MOTOR CAMPING SITES INSPECTED.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18888, 14 October 1929, Page 16

MOTOR CAMPING SITES INSPECTED.

PARTY VISITS GLEN WYE AND HANMER.

Within the past few years motor camping has grown in popularity to a remarkable extent, and the council of the Canterbury Automobile Association has decided upon a policy of establishing new camping sites wherever suitable localities can be found, in order to meet the demands of the increasing number of motorists who prefer to spend their holidays under canvas. W ith this object in view a party of members of the council visited Hanmer and Glen Wye during the week-end, and at both places inspected a number of sites which have been offered for use as camping places. In the past considerable difficulty has been experienced in finding camping places at Hanmer owing to its proximity to the plantations of the State Forest Service, but as an increasing number of motorists has been visiting Hanmer with the intention of camping it has become necessary that a proper site should be provided. It is recognised also that the attractions of Hanmer as a holiday resort are so great that its popularity could be greatly increased if facilities were afforded for camping parties. The party, which arrived at Hanmer shortly after mid-day on Saturday, comprised: Messrs J. L.* Danks, L. M. Wilson, A. Dudley Dobson and J. S. Hawkes (representing the council of the Automobile Association), Mr G. S. Ellis, chief draughtsman of the Christchurch office of the Lands and Survey Department, Mesdames Ilawkes and Ellis, and a representative of the “Times.” SITES AT HANMER. On arrival at Ilanmer the party was met by Mr G. O. Rutherford, representative of the Ilanmer Riding on the Amuri Counci Council, and under his guidance several suggested camping sites were inspected, two. of which were considered very suitable for the purpose. One of these is likely to be selected, in which case conveniences will be provided, and a regular caretaker may be appointed. Yesterday morning the party left for the Glen Wye Homestead, where they were the guests of Mr E. P. H. Burburv, who had expressed his willingness to provide several camping sites on his property. Glen Wye is on the route of the proposed Lewis Pass Highway to the West Coast. The road has been formed for several miles beyond Glen Wye, but a new road about twenty-four miles in length will need to be constructed in order to open up the Lewis Pass route. The road to Glen Wye is in fair order, but a good deal of driving in second gear is necessary. The road passes through beautiful country and several places are particularly suitable for motor camps. It is understood that there is a possibility of the road being improved under the Government’s unemployment relief scheme, and if it is to become a much used route it will be necessary for something to be done. None of the creeks are likely to give any trouble except in very bad weather. ON THE GLEN WYE ROAD. Mr Burburv suggested four sites between the Waiau Ferry and Glen Wye as being well suited for camping purposes, provided they were under the control of the* Automobile association. The nearest site is that on which the old Summerdale Homestead stood for many years. This is a fine well-shel-tered flat just above the Waiau River, and will affard room for upwards of twenty camps. Two other sites inspected, both of which are suitable for the purpose, are between the old homestead site and the Horseshoe Lake. At the lake there is another very fine site, which should become popular when better known. This is quite handy to the Glen Wye homestead an.d is in a beautiful and sunny situation. It is the intention of the members of the automobile Association who made the inspection to submit a report to the council of that body at an early date, as the whole question of camping sites is to be considered.