The Interviewer.

Southern Cross, Volume 12, Issue 43, 21 January 1905, Page 11

The Interviewer.

A TOURIST’S IMPRESSIONS

Mr E. B. Sturges, of Pennsylvania, U.S.A., looked into this office on Tuesday last on his way to the Bluff, to catch the Moeraki for Melbourne, and bought a copy of the Southern Cross, remarking that the name had attracted him. With an eye to “copy,” Mr Stnrges was asked if he cared to be interviewed, but shook his head and departed, adding that he had only five minutes to spare. On second thoughts, however, he returned, and said —“I don’t like to leave the colony without saying that in the Wanganui you have the grandest river in the colony, or for that matter in the world. There are other rivers that have a few miles of fine scenery, but there’s nothing in the world, and I've been over most of it, that will touch the Wanganui for beauty over a distance of about 70 miles.” “ You have apparently enjoyed your tour.” “ I have. I took it partly for health reasons, and I’m going away a lot better. I have spent about a month in the colony, travelling from Auckland southward. Considering the youth of the colony, I think the G-overnment has done wonderfully well in promoting settlement. But coming back to the tourist aspect of matters, I visited Lakes Wakatipu, Te Anau, and Manapouri. Each has its special attractions for the traveller, but there is one thing that stands strongly in my memory, and that is the foliage on the trip from the head of Te Anau to the Saddle. It was exceedingly beautiful, and I’m sure that in time to come that and other spots will be visited by thousands of Americans. The Tourist Department is doing good work, but they ought to have a series of photos taken of the Wanganui river, especially of the sections recently opened fo tourists pictures of those exquisite reaches would be in demand by visitors. As far as I know, yon have no photos that do the river anything like justice. Then there is another little matter that might be remedied. Tourists might be allowed a little more freedom. For instance, in the Lakes District there were trout in abundance, but none to eat. They couldn’t be touched without a licence, either by guides or anyone else. To many, and especially Americans, a dish of trout would be a great luxury, and would be far more appreciated than so much canned food. A slight relaxation in rules and regulations ought to be feasible. “ No,” said Mr Sturges, in reply to a question, “ I wasn’t able to visit the places you mention. I couldn't have done it without driving or boating on Sunday, and my principle through life has been to impose as little Sunday labour as possible on other people. I like to think that they are having a day of rest as well as myself.” “ Yes, I’ve had a wonderfully good time in your colony. Your people are wonderfully kind and hospitable —I reckon they’re half American in that respect,” and with this neatly put advertisement in favour of Brother Johnathan, our visitor hurried off to the train.