides of the Tasman. He is convinced that better knowledge of this country and of the. facilities offered would bring over thousands every year. "' ■. In regard to the local projects, the . Al.inister was very sympathetic and distinctly encouraging, and readily agreedthat it would be a wonderful roadway. Being Minister in charge, of Tourist . Reports he is naturally keen on increasing the value and scope of the department, but after all, lie added with a, .smile, when the matter of the' hostel was referred to him, it is all a mat ten of £ s d, and if that were the only problem confronting the Government it would be very easily solved. , Air. Orump expressed to the Alinister the pleasure of alii interested in the mountain that the Minister had been” able to visit the district and especialh the mountain, and to .see the read and •- the hoistel under winter! conditions. Everyone in the party thoroughly enjoyed the trip. The first-hand knowledge of conditions gained by the Minister will no doubt be valuable to him in later negotiations with the Park Board and the Automobile Association.