LENGTHY MOTOR TOUR

Southland Times, Issue 20417, 21 February 1928, Page 3

LENGTHY MOTOR TOUR

ROUND THE SOUTH ISLAND. INVERCARGILL MAN’S HOLIDAY. There are few who can say that they have been right round the South Island by car, but there is at least one in Invercargill who can claim such a feat. Mr D. C. Hamilton, of Nith street, who has recently returned from the Grocers’ Conference in Nelson, has completed a most comprehensive motor tour, taking in Christchurch, Nelson, Westport, Greymouth and Otira. In conversation with a Times reporter Mr Hamilton was enthusiastic regarding the road system and the condition of the roads all along the main route. He and his party had an ideal holiday and returned to Invercargill full of enthusiasm regarding their trip and the weather they experienced. No trouble of any sort was experienced with the car, and Mr Hamilton advises any Southland motorists to make the journey in the holiday season as it is one of the finest tours in the Dominion. THE FIRST STAGE. “We left Invercargill on Thursday morning, February 3,” remarked Mr Hamilton, “reaching Dunedin about noon, completing the run to Timaru in the afternoon where we stayed the night. The country between Dunedin and Timaru is looking exceptionally well and I noticed many splendid crops in the vicinity of Palmerston. Leaving Timaru at 8 o’clock the following morning we had an exceedingly pleasant run to Christchurch, remarking especially on the fine crops along the road and on the progress of the early harvest. We spent the afternoon in the river city recuperating for our long trip to Nelson. CHRISTCHURCH TO BLENHEIM. “Early on Saturday morning we left Christchurch” went on Mr Hamilton, “passing through Kaiapoi and Woodend to Domett, situated near the end of the railway. Here the most interesting part of the journey commenced and we settled down to enjoy the day. Just before we came to Domett we crossed the Hurunui bridge and navigated several fairly steep hills. The road here was very tricky and there were sharp cuttings along the route. After passing Cheviot it was necessary to cross the railway-road bridge over the Waiau-uha River to gain Parnassus, a very interesting spot. The Himdulee country had now' to be crossed, the road after Oaro running along the sea coast. We arrived at Kaikoura, a beautiful little place by the sea, and had lunch before following through to Blenheim, 97 miles away. After passing over the Hapuku River, the road ran along the coast. This was a most enchanting place as the bush was on the one side and the mighty Pacific Coast on the other. Keeping on through the beautiful native flora, we came to the Clarence River, here obtaining a wonderful view of lofty Tapuaenuku, the highest peak in the Kaikoura ranges. Nothing of interest occurred from here to Blenheim, but we all enjoyed our day’s run. ON TO NELSON. “Staying Saturday night at Blenheim, we set out on Sunday morning for-sunny Nelson, passing through good country till Havelock was reached, a beautiful spot situated in the centre of the bush. About six miles out of Havelock up the river to the old Wakamarino diggings, there is the site of the largest scheelite mine in New Zealand. About forty miles on from this old sawmilling town we came to the foot of the Wangamoa hill which had to be climbed by tortuous windings. SUNNY NELSON. °‘We spent a very pleasant week in Nelson,” said Mr Hamilton, “and we were very cordially welcomed and entertained by the Grocers’ Association. We were taken for drives through the fruit-growing country and we noticed considerable tracts with tobacco under cultivation. We saw the various processes through which the valuable leaf is put, including the pulling and drying. The orchards of apples although looking dry, seemed to be in an exceptionally fine condition. We visited the supply reservoir, the fine esplanade and the beautiful beach which is at present in the hands of workmen. Nelson without doubt is one of the most beautiful of New Zealand towns and the climate is ideal,” said Mr Hamilton, and he voiced the sentiments of all who were with him. NELSON TO WESTPORT. Mr Hamilton with his party left Nelson for Westport the following Saturday, passing out through Stoke, Richmond and Wakefield. “We began to climb up the Spooner’s range about twenty miles from Nelson and made an interesting journey as far as Glenhope, the present terminus of the railway. From Glenhope to Murchison we followed the Buller River through the bush, here being impressed with the beautiful birch, pine and fern trees. The river is crossed at Inangahua Junction and the road continues on through the famous Buller Gorge to Westport. Two landmarks which stand out prominently here were Hawk’s Crag and “Fern Arch,” the former overhanging the road. WESTPORT TO GREYMOUTH. “We had to retrace our steps for a way en route to Greymouth,” remarked Mr Hamilton. “We passed through Reefton, a town which has once been of considerable dimensions but which is now only half occupied. I learned here that one mine which used to employ over 600 men is now carried on by about 6. The Grey River comes into view at Mawheraiti and occasional glimpses of it are caught through the bush until Greymouth is reached. TO OTIRA GORGE. “Leaving Greymouth we followed along the coast for about ten miles with the surf breaking high on the open beach. After Kumara was passed we came to the most beautiful portion of our tour. At Dilmanstown the road leads through avenues of ferns and trees, and over several small creeks. We arrived at Otira on Sunday night, trucking the car and leaving by train the next day. Otira is beautifully situated, with the river running down the valleys through thickly wooded hills. BY TRAIN TO CHRISTCHURCH. “After passing through the famous tunnel we came out at Arthur’s Pass. Here I was forcibly struck by the great deal of artificial protection which has to be constructed to keep the floods from the railway. Great groins filled with boulders were piled in large heaps. The railway here twisted through 18 tunnels, between which glimpses of the Waimakariri Rivere were caught. We gained the open country at Springfield and passed without mishap into Christchurch.” HOME AGAIN. Mr Hamilton returned to Invercargill after spending a most enjoyable fortnight, but was glad to get back to his home town. In his opinion the conditions in Invercargill equal those of any other city in the South Island, the weather being perfect. “Southland roads compare favourably with any in other provinces,” said Mr Hamilton.