WESTERN WONDERLAND.

Western Star, Issue 1291, 24 February 1897, Page 2

WESTERN WONDERLAND.

Our Upper Waiau correspondent writes A group of Invercargill citizens, three Wallace County Councillors, and Mr Gilfedder, M.H.R , accomplished a record journey from Otautaa to Lake Manapouri with ease and comfort in one day, the 20th inst., returning on Monday. As the party were unable to cross the Mararoa wilh their vehicles, ijr Dore, by appointment, sent his swift little stf amer puffing down the Waiau to the mouth of tho M araroa river to meet them precisely up to time. It certainly affords great satisfaction to see our leading men taking such keen interest in opening up this western wonderland for the future millions who will inhabit this glorious Britain of the South. Fifteen years ago tho councillors could not see the prospect which lay beyond the hill, but now they have seen it they are impressed with its grandeur. What is required now is progress, and when this country is properly opened np, it should be the resort of thousands from all parts of the world.

The primary object of the party was to inspect the route to the Lakes, and it is the general opinion that there is no comparison between the Waiau Yalley route and that yia Lumsden. The former, besides being 40 miles shorter, is through picturesque country. Of the Lake scenery, the verdict of M r Poynton, S.M., who formed one of the party, is that it is superior to Lake Wakatipu. The mountains round that lake are barren, but at Manipori they are clad with verdure right np to the snowline. Before his visit he thought the accounts of the country were exagerated, but now, having seen it for himself, he is charmed with the aspect.