ROAD TO MILFORD SOUND REPRESENTS VAST IDLE ASSET

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26781, 26 May 1948, Page 4

ROAD TO MILFORD SOUND REPRESENTS VAST IDLE ASSET

But for the war, there is every probability that tourists could now be driving through the Homer tunnel to Milford Sound, potentially one of the finest scenic drives in the country and, by inference, an asset which could pay a handsome dividend in tourist dollars. Work was stopped on the Homer tunnel at the start of the war, but it is still possible to get through to Milford Sound by this route. It is apparent, however, that until the road is properly formed and the tunnel completed the thousands of pounds which have been put into this project must be regarded as a profitless investment. The fact that many people annually make the trek to Milford Sound, together with the fact that last summer many motorists drove to the Homer tunnel, walked through to the Milford side, and were taken by conveyances from the hostel down to the Sound, gives evidence of the public desire to see Milford. If cars could be taken all the way to Milford, there is no doubt that it would become one of the country’s most popular holiday resorts. Even as they are at present, both the road and the tunnel can be negotiated by experienced drivers and are occasionally used by those who have authorisation. It has been wisely decided, however, that average drivers with perhaps over-confidence in their abilities and no idea of the terrain should be prevented from making the trip in its present condition. From Te Anau to Marian camp is an all-weather road which is seldom blocked by snow, but from the camp to the Homer tunnel the road is subject to avalanches —a hazard which would probably necessitate closing th? road during the avalanche “season” in spring. The road itself, however, is negotiable, and comparatively little expense would be needed in putting it into reasonable condition.

Work in the tunnel is far from finished. It has still to be increased in width and height at' various points, water seepage has to be overcome, and the roadway improved. Even now it presents few difficulties to a competent driver, although care is necessary in some parts. The first three miles of the road on the Milford side of the tunnel is the portion of the route which requires the

greatest attention. The road is narrow and steep, and there are awkward bends, while four temporary wooden bridges have to be negotiated. Motorists who have driven over this part of the road consider that it could be put into reasonable shape with a minimum of expense and labour. The road would have to be widened, and the temporary bridges are urgently in need of replacement. It is stated that the necessary material for the erection of permanent bridges is available on the spot. Although overgrown, the remainder Of the road to Milford is in fair condition. The president .of the Automobile

Association (Southland). Mr 1. V. Wilson, took a car through to Milford Sound last summer, and on his return he prepared a report for the association. In his opinion, the road and tunnel could be made available to general traffic over a limited period of the year with little immediate expenditure on labour or materials. Even if the road and tunnel could only be made available during the midsummer months, it would open up Milford Sound for hundreds of motorists and would give a preliminary “ drawing ” on the return expected from the expenditure on the route to Milford .Sound.