SOUTH WESTLAND NOTES

Hokitika Guardian, 17 February 1932, Page 2

SOUTH WESTLAND NOTES

The usual drafts of lambs are now gofag forward for the East Coast market. {Most of the lambs are going direct to the frezers in Canterbury. The date spell of good weather has been helpful for hay-making, and a good deal of winter feed is being saved. Green feed is in plenty in most of the southern districtt-s, which are a contrast (to the East Coast, which is so burned up and subject to serious fires. The tourist traffic south since Christmas has been steady. Many Australians have visited South Westland this season, with a fair sprinkling of English visitors. ■Since January, the weather ha s been all that could be desired, and the holiday makers have had a very pleasant time, aiid been able to visit all points of interest under very favourable conditions. There are so many streams to cross on the way south that it is not surprising to find bridge-bu'.lding -proceedmg all along the line. Three minor bridge s are under way at present. The first is at O’NeilPs creek, Tetaho, which will dispense with a bad dip which was a trap for ithe unwary. The second is at Gibb’s Creek, near Docherty’s. This little stream, mainly fed in flood-time from Docherty’s Creek,'has been holding up traffic of late, but a very substantial crossing is now being provided. Its height should keep traffic well above flood level, The 'third bridge as a<t (Rocky Creek, near Wehcku. where a rough stream crossing on the far south road will soon disappear. All the bridges are of standard type, and, are substantial structures, wejl built in every respect. As so many streams in the south carry so much storm water in flood, the approaches and abutments have to be well secured, and they are all being built solidly to withstand the ravages which a sudden Hood is capable ol doing.

There i s as yet no sign of the Vox liver bridge being put in hand. 'lnu is the first of two large bridges :<i be buiit on the new deviation of the tar south road, and when complied (he •bridges arc destined to give regular through traffic to the Karangarua-Brn.ie bay Settlements. At this time of the y*ar. when -the snow is melting, the Pox and Cook rivers are never for title with motor cars, and seldom with hor-j; •vc.i vies. Goods have to be packed oil horses, and it can be realised that this slow method of transport is hampering the district compared with the convenience ot the norther nsetflements, whi.m are ieived with first class macadami.nl roads and all major river crossings nudged. The Fox river bridge ha s been designed, the site surveyed, and the mone/ vi tea. buf the authority to begin has not been issued. It will be a considerable structure, -in design after tile type

of the Wniho river bridge. Much labour could be utilised at ithis juncture in the (inconcrete work required ffor the approaches, and it is a. pity this is not being advanced so that the day of emancipation from the present obsolete conditions ot tianspoi't will be removed from the lot of the settlers on the south side of Cook river. Included in the to the south of late, were many owners of private cars, transporting the family party in most cases. Ihe visitors all praise the south road, which is indeed a credit 'to all concerned. There an excellent road •surface over the full length of the motor road, and visiting moioreists all praise the standard of good maintenance throughout. When the Bulier railway works were suspended, the action seems to have' Wen a t lessnig in disguise for the far sou h road. The workmen had to be found occupation, and it was a happy thought

which decided on their transfer to soinlifciii Westland. Much useful work is

resulting between Waiho and VVehoka,

where the bulk of the men are engaged. Near Waiho a deviation of about a mile

Ss being put in, and a well graded road of good width is resulting. Then on to Docherty’s the original narrow road is being widened, and shaped into a standard road. Beyond, over the Oeinaroa

and Waikuknpa Saddles, the whole route as being overhauled. All narrow places are being widened, crossings improved, grades eased where' possible, and generally ithe road is being made very safe. If it is possible to retain the men for three

or four months longer, the section will one of the be«t an the main south route, arid in keeping with the growing importance of the district a s the facilities for southern bifiic arc improved. At Waiho, u party of men is constructing a track up ..Alex’s Knob, and ■access to that remarkable look out will now become much (easier. From ’.lie vantage -point of the surnm’it there is a very fine view ;f Franz Josef Glacier, and it is comen plated placing a hut on the summit for campers to view the Glacier at a'l times of the clock . Again, at Weheka, another party is constructing a tourist track lip Cone Keck, which affords facilities for viewing the Pox Glacier from a wonderful point or vantage. These works will add to the attractions of the two glaciers, which are such unique features in the southern wonderland. The people of Waiho are interesting,! themselves in the formation of a domain for public recreation. A Board has been set tip, and it is intended to clear an area, of the river flat below Graham Bros.’ hostel, where there is ample room for sport of all kinds. As a. result of the liFe visit of the aeroplane to South Westland, a landing ground is to he prepared at Waiho,, and in 'tire near future visits are expected. Aeroplane trips over the glaciers and round the high mountains in the locality would be a new attraction for visitors, and afford wonderful views of the Southern Alps’ scenery. In the open country at Weheka it should also be possible to provide a suitable land-