Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 5 January 1921, Page 2

It i* mentioned elsewhere in this issue, that the constant traffic on Lake Kanieri road calls for some attention on tho part of the controlling local body. The popular resort lias been a favourite rendezvous all through tho holidays, and to cope with the increasing traffic the road is in urgent need of widening, in addition to the necessity of a general overhaul. Lake Kanieri is la scenic gem and visitors in particular are struck with its exquisite beauty. Looking to time now close at hand, when tho East Coast will ho within a very few hours by a train journey with Hokitika, it would he well t<> set in hand developing such a pleasing holiday resort as Lake Kanieri. The road certainly requires improvement and is tho first necessity. Greater accommodation is also needed, while the hush tracks side excursions likewise should he extended. Tho climb of Mount Tahun should lie made a feature, and iif the route to the summit of this over-rook hill were in good order, so notable an attraction would draw many camping

, out purtios, and result in the lake side } being greatly popularised, If tlie-folk • t begin to show nn interest in the ncl- j vancement of the district, Lake Kanieri ] and its environments should be one ot \ thy first localities to be operated upon. Apart from its aquatic iacilities for a walking tour round the lake through the beautiful bush fringing the shore should be arranged lor. This could he commenced by first blazing a line through the undergrowth, and then gradually as the means were provided metalling a footway, and ultimately providing a motor road. Thework should ho carried out so as to destroy ns little of the standing hush as possible. Here and there the route could be diverted to the pebbly beaches of the lake shore where camping spaces could ho cleared, but in the main, the road-wav could he kept within the foiest, and so provide a notable highway which would be the special feature of what is a captivating locality. Lake Kanieri is destined to grow in great public favour, and it rests with local energies just, how soon a high degree of popularity is reached. Certainly the people should bo up and doing now to popularise the beauty spot.

VisiTOits to another of our local beauty ! spots complain of the difficulties in the way of our .most remarkable scenic points. Lato floods have washed out tho road, within a half mile of the Gorge and vehicle traffic is cut off at that point. Although this interruption to the traffic was done some months ago, nothing appears to be attempted to cope with the position, which from all accounts appears to be growing worse. To reach the Hokitika Gorge, visitors have to traverse the Kokntahi and lxoiterangi districts, and this route is an edue ilmn t.. visitors from other parts of New Zealand, who arc amazed to find so much settlement established. The route, therefore is a special advertisement for the farming prospects of Westland, and as motor cars ar-'innate the distance so rapidly, the route should grow in greater popularity. To secure a distinctive view of the farming valleys, a short track up the lower ridges of Mount Camelback should he provided and the sight is a revelation as to the extent of flat country available for pasture land. This educative diversion, and the visitor will pass on to the Hokitika Gorge, where there is an aquatic scene rivalling the much talked of Drop Scene view on the Wanganui river. Unfortunately the late Hoods have washed out the road, and vehicle traffic is not. now possible, hut this breach should he attended to without delay. The Gorge should claim attention as one of the star show places, because of the advertisement it is of the pastoral possibilities of the district. Later, the road should be extended round the hack of Mount Doughboy and linked up with Muncipal road. In that way the traveller may go hv one route via Whiteombe road, calling at Mount Camelback and return by wav of Mount Doughboy and Municipal roads. This would give an enlarged idea, still of the extent of tho district, and be at the same, time a splendid outing for visitors. The Canterbury farmer in particular would enjoy such a round spin by motor over miles of level country, and the experience would give him an entirely new vision of \\ cst land and its wonderful resources. The opening of the Gorge road anti the Doughboy Extension is an urgent work for the immediate future.