A "BIKE' RIDE TO OKARITO, WAIHO, AND FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER.

West Coast Times, Issue 12448, 5 March 1903, Page 4

A "BIKE ' RIDE TO OKARITO, WAIHO, AND FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER.

(By One of tbe Wheelmen.)

* Tbe southern part of Westland is still gaining favour to the tourist, also to those . on business bent. Hearing that Mr T. B . (tollman, from the Head Office of the National Life Association along with Mr *A. 8. Sargiton, Hokttika,w«re making the trip recently F resolved to accompany them. We started from Hokitika on Friday, the 20th ult., at .S3O p.m., , making direct for Bom and arriving there about 7-30, the jou -ney occupying about .two hours. IVepulled up for tbe night at .. _. Host Heifty's where attention to the inner , wan 'Bar«> carefully catered for. Making an J w^ly start on Saturday, Ur^uharts was reached. The wonderful scenery along the road could not be surpassed, and it is pleasant to view, the surroundings of Lake laothe. It might be here mentioned tbaV sbine accommodation should be provided for those desii ing to spend a few days on the Lake and district. The weather was all that could be desired.. -To spend a Saturday night at Hende'i with such musical talent as we ' had was one" not to be forgotten, as it proved a 'musical treat from all points. Amongst those present w;ie Mr iSalmond, representing American capitalists, a so Mr J. Kelson," mining expert, those gentlemen having, just re-

turned from a trip, to the Saltwater During the eveniog songs were rendered by Mr T. H-. Coltmant with Violin obhcato by, Mr oarsiscc.. His Items jrere fully appreciated by-the residents'of tbe district. Special mention should be made of Mr Nelson, who distinguished himself to the manner Lorn. MrJ. Hende also favoured tho- c present with a song which calling forth a vigorous encoreAdvantage was taken by Mr T H. Colt man to expouud tbe merits of bis "table B" and he.secuied good- business. After 'matters had been, duly put Jn .-order the evening was orought'^o a* close about 1 1 p.m. by singing "God Stye the King' and "Auld Lang Syne:" On Sunday. morning, in glorious weather, a start was made on the trip further South.. The first call was at Mr Scott Robioson's'hbmefltead, who ibid not seen the popular "Tom" f or aileast f5f 5 years. A couple of hours were very pleasantly, spent, ? /in „ talking over cricket; JfdotbalJ,J fdotbalJ, etc.,' and' attending to the inner man. The uezt port of call

was at Mrs Tom Ferguson's borne. Here tho survey party under Mr Morrison bare , pitched their enrafc The only iriconTenu ence that was noticable wa« the number of mofquitos which evidently appreciated the new arrivals, especially the Insurance aoath Lerving again, the next place of call was at Host Gunn's, Wateroa, and after a long journey, the kind attention of Misa A. Gonnwas -fully -appreciated, We had a good night* rest although the lively- mosquitoes were present, and in tbia case devoted much attention to Mr Sargison, whilst "Table B" was mosqUilbjproof. I myself am no new chum'sb'that^Hie omnivorous insect cloe» not-tro.iible'maJf':. ' Monday, moTniQV saw a start for Okarito, the trip being uneventful, excepting at the usual homesteads on the road wben the greatest hospitality was shown to us and both milk/arid fruio were most welcome. - ' *" At bkarito Forks Host L. Zala had a splendid dinner provided and after an hour or so spent we started again for the Okarito township, which was safely reached \t about 5 p.m. The best attention is shown by Mrs M'Bride to travellers as they arrive and an ample meal was soon placed before us. Advantage was also taken of the opportunity to have a sea dip, after which a few friends took advantage of the musical ability of the visitors and we spent a most enjoyable eveniog at Host Friend's. Up to the p regent time the weather had been glorious, but now it dimply poured down, yet in face of this the following day, was devoted to active work and "Table^B" was much in demand. In the evening a concert was organised at Mrs M'Bride's, and all (he local talent was represented, all present stating that it was the best concert that had been given at Okarito'. The weather still con* tinued wet, yet we had to push on to the Waiho. Tbe road was in very good.ord3r. Arriving at about 8 o'clock, after a very dark journey, the welcome lights of Batson's came in view, a- d it wss no less a surprise than a pleasure to find our Dr Teichelmann there, be having just returned from bis mountaineering trip. The evening spent over a social game of whist, bed was soon found and thoroughly refreshed after a good night's re?t, a start was made for the Franz Josef Glacier, calling- on tbe way to fee the Waiho Companj's blow-up at full work under the management of Mr Genrge Park, Accompanied by tbe Doctoi and "guide, Mr P. Graham who bad all the necessary gear for a journey over tbe icefiold*, every available point ot ncenic beauty was taken advantage of and many splendid views were obtained by tbe Doctor.* One ot the special photos taken was ono in which was included Mr Coltman and Mr Sargi son, taken in a cave of ice overhanging the big gorge. The weather was simply perfect and it only requires the attention of tourists to this upot to make it a centre of attraction. Time would not permit a more lengthy stay in the Wondeiland of South Westland, and a return trip x was made for Batson's where a good repast was partaken of and another start was made for the Lome tiip. Arriving at Gunn's about eleven o'clock after a long trip an early retirement to bed waa sought and next, morning found as on the road again, At Mount Hercules we were overtaken by the Rev. Mr Newton of Ro-sf. We then juurueyed along to where a picnic was being held in Normin's paddpek, where upwards of 100 people were gathered. During the afternoon Mr Morrison

and bis party joined the number. Every

description of sport was indulged in such an tag of-war, wood chopping, etc

Special attention was given to the children who were well supplied with lollies and toys for racing. Hokitika was represented io the racing events by Remenyi Sargison, who cair'ed off se7eraJ prizes. Notably in attendance were Mesdatnes Ferguson (2,) Norman, Ptteraon, Hende, Urquhart and Robinson; Misses Murphy, Ferguson, Henderson, Shearer, Urquhart and Gunn.

In the evening a moat enjoyable dunce was held at Air Scctt Robinson's homo

stead, upwards of 30 couples being pr<>ient.* The munic, which was of a bigb

order was snpplied by Mr Sargisoo, kindly assisted by Mi G. Glass and H. Hende. Songs were also given by Mesr?a , Sheldon, Adamson and "Table B, ' also a recitation by Mr Morrison, which was thoroughly eujojed. The table?, which were loaded with the good things provided by Mr Scott Robiuson were duly attended ito, and after a vote of thanks to host and hostess which was carried with 2-masical- honour*, -the company, sang jX'Auicl Ling |Syne'j'and\left*ior their respeotit e^homea at early dawn; 'bringing to a; close a most successful and enjuyable reunion. The following evening a * '86rprise M "Via gfveS^af •-• Mrs T . Ferguson's .and proved a great success." - On the- Sunday a trip was made to the hot sVufg* up. tbe Big Wanganm River, which it another special item to tourists *ni if a- track was made, no .doubt many would take advantage of it. Advantage was here taken by Mr Sargison to cook aa apple Jn -the boiling spring «Uo to ' enjoy aa impromptu bath. Once more we touud ourselves on our way to Hende's and considerable time was occupied in doing good bubiuess. Monday evening another dance, thiß time at Mrs J.Hende's where all thoroughly enjoyed themselves and the following morning after attending to the bikes a run soon found as ac Mrs' Urquhart's. Here a delay occurred in consequence of tbe flooded state of tbe river thus it was tbe following morning before we could get away . The next point of call wa« at the Waitdba, where Mr T. Daly nas charge of the formation of tbe road and bridge. Considerable work has been carried out under his supervision and from all accounts the completion of the bridge will not be more than about a fortnight hence. Leaving here about 3 o'clock after various stoppages, Ross was reached at 7 o'clock. Witb usual refreshment we proceeded on to HokiMka, being fully satisfiVd as to tbe beueflt of an outing on a bike the distance covered being some- \ thing like 200 miles.