SOUTH WESTLAND.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 April 1923, Page 2

SOUTH WESTLAND.

PLACE OF SCENIC WONDERS

GLORIOUS VISTA FOR FUTURE The Commissioner of Crown Lands (Air AV. T. Alorpeth) has returned from a. visit of inspection of the district around the Upper Knrangnrun and Copeland rivers. In company with Afessrs Colin Afacfarla.no, J. Alc Kay and Guide P. Graham, it had been the intention to cross from Westland by me Copeland Bass into Canterbury, hut owing to a severe snowstorm and blizzard raging on the Canterbury side the party were unable to carry out its intention, thepiyss not bcipg negotiable at the time, even after a stay at Douglas Buck for three days, awaiting a favourable opportunity to complete the journey. At last, owing to their food supply running out the party returned to AA'elieka and the Commissioner came on to Hokitika.

Speaking of his experiences and observations. Air Alorpeth particularly emphasised the ipnssihilitirs ol the southern wonderland as a great tourist attraction. There is need for a hut at Douglas Rock, six miles beyond Welcome Fiat, together with a first-class walking track from AA elcome Mat to the Rock. This would prove of great advantage and comfort to intending travellers over the route, making the journey a much more comfortable one, and saving the camping out now necessary in case of inclement •weather conditions being experienced. Air Alorpeth specially stressed the possibilities of AVelcome Flat as a tourist resort and stopping place tor travellers over Copeland Pass. At the Flat, which lias an elevation of about 1.500 feet there is a remarkably fine hot spring said to possess great medicinal finalities. This spot is some -!2 miles- south ol Wniho, aiul is reached after passing Welieka. Welcome Flat and its surroundings will ill luture form a delightful holiday spot for alpinists and lovers of the mountains. Glorious views of the snow-capped mountains are obtainable oil all sides, Alt. Kcfton being one of the prominent peaks in the vicinity. It abounds in beauty spots where many days of pleasant exploration could he spent. At present there is at AVelcome Flat a Government tlneercomed hut capable of accommodating Hi persons. If it were made into n hostel for tourists it would prove a very valuable adjunct to the AAailio attractions. From AA'elconie Flat it is a seven hour walk to the top ot Copeland Pass, a further live hours to Hooker hut, and three hours more to the 11 erniitagc.

A special feature of the lint springs at AA'ekomo Flat was mentioned by Alt' Alorpeth, w hich are hound to prove an increa.siiig attraction. That is. that the springs are forming numerous terraces (a miniature of the lornier I’ink and White terraces of Rotorua) hut the color of the South Westland formations is a bright yellow. Attention is necessary to safeguard this phenomenon, which promised to prove a decided attraction. Mr Alorpeth mentioned that on the occasion of their recent attempt to cross Copeland Ptt“s they were not alone in being unsuccessful to negotiate the journey as a party, who leit the Hermitage oil the Canterbury side to cross to Wailio, had a similar experience, as after three days the heavy blizzard experienced forced them to abandon their project.