The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is in corporated the West Coast Times.) FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 1938. USEFUL ROADING

Hokitika Guardian, 17 June 1938, Page 4

The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is in corporated the West Coast Times.) FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 1938. USEFUL ROADING

The revived interest in the road round Lake Kanieri is appropriate at this time when the Government is seeking work of a useful character to meet the seasonal position regarding labour. The road would take off from the Upper Kokatahi road, and proceeding up the Styx stream valley, meet the present, track at the head of Lake Kanieri, and proceeding along that route, join the existing road at Dorothy Palls, a popular scenic resort near the lake-side. The length of new road required is about seven miles,' and it is considered road communication could be opened at a cost of about £IO9O per mile,'and be gradually iinpnmd thereafter as the funds permitted. For £7OOO therefore, a new scenic route would be opened by joining up the roads and providing the countryside with an asset-which' would be one of general use. Motorists would i find the round trip a pleasant outing, while tourists would enjoy the novelty of the rim, for it will afford an opportunity to see some of the farming : land, as well as the mining and scenic 1 country. The new route would open up a fresh vista of the back country, and assist also to greatly popularise Lake Kanieri. The upper end of the lake has been neglected rather, but there is good camping ground there, a pleasant beach, and a fine scenic outlook. The round trip would bo a journey of I about 35 miles, and Avould afford a pleasant day’s outing for visitors who are prone rather to rush north or south Avithout enjoying the near-lay beauties. For tourists Avho care to spend 'a pleasant afternoon on the water, the lake lias delightful attractions, and a full day in the country could he passed very pleasantly. The lake has not been exploited as it should lie, and not enough is known of its nooks and inlets which arc such delightful havens of greenery with such a profusion of ferns in varied variety. The new road should lie popular with local residents, for the change of scene which a round trip provides Avill 'ii>ake a delightful outing. The utility of the road for the public is such that' it is a work Avhich should he pushed on with as little delay as possible. Its usefulness Avill justify the suggestion that the Employment Board with its surplus funds should take up the Avork, It is suitable also for a single men’s camp, and is the class of work which would fit in with that scheme. As to the utility it is a road which all round the year Avould become popular with Const residents generally. The shorter route from the north iaoav in such general use, brings Lake Kanirri and the hack-ground very close to Grbymouth, so that the round trip would he an addl'd attraction to our neighbours to enjoy the special fea-

tures of the journey. This is not a new request, and has been commented on

favourably by- visiting Ministers of tho CroAvn. It only- seems necessary for Mr O’Brien to press the matter in tho right quarter, and his request should haye favourable consideration. It wilt he a useful asset to the district from the outset, and its undoubted community value should Avarrant an active agitation being maintained till the Avork is put through.