MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24. KGMONT AS A PLEABUBE RESORT.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLII, Issue 7396, 24 February 1902, Page 2

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24. KGMONT AS A PLEABUBE RESORT.

4» 1 The aooounfc of a week's sojourn on the slopes of Egmont, whioh we published in our issue of Saturday la^t, proves how very attractive a place our beautiful mountain is whereon to spend a far greater length of time than is usually given to it by visitors. The hurried "there and baok in a day," with an attempt at the peak, which is the usual operation in •• doing" the mountain, does that unique alp an immense injustice. Not a tithe of the beauties are seen, whilst any difficulties there may be are intensified by hurry and tbe obstacles of a week crammed into tho h i)f of a summer's day. It is not necessary to endeavor to stimu late the energies of the Board, for tb-.ir work shows that they are enthusiasts already, neither do we write for those who have been there once, they will go again ; for it is sufficient to taste of tbe picturesque loveliness of wood and stream, which repays exploration, to excite an inordinate appetite for more. But we wish to imp read upon those who are apt to look upon Egmont as an empty subject for an idle day what a very valuable asset it id to the colony and the district. There is no spot in the island which will co well repay the botanist for a visij. As a study of alpines alone the mountain is worthy of more than a hurried visit. In the lower slopes 45 varieties of ferns have been gathered within an easy stroll of the Mountain House in the space of an afternoon. We are pleased to observe that tracks have been opened which give "access to beauty spots not previously easy of visit. Much remains to be done in this direction, for there are beauties yet not easily accessible, and many, doubtless, not even discovered. It will add, as nothing to the same extent would add, to the attractiveness of the place as a pleasure resort if the road were made serviceable for wheeled traffic. Ihe provision of funds that justice may be done to the mountain and its attractions is of primary importance. We do not thi* k that the Government recognises what a very great attraction to tourists that mountain of oura i 3, or rather would become, if it were easier of access in its upper parts. Neither do we think the votes made for Egmont at all commensurate with its picturesque value, or in just proportion to the amounts spent for the attraction of tourists elsewhere. Although the nights are getting a little cold, those who have a week or two's leisure could not do better than spend the time on Egmont. Every one who returns benefited in health can give credentials 'o Egmont, the hoary physician, and they who do this advertise the attractions of the colony.