STEWART ISLAND

Southland Times, Issue 21265, 11 December 1930, Page 7

STEWART ISLAND

(From Our Correspondent.)

During the past two weeks, the bush has been , ringing to the axe, pick and shovel. A large squad of workmen employed by the council have been busily engaged on the many tourist tracks ofr which Stewart Is; land "is famous. Much attention has been given to the poling of Table Hill and Mount Anglem tracks. The latter has been poled so closely that there is now no fear of tourists losing their way and should prove a source of attraction to a great many visitors this summer. All tourist walks arc in exceptionally good condition and given fair weather conditions, they should prove better walking than they have ever been in the past. In addition to the tourist walks, a considerable sum has been spent on main roadways by way of relief work. A small grant has also come to hand from the Unemployment Board and the relief afforded from this source is greatly appreciated by those who are feeling the effects of the short fishing season. The contract for metalling and graniting Excelsior Road has now' been completed and one can now reach the summit! of Observation Rock via the Misses Brown’s tea rooms on a first' class roadway.

In preparation for the coming season, paint is being used plentifully to brighten up homes, gates and garden fences. Gardens are being well attended to. The last few sunny days have brought things on well.

With the long daylight, the tennis court presents a busy scene every evening and the local yachtsmen are losing no opportunity of improving their skill. The Rev. R. C. Boyd made his monthly visit to Maori Beach last Sunday. In his address. Mr Boyd look the opportunity of thanking the Maori Beach residents for their loyalty in their attendance of church service and also commented upon the kindness of the launch owners who conveyed him to and from the beach without charge. The minister further remarked how indebted he and his friends were to Captain C.

Back, who brought them down in his new launch, Riverton, which completed the journey in record time. In conclusion Mr Boyd said that it. was their last meeting for this year and wished all at Maori Beach everything that, was best in the coming days. Launches which will be plying for hire this summer have undergone a thorough overhaul and are now looking neat and trim. A batch of pigeons from the Premier Pigeon Club, Christchurch, were released from Halfmoon Bay last Sunday at 6 a.m. under favourable weather conditions. Sister Casey has returned to the Island from her annual leave. Mr E. Sinclair, health inspector for the district, arrived last Saturday and returned to Invercargill on Wednesday. Mr Andrew Brown and son and Mr and Mrs Kelly, of Riversdale, were among the visitors to Halfmoon Bay last week. Inquiries at the boarding houses elicit the fact that bookings for the coming season are remarkably good and everyone is looking forward to a busy season at this popular holiday resort. The ferry boat’s timetable, which is now published, is a fairly constant one, providing for practically a daily service in Christmas and New Year weeks with a three day a week timetable afterwards. This week, however, the Tamatea will* undergo repairs at Port Chalmers, but is expected to be in good order for her trip to Halfmoon Bay on Wednesday, December 17.