GLORIOUS MILFORD

Southland Times, Issue 20994, 29 January 1930, Page 6

GLORIOUS MILFORD

HIGH EULOGISM . TOURISTS’ IMPRESSIONS INTERESTING COMPARISONS It has frequently been declared by overseas visitors to these parts, that Southland possesses natural assets of the highest value, assets which should not be frittered away with the passing of the years, but should be preserved, and utilized for the benefit of the Dominion as a whole in a wide diversity of ways. . The following opinions expressed, and incidents narrated to. a Times reporter by some of the tourists who returned yesterday morning by the Hinemoa from her last trip to the West Coast Sounds, fortify.the previously expressed belief that in Southland—“the world's scenic Mecca” as the province has been termed —can be found natural glories which are a source of ever-growing attraction to those who seek health, relaxation and enjoyment in the beauty and grandeur of nature, and in the manifold interest afforded by visiting scenes of romantic and even soul-stirring interest. * . * * The Trip. “The visit to the Sounds has been a most enjoyable one, the weather conditions being well-night perfect. The Hinemoa entered Dusky Sound and made her way through to Breaksea Sound, where everyone enjoyed the glorious sunshine. The trip was then continued to Milford Sound, where the rain, some short time previously, had copiously supplied the water sheds to such good purpose that the falls were a very inspiring spectacle. One. gazed in bewilderment at one splendour alter another, distracted by the varied wealth of beauty. The densely wooded approaches to Mitre Peak brought forth admiration from our overseas friends who were particularly enraptured by the noble array of snowy scarves and caps of mountains reflected in the placid ink? One and all were agreed that, in that mile array of mountains, Mitre Peak stands in peerless beauty, and that notwithstanding the Mitre has higher companions—such as Pembroke with its snow-clad summit—that challenge her in splendour. The great granite head and shoulders of the Lion—the King of Mii'nrd Sound—supplied a fine setting. The English tourists in our party declared Lake Ada io be the finest scenery they had ever beheld and the frequent clicking of their cameras bore eloquent testimony to their opinions. The return trip, calling at the various sounds, was most delightful, everyone waxing enthusiastic over the individual beauties each Sound presented. We had only one wet day during the trip and were thoroughly protected from the deluge by the overhead canvas cover which was erected. In fact, 7 would go so far as to say the downpour was most fortunate for it occurred the day previous to our entering Thompson Sound. Consequently, when the little Hinemoa glided alone, the beauty of the scene had been enhanced, the-waterfalls, freshly fed, being a glorious and awe-inspiring display.” Dr. Earp-Thomas, the noted American traveller and bacteriologist. * ♦ ♦ *

“It is a source of extreme gratification for me that my itinerary embraced the Sounds. I have toured the fiordland of Norway, but the sounds there cannot be even compared to the great scenic assets at Milford. The magnificently bold, precipitous, forest-clad entrances, the most amazing and exhilarating variety of scenery, with charming lakes and majestic fiords, rivers and waterfalls, mountains and glaciers, canyons, gorges and forests enthralled us all and our minds and hearts were at peace with Nature in her kindest mood.”—Mr E. H. Blakesley of England (late of Indian Civil Service). »■ ♦ * A

“We have had a really wonderful trip. The Sounds resembled the Island Sea of Japan in its beauty and grandeur. In fact, as the West Coast Sounds are not so narrowly confined, I consider they even surpass the glories of Japan. Dusy Sound reminded me very much of the Muskoka Lakes in Canada, which are three lakes joined by locks. The islands there are large enough to afford sites for Canadian and American millionaires to erect palatial summer dwellings and it is a popular resort for the more fortunate. The islands in Dusky Sound, though not so large, are infinitely as magnificent. I was deeply impressed with the beautiful cloud effects at Thompson Sound—they were like those in the Jamieson Valley, New South Wales. Some of the waterfalls were exceedingly beautiful, the myriads of cascades, the roaring, foaming torrents and the clear peaceful streams reminding me of Japan. The waterfalls in the East resemble the Bowen and other falls. The rata was very bright and should be in full bloom with further sunshine. The walk to the lighthouse at Preservation Inlet was a fine one, and the afternoon tea and shortbread, gen-' erously provided by the wives of the keepers, was greatly appreciated. The country in New Zealand is much greener than in Australia and the varying tints of green foliage in the Sounds was really wonderful, and especially was this the case in Dusky Sound, with the rata peeping here and there. Mitre Peak was majestically inspiring, while the silence of Nature, interrupted only by the sound of the Hinemoa’s engines, was divine. Unfortunately, just when we were all becoming better acquainted, our trip came to an end.” —Miss.M. A. Latta (Melbourne. Late of the British Embassy, Tokio). * * * * Mistaken For Whales.

“We were all very much interested in a school of cowfish espied, in the distance, as we entered Milford Sound. At first we mistook them for whales and their spouting resembled small geysers playing. The school, seeming to be afraid of the ship, congregated together and eventually turned towards the Estuary of the Cleydore River. —Dr. Earp-Thomas. * * ♦ * Historical Interest.

“We were particularly interested in Dusky Sound, which, besides its natural beauties beyond description, fascinated us by reason of its historical and romantic interest through association with the name of that intrepid explorer, Captain Cook.”—Mr E. H. Blakesley. * * * * An 111 Wind. “It was curious to observe at Pembroke Peak that the glacier was being discoloured by yellow dust which has been brought over from Australia by the winds.”—Dr. Earp-Thomas. ♦ ♦ » * In Order of Merit. “In my opinion, I believe the most glorious sights of the Sounds should be placed in this order:— (1) Arthur River (above Lake Ada). (2) Milford Sound. (3) Doubtful Sound with the wonderful mist effects caused by the falling rain.” —Mr E. H. Blakesley. * * , * » Lake Ada. “I do not know whether Mrs Sutherland was joking or not’ or whether there existed an element of truth in. her confession, when, with a chuckle, she confided to me, on a previous trip, that Donald, her husband, had named Lake Ada after a former sweetheart’of his.” —Dr Earp-Thomas. » -1 * * * The Government Hostel. “On my previous trips, a stay was made only at the Sandfly Huts, and it always gave ground for complaint because suitable accommodation was not available. However, on the same site as the Sutherlands had their small Accommodation House, the Government has now erected a modern hostel. The atmosphere of spaciousness and comfort at the new hostel was extremely gratifying and appealed to us all. The manager (Mr Long) extended, a real, hearty , welcome, and it cannot- be gainsaid that the

hostel will become the Mecca for all parties travelling to that part. The cuisine, I consider, is of a standard equal to that procurable anywhere throughout New Zealand, considering the fact that no live stock—other than poultry and pigs—is permitted by the authorities to be run.”—Dr EarpThomas. Bird Life. “Of course it was very interesting to observe the native bird life at the Sounds. Paradise ducks were much in evidence en route to Lake Ada and seemed very tame. The females have white heads and seem to put-number the males. The wood pigeons were feeding overhead along the tracks, their size and tameness interesting the overseas visitors. So did the Maori hens. The tuis seemed to be scarce though their sweet piping could be occasionally heard. Quite often we heard the bell-birds in all directions. When I made a previous trip, some four years ago, I walked from Glade House through to Milford and returned again over the same route and, of course, a better opportunity was offered me for observing the bird life in these regions. Certainly on that occasion, the kea parrots and the kakas seemed far more numerous, especially in the Clinton Canyon.”—Dr Earp-Thomas. “An Old Friend.” “I sadly missed the presence of Mrs Sutherland. She was an old friend of mine as I had visited her home town in New York State and wc would invariably chat away for hours at her Accommodation House.”—Dr Earp-Thomas.