THE MOUNTAIN.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume LVIII, Issue 57, 7 April 1926, Page 5

THE MOUNTAIN.

SUGGESTED DEVELOPMENTS

I WINTER SPORTS A POSSIBIL&TY

: As has been stated in these columns previously, a survey is at present be ing carried out with a view to discovering whether a motor road from the Stratford Mountain House to the . plateau above is a feasible proposition. There seems to be reason to ! believe that it is, and if that should be so, it will be the means of bringing about one of the most important developments in connection with the Mountain.

In the course of conversation with 'a “Stratford Evening Post” reporter a few days ago, Mr J. C. Robins, chairman of the East Committee mentioned that his organisation intended to do ail in their power to provide winder sports on Mt. Ecrmont, and the plateau was considered an ideal site for this purpose. Were a good, grade found and the motor road mentioned thebe seems to be no reason to doubt that the Stratford Mountain House would become one of the most popular tourist resorts in the North Island, if the whole Dominion/, because ■ nowhere else in New Zealand would j there be such an attraction situated !|i-i close proximity to a town. Of course the whole success of the scheme depends upon the amount of money available for its development, ami it is hoped that the Government may be induced to give some assistance in the matter.

j Several local public men have expressed themselves as impressec J with the possibilities of the development outlined by Mi' Robins, and think that if the road to the plateau can be constructed there would be no doubt of the popularity of winter sports on Mount Foment. As one pointed out there is no other place in New Zealand where such an attraction could be provided within such an easy distance of the railway line. “But first,” he said, “the roa'd to the Mountain House must be metalled, and I think the Government might he induced to undertake this work, more especially if there was any likelihood of attracting a good winter tourist traffic as well as a summer traffic. It would be a tremendous thing for Stratford, and I hope the public of this town will realise the fact and help -the committee as much as possible .both financially and otherwise.”