MILFORD SOUND HOSTEL TO BE OPENED IN JANUARY

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18644, 22 December 1928, Page 14

MILFORD SOUND HOSTEL TO BE OPENED IN JANUARY

(Special to the “Star.") GREYMOUTH, December 21. “ One of the hardest jobs 1 have ever put through,” said Mr J. A. Hart, contractor for the Milford Sound Hostel, who returned to Grey mouth accompanied by eight of his men, yesterday. He told a reporter that owing to almost continual rain and stormy weather practically no. progress could be made for five months after the contract was commenced. During the past three months, however, over forty men were working at full speed, with the result that the building was practically completed at the beginning of December. It is constructed of West Coast timber which, with tons of other supplies, was taken south by the steamer Putiki. specially chartered. Much arduous work, badly handicapped by the weather, was entailed at the Sound, where all the material had to be landed from the steamer by boats. The official opening ceremony will, it is understood, take place about the end of January. The hostel is fully equipped and staffed, and accommodation is available for approximately one hundred guests. Referring to a recent statement regarding the. prevalence of sandflies at the hostel. Mr Hart said that the statement had been very much exaggerated. Questioned as to the Milford Track, he replied that it was now in splendid condition for walking parties, and further improvements would be the result of top dressing, which was now being done.