DULL TOURIST SEASON.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1922, 3 December 1913, Page 8

DULL TOURIST SEASON.

EFFECT OF THE STRIKE. The. almost incalculable loss occasioned by the strike in New Zealand lias not yet troubled computers of such figures, but it is common knowledge that it will be felt by all sections of tlio community for some considerable time to come —even by those who may at present consider themselves immune from its effects. One very important channel of revenue to a great many people likely to bo blocked almost entirely, ss that which takes its source from tho annual influx of tourists. Usually at this time of the year steamers arriving from Australia, are well laden with tourists and holiday-makers from Australia, and farther afield, but lor causes only 100 well known tho tourist has not materialised at all this year. Even iflhere are. hundreds in Australia contemplating a trip to these islands the uncertainly of steamer travel will in all probability alter their intentions.

An inquiry at the uilicc of Messrs, Thomas Conk and Sons, tourist agents, was met with the reply that there wan very little down in the way of tourist business, and that the season (which should hi- well under way by this) promised to ho the dullest for many years. There, had now been no direct boat from Sydney to Wellington for a fortnight, and the Aorangi—the through boat to San Francisco —now on her way across was not likely in hving many passengers of the tourist class. Usually a good mirubpr of people came to New Zealand for the tiom-lishing season in the North Wand (which commenced on November J), but these were only remarkable for their absence this year. The Tahiti, due here to-morrow from Sap. Francisco, may bring a few tourists, but r.kogefhei' t lie outlook for tile season ivns not promising. Those who will suffer principally are. the Railway Depart men I, (lie shipping companies, and the hotel and Imnrding-house-kcepers, and indirectly the producers of food supplies for'the hotels must suffer by curtailed orders.