ACCOMMODATION AT PUKAKI.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 19958, 16 November 1934, Page 13

ACCOMMODATION AT PUKAKI.

To the Editor of “ The Timaru Herald " Sir,—Just by the Lake Pukaki, there has stood for the space of sixty years, the “old Pukaki pub,” an accommodation house which has served rabbitters and teamsters as a half-way house to the stations—built originally to be convenient to the “ferry,” where a punt, worked by a wire rope, hauled the wool and station supplies with its human freight across the river. Those were the early days of the pioneers of the back-blocks—none left now to tell the tale. Only the rough tumble-down that served the purpose of a shelter stands to-day tottering on the brink of the rushing waters of the Pukaki—a relic of the past. It is probably the oldest, most obsolete, and best kept of the Government tourist accommodation houses, and with its G.P.O. arid telephone bureau served the requirements of the district. But the tourist

has altered the whole situation. New Zealand has Mount Cook and Lakes without rival in the world, and every season sees thousands added to the Alpine climbers from overseas, which means millions to this country. The main feature of the Mackenzie basin is its lakes and beautiful mountain view. Here the seeker after health can spend the week, and recuperate in the pure air of these hiv.h altitudes I make no apology for drawing the attention of Mr Eilchener, as Member foe the district, to the state of the Government property ard its nccnvenient position as a link in tie cnani of tourist accommodation.— 1 am. etc . FRANK WADDFIL. Timaru, November 15