THE HOLIDAY TRAFFIC.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1332, 9 January 1912, Page 4

THE HOLIDAY TRAFFIC.

AND THE TOURIST SEASON. (By Telegraph.—SDecial CorroßnondenU Auckland, January 8. The traffic during the Christmas hoik days' season has been much heavier than it was last year. Not only have more people travelled ,in search of the change that is always the object of the holidaymaker, but as a general rule their wanderings have been over greater distances than in previous years. It is impossible to set forth statistical proof that thi» season has brought larger crowds than any previous one, but the officials ia the tourist bureaux, and others who closely observe tho stream of traflic, agree in their general estimate of ;i large increase. As onoiof the principal eentros for the congregation and tho distribution of visitors, Auckland has been wonderfully busy during the past few weeks, During the few days at which tho vol-/ nine of traffic was at its highest every hotel or boardinghouso in the city was occupied h> the limit' of its permanent and temporary accommodation, and nian.r persons who had neglected or had been unable to reserve it had tho greatest' difficulty in obtaining a place of rosi« donee. A result of this was that many visitors curtailed their stay in Auckland City and hurried away to other resorts. The congestion in tho city, has been appreciable relieved by tho departure of a large number of visitors, but the principal hotels and boardinghouses have still some dilßculty in accommodating all tho guests who are offering. . The season lias been a good one in Rotorua, but, although the hotels were well filled, it was at no time impossible to secure accommodation.

The attractions of the north of Auck* land are becoming more widely known, and the traflic to several centres in the north was considerable. :

Overseas traffic this season will bo very heavy. The tourists who liavo planned tours of the Dominion have not yet bogun to arrive in large numbers, as they usually wait until the rush of the local holiday* traffic has subsided. _ Tho ocean, liners arc bringing many visitors from all directions. Many New Zoalandors have arranged visits to the United Kingdom and Europe.. All the Home-going steamers which cater for tho tourists are well booked, and tho accommodation remaining available is limited, especially in the second class.