THE SUMMIT ROAD.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXV, Issue 16742, 24 December 1914, Page 2

THE SUMMIT ROAD.

CHRISTMAS SEASON. MANY VISITORS EXPECTED. Tho Summit Road, like other public institutions, is preparing for thef Christinas season, and is looking forward to increased patronage. A large gang of men is at work on the deviation which makes the walk between Victoria Park and Dyer’s Pass much easier than the old steep road further down the hill. The deviation will not be available for vehicular traffic during the holidays, but the track is in the best condition. The men at present are working close to the Thousand Feet Stone.' This is a big boulder, 1000 ft above sea level, which stands out boldly from an arm of the hill that the road skirts. The boulder is in the way of j the wider road that is being made, but it is intended to leave it there as a I landmark. j From Dyer's Pass on to Kennedy'# j Bush, the* road is in almost perfect older. Tie grade, for nearly the whole i length, is practically even. On tha 1 bush reserve, the accommodation housa - I is spick and span in a new coat of paint, j Its stone walls--grey and . brown, j blotched with blue, red and purple—• 'ore picturesque and effective. Inside, lit is the embodiment- of comfort. Hie? large tea-room. with panes of glas* from floor to ceiling, has just left th« workman’s hands, -Tho-bedrooms are readv for oecuoants. and . outside, on the side of the hill, amongst native trees and shrubs, there arc four tents, well sheltered, warm and. neatly furnished.. The caretaker and his wjf<* provide an afternoon cup of tea. with scones and butter, and these seem tn be improved in quality by the breezes which come from the tea and over the hills. The view from the veranda a ot the cottage extends from Pegasus Bay to close to Lake Ellesmere, takes in s long stretch of the Southern Alps, am? includes-hundreds of farms , and home* steads on the Plains. —• ■ It is expected that many residents will spend a few hours of the afternoon at the bush and watch the glorious sunsets, and that some will stay at the cottage for several days. On an aver* age, about 225 visitors sign the visitors book every week, and nearly 1600 hav4 signed since the middle of June, but this does not represent the total, as there ar.e many who depart wituou. signing.