SCENIC ATTRACTIONS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3898, 27 November 1928, Page 10

SCENIC ATTRACTIONS.

MOUNTAINS AND LAKES. Under the auspices of the Otago Expansion League, Mr Eric James, of Makarova, and Mr Erie Miller, of Dunedin, save brief lectures on Tuesday evening in the Y.M.C.A. rooms descriptive of scenery in the Lakes district of Otago and South Westland. Mr W. B. Steel, secretary of the league, in introducing the speakers, said the views it was intended to show included some of the beauty spots of the Dominion. In all, about 150 coloured views were thrown on a screen by means of an electric lantern, operated by Mr W. F. Simpson. Mr James briefly described his series of pictures, which included a view of the country, looking to the west from the Haast Saddle; the Clark and Burke huts, the Wells Gorge, Hie Hooker Peak (8644 ft the Otoko Pass leading to the Kapringa Valley, Hapuka Creek, the Turnbull River, bordered with firstclass dairying land; Lake Wanaka at sunset, bush scenes on the track leading to the Clark hut, the Fox Glacier, where a new hostel is to be opened this month; views showing the rough surface of glaciers, a distant view of the Graham Saddle, Mount Cook from Okarito, Lake Kanieri, and the new road between Greymouth and Westport. The Hooker Peak is one of the highest unclimbed peaks in New Zealand. Mr S. Turner, of Wellington, will make an attempt next month to reach its summit. At Hapuka Creek water.fowl and fish are found in abundance. Jji several of the rivers whitebait is plentiful. Views were also shown of the country through which will pass the proposed road from Otago to the West Coast. Attention was called to the bird life, the wild flowers, and the minerals (marble, mica, coal, copi>er, etc.) of the country. Gold had also been found, but not in large quantities. A view was shown of the Franz Josef hostel, where 5000 guests were registered last year. The district also possessed valuable timber, such as red pine forests. Views were also shown to illustrate the fine scenery on the Greenstone—Hollyford track to Martin’s Bay. Mr Miller's views were taken round about Pembroke, and at Glendhu, Matukituki, Cattle Flat, and other parts in the same region. said Mr Miller, was one of the most sible mountain districts in New Zealand. At the close of the addresses both speakers were accorded a hearty vote of thanks.