WANAKA NOTES

Hokitika Guardian, 19 November 1927, Page 1

WANAKA NOTES

(From a Correspondent) TO CRIST TRAFFIC*. Heavy hookings continue to come forward, indicating a considerable increase of sightseers passing up the Lake on route to the West Coast. An important tour is being organised by the Otago Expansion League in connection with the Canterbury Pro-

gress League, inviting members of Parliament, Government officials and public men to form themselves into a body to inspect and report on the possibilities and advisability of urging the Government’s recognition of the great necessity of constructing a motor road thereby connecting Lake Wanaka, Otago, with the West Coast road system via Haast Pass. Messrs Clintie (Canterbury League), Steel and James have been entrusted with the organisation. The trip is to be undertaken early in February. The party from Dunedin, which will probably include representatives of the Southland League and local M’s.P. will proceed via Wanaka and will meet the Canterbury delegates at Franz Josef, who

will occupy the mounts for the return journey over the Pass. The Canterbury people will be entertained by the Otago people and a conference held at Dunedin before leaving for Christchurch. Press photographers and journalists will accompany each party. The Christchurch Tramping Club may probably pass through the district on an official tour of the W’est Coast, returning via Arthur’s Pass. A party of lady students' have outlined a camping out tour in the Wilkin Valley during the Xmas and New Year. All vacant huts in the Valley have been eagerly sought for holiday makers. Heavy hookings on tho launches on the W’anaka, are also reported.

Air Baxter with Mr Bartlett, artists, (Christchurch) have expressed their desire to paint in the Haast Valley this summer. Mr Baxter made a previous visit some twenty years ago. AVhild fording the Upper Haast he met with a mishap on this eventful trip by being washed down stream, losing blankets and provisions, necessitating returning to the Haast for further supplies. When asked his opinion of tho scenery there he exclaimed with emphasis, “Magnificent.” Mi ss V. M. Nichols, a well-known horsewoman and recent- winner of many prizes at Canterbury A. and P. Shows, with friends will tour the Haastt Pass to the Glaciers on horseback in February.