SNOWED IN

Southland Times, Issue 25367, 20 August 1935, Page 8

SNOWED IN

SOUTHLAND FILM UNIT ADVENTURES AT CASCADE CREEK SCENES “SHOT” On Saturday the production unit of Southland Films went to Cascade Creek for the purpose of making the sequences which demand the use of the scenery of the Eglinton Valley and the construction camps of the new road to Milford, and the party, numbering fourteen, with Mr J. J. W. Pollard, producer, Mr Lee Hill, cameraman, and Mr J. Walsh, sound director, had the experience of being snowed in. Leaving Invercargill shortly after mid-day on Saturday in an H. and H. bus, lent for the purpose, the party arrived at Cascade Creek at about 6 o’clock and were welcomed by Mr S. Walker, who is in charge of the construction work. The sound equipment in a truck lent by H. and J. Smith, Ltd., arrived shortly after. As snow had fallen overnight at Christie’s camp it was decided to make full use of the opportunity afforded by this winter scenery for the early sequences which show the hero at work in the construction gangs on the road which is to open the way to Milford, and on Sunday an early start was made. Further Snow. Further snow had fallen and it was impossible to go beyond Christie’s, so it was decided to shoot the scenes there. When the unit was ready for shooting the scenes snow had already begun to fall and it continued throughout the day, over a foot of snow being measured on the top of the bus which waited on the new road. Some splendid “shots” were made, but it was impossible to shoot all the scenes, owing to the failing light and the heavy snow. The party returned to Cascade Creek at about six o’clock and there discovered that it would be impossible to return to the city. Efforts to establish communication with Invercargill through Te Anau were unavailing, and the party found that, with the three hundred or more people of the camps, they were completely cut off' from the outside world. A party of visitors who left Cascade on Sunday morning got through and relieved the anxiety of many of the party’s friends and relatives by making known the onset of the snowstorm and the probability that they had been snowed in. On Sunday night further snow fell, eighteen inches being recorded at Christie’s camp and about three feet at the Homer Saddle. It was stated that this was the heaviest fall ever recorded in August in this district. The Weather Improves. Monday morning, however, saw a break in the weather, and the sun coming out, the production unit went to work at once, shooting all the scenes it required in the conditions it wished to secure. The scenery under the snow was magnificent, and the members of the unit who were on “location” agreed with those who declared ihat the Eglinton Valley, though beautiful in summer, is even more wonderful under winter conditions. One distinguished visitor from overseas declared that nowhere in the world was it possible to see in such a limited area such a marvellous variety of scenic beauty, and he expressed the opinion that even Southland people were unaware of the wonders at their very doors. He said that the road to Milford would be one of the most inspiring sights in the world. leading to a sound already famous everywhere for its grandeur. The shooting of the scenes was completed at 3 o’clock, and the party returned to Invercargill last night, after two strenuous and exciting days, the fruits of which are expected to more than repay all the hard work and long hours of travelling in exceptionally try- | ing conditions.