The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1937. IMPROVED CONNECTIONS.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 September 1937, Page 4

The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1937. IMPROVED CONNECTIONS.

The New Zealand railways contemplates an improved passenger service for the Coast. With the growth in passenger traffic, and the approach of the tourist season which promises to be unusually busy, there is likely to he a fast rail passenger service from Christchurch to Ross, and thence by bus through to Maiho and Meheka. This will permit the through journey from Christchurch to destination in one day. This is the inevitable result of progress, combined with the improving means of transport being brought into use. The new service should galvanise local interests in regard to their own attractions, so that the class of traffic which lias hitherto been of value to this community, will not ho lost entirely. In short, the special scenic attractions in this neighbour-

hood should be brought more to notice, and facilities for easy and regular transport provided. The advantago of the new service if brought to pass, should be ot value to the south particularly. The improving conditions is evidence of the attention paid to the rising district, and this quarter while applauding what is proposed, should not allow its own attractions to bo lost sight of. There are various resorts hereabouts which in the past played a part in drawing tourist traffic. Lake Aliihiiiapua, when it had much less means of access than now exist, was a popular resort, in the former days of boating it offered quite an exhilarating outing. r l’he clearing of the creek and the revival ot a launch trip would again he popular, while the novelty of moonlight excursions ac suitable times would attract, many patrons. So, too, with Lake Kanieri, access is improved greatly, and the lakeside opened up, affording attractions of the host for sight-seers. A new road to Arahura river is in course of construction, and this will .dlord a new outlet for a more extended drive. The Dorothy Falls trip is still one of the best in the district, and the extension of the road to join up with Upper Kokatahi would provide a round trip of varied interests, embracing scenic, forestry, and pastoral pursuits. In point of fact, the round journey would give a new impression to visitors of the resources ol Westland in a concise form. Tracks and walks about Lake Kanieri are available and worthy of extension. Then the district has inmining attractions of special interest to visitors, soon to be enlarged with now dredges in the immediate neighbourhood, the operations of which will attract visitors from Australia, specially. The various road drives into the environments offer pleasing trips, and a point should he made ot their effective maintenance. Nature lias been lavish in her gifts of good tilings to AVcstland, and in scenery we have the host in natural handiwork. 'Ringing these features more prominently to notice should be the task of the community, and with the march of events foreshadowed, a beginning cannot he made too soon. A progressive period is at hand, and the town and district should participate in it to the fullest.