ICE SKATING.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 231, 30 September 1929, Page 10

ICE SKATING.

TONGARIRO ATTRACTION. RINK AT CHATEAU. MINISTER IMPRESSED. Skating on the ice has been limited in ' New Zealand, but with the completion of Chateau Tongariro exponents of the art will be able to gyrate gracefully on a frozen surface within a few hundred miles of Auckland. The Minister of Internal Affairs, Hon. P. A. de la Perrelle, who is visiting Aucki land after having been the guest of the management of the Chateau, stated this morning that probably the most interesting feature of the new building was that an expansive balcony had been provided on the second floor, overlooking <he golf links, and in the winter months this would bo set apart for ice skating. The balcony would be covered with a sheet of water, which, when frozen, would make an excellent surface for the popular sport. "I was very much impressed with the chateau," added the Minister, "and I understand it will be officially opened in November. It is , ii magnificent structure, which redounds to the credit of those interested in it. The building is littcd with every modern convenience, and accommodation can be had at figures ranging from 3*o to 25/ a day. Provision is made for the showing of pictures, and dancing, and there are many innovations in connection with the general arrangements. There are garages for the convenience of motorists, and a good metal road has been constructed to the chateau by

prison labour. "At the moment the management is undertaking a big work in the laying out of golf links in front of the building-, and it is expected that they will be completed in the near future. The furnishing of the chateau is on a lavish scale, and for the ground iloor alone three tons of carpets have oeen secured. The lodges at Tongariro which have accommodated visitors to the National Park in the past will be available for family and other parties." The Minister commented on the desirability of catering for tourist traflic by providing up-to-date accommodation throughout New Zealand. The Government, by means of judicious publicity, was hoping to see it producing £20,000,000 a year, instead of only £1,000,000 at present.