MOTORING TOURS OF DOMINION

Southland Times, Issue 23406, 13 January 1938, Page 6

MOTORING TOURS OF DOMINION

Continually Changing Scenery VISITOR IMPRESSED BY SOUTHLAND The opinion that one who had driven a car in New Zealand could drive without difficulty in any part of the world was expressed by Mr Ernest E. Sharp, M.1.E.E., of London, who with Mrs Sharp is visiting Invercargill. Mr Sharp is on a business tour of New Zealand and arrived at Wellington by the Awatea on December 27, when the boat made its record crossing from Sydney. “It was quite thrilling to motor round the rocky gorges and along the mountain roads that we encountered further north,” said Mr Sharp in an interview last evening. “I have travelled in most countries of the world and have never seen such remarkable scenery as New Zealand possesses. I was delighted with Arthur’s Pass and Skippers Gorge and it was here that I was impressed by the driving. One who can safely drive a car in these regions could drive without difficulty in any part of the world. Narrow roads winding round rocky gorges were a distinct diversion and provided a great thrill.” In Christchurch Mr Sharp heard numerous complaints that- the Government Tourist Bureau allowed visitors more time in the North Island than in the South. His experience was that the time was very well divided and he expressed his appreciation of the manner in which the Tourist Bureau had arranged the tour. “It is a pleasure to travel under the guidance of the bureau,” he said. “Their arrangements were splendid and nothing was overlooked.” Before leaving Wellington Mr Sharp informed a business friend of his intention to visit Southland, including Invercargill and Bluff and was immediately asked: “Why on earth do you want to go south? There is absolutely nothing to be seen there.” Mr Sharp had always been desirous of visiting both Invercargill and its seaport and was determined to come south. Northerners seemed to be under the impression that tourists would find nothing of interest in the South Island, he said.

DELIGHTED WITH QUEENSTOWN Stating that he was deeply impressed by Southland’s scenery—he has seen neither Eglinton Valley or Milford Sound —Mr Sharp said that if he wanted to spend a holiday in one resort for any length of time he would choose either Pembroke or Queenstown, both were delightful places. He thought he would favour Queenstown, which was a beautiful .holiday resort and offered tourists a greater variety. Mr and Mrs Sharp were passengers to Australia on the new liner Orcades, which was making its maiden voyage. They spoke appreciatively of its comfort and commented oh the strangeness of sleeping under blankets in the tropics, made possible by the air-con-ditioned cabin: which are a feature of the new vessel.