THE SUMMIT ROAD.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXXII, Issue 15716, 8 September 1911, Page 9

THE SUMMIT ROAD.

TO THE EDITOR.

Sir, —A brisk walk of half-an-hour from the Cashmere _ tram terminus brings one to the Victoria Park entrance. Close by this entrance a lieu stile gives one the impression that tho well-graded path leading from it and parallel with t-he main ascending public road is the commencement or the Summit Road. After a delightful walk along this hiilside path, ono is surprised to find oneself again back on the main road, hut very much nearer to the Summit ltoad from the Dyer’s Pass terminus. At the top of the Pass one new, well-formed road leads south while an almost level track leads north. Might I suggest that signboards be erected at the principal junctions of this mountain patli, to assist thoso who aro entire strangers to Canterbury, and the Port Hills in particular, and who may make the bracing trip without having obtained sufficient information concerning the Dyer’s Pa*; and Sumner termini, not to mention several cross-roads, such as the Bridle Path, of this peerless walk. Another advantage to tho mountaineer would be the setting up of finger-posts to indicate where a supply of permanent water is to be found.

The view from every point of this winding path is impressive. The warm, balmy breeze, sighing gently as it hurries up through the golden tussock and over tho sunny hilltops from the water-laden, mist-bound plains below; the captivating contour of the quivering, snow-clad alps; the startling l unexpectedness with which crateral Lyttelton Harbour, with its shipping and its patchos of civilisation spread over the neighbouring foothills springs into view, bring to one’s mind priceless libraries wherein one can search for lines suitable to paint the gigantic panoramic scene as one’s sight oscillates between views of the rich Canterbury Plains, the broken hills and mountains surrounding Lyttelton Harbour, tho glittering alfls, and the languidly breaking seas on the silver 3trand which stretches north into the blue distance. One has nothing but praise for tho promoters of this delightful tour as one roluctantly leaves behind tho fresh air and invigorating sunshine, the low moaning of tho distant breakers, and the silent floating of the near wandering clouds and returns to the common haunts of men.— I am, etc., ■ ARTHUR HUNTER.