TE ANAU.

Otago Witness, Issue 2603, 3 February 1904, Page 32

TE ANAU.

January 25. — During tha last month we have been favoured with the piesenoe of a, large num,t>er of tourists — more than double the number ,that have ever visited the Lake in smy previous year of the lake's history. The great majority of the strangers have come from Australia, including 10 members of the Science Congress, and everyone, without exception, has expressed the same unbounded satisfaction regarding the beauty and grandeur of the scenery. Amongst other visitors we had three members of the House of Representatives — namely, Messrs R. M'Nab, J. Hanan, and J. C. Thonispn. 'These gentlemen made diligent inquiries as to the improvements which might be made Jto aid tourists, and we are hopeful that some good may accrue from their visit. It is a good thing -we can still hope, as we have been so Burfeited with promises in the bygone years that we almost began to f«ar that the proverbal turning in our particular lane had been omitted. The advent of these M.H.R's. induced some of us to stick to the old .motto — " Nil 3esperandum."

But whatever cause we may have for complaint against the powers that be, as to want of telephonic communication, bridges over the rarious rivers, etc., it is with much regret that Ye observe m the columns of one of your contemporaries publication given to statements

concerning the accommodation available upon the Te Anau and Milford Sound track which are most erroneous and calculated to deter many persons from availing themselves of the trip. The writer of these articles has apparently little knowledge of his subject, and is evidently a disappointed person with ar object in view, otherwise he would not so pointedly refer to this special track whilst all other tourist resorts are equally crowded. The huts upon this route have several times been fully occupied this season — there being room for 25 to 30 persons instead of eight as reported, and there is ample accommodation for all purposes. No complaints have been heard here. Anyone with a very small modicum of common sense knows that accommodation houses and huts are not built upon an expanding principle, and therefore all rational beings are pleased to accommodate themselves to their surroundings. Of course we sometimes meet with folks whose desires proclaim their ignorance. For such, we understand, the Tourist Department intends shortly to erect publichouses at various points upon the track, and employ and feed brass bands. When these additions are made we may invite your contemporary's representative to visit us.

Several professional artists have been putting in a few weeks hereabout. Amongst others, we have had from Ohristchurch Mr Greene, and from "Wellington Mr Bastings. We now look forward to a visit from some of your Dunedin artists, any of whom we will be only too glad to see. Our local artist (Captain Duncan) ha 3 always a hearty welcome for any brother of the brush.

Many times the question has been raised regarding the depth of the lake. Manapouri is at present supposed to be the deepest of New Zealand waters ; but such is not the rase. Some 14 years ago our old guide, M'Kinnovi, got sounding in Te Anau showing over 200 ft greater depth than claimed for Manapburi. These soundings were very superficial, so possibly, and in all probability, still greater depth *x>u!d be found if the lake was sounded thoroughly, as Manapouri was last year. Mr Mcorhouse, inspector of tourists' resorts, is at present superintending the transport of a large numlwr of the Waikare's passengers who are negotiating the overland rovite. Every care has been taken to provide for their comfort, so, should the weather continue favourable, these pedestrians ought to have a most delightful trip. Unfortunately the dry weather we have experienced of late has seriously detracted from the glory of the waterfalls — indeed, the only complaint we have heard has been that of the want of water for the falls.