The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1907. GISBORNE AS A SUMMER RESORT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2062, 13 December 1907, Page 2

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1907. GISBORNE AS A SUMMER RESORT.

There is possibly no town in the Dominion which has quite the 6amo natural advantages for being made an attractive place for its residents as Gisborne. It has a glorious climate and a rich soil, which in combination provide luxuriant growth (for semi-tropical plants and toliago, whilst tho configuration- of the land, with its intersecting rivers and (background of hills, gives wonderful opportunities for charmingly-situated' residences. Yet our people apparently fail to appreciate .these advantages, for the average 'house in Gisborne is distinctly- unsightly, whilst any attempts at beautifying the surroundings of the home seem to be of the crudest description. Anyone who has seen the delightful residences of Southern California and the splendid effects obtained with trees and foliage cannot fail to be disappointed at the dull and sordid aspect of our own homes when it is remembered that the climatic conditions are very similar. The shocking state of bur roads constitutes an ugly blot on. the Wiha-taupoko side of the town .that should be removed at all costs. But there are other features in which Gisborne folks fail to make the best use of their opportunities. With unrivalled advantages for bathing during tho hot days of summer, nothing is done -to cater in this direction for .the convenience of the .people. There should certainly be a, swimming club or some other institution which should arrange for an up-to-d-aite bathing shed being erected on the beach, fitted up with shower ba.t-hs supplied by tho newly-installed •water service. Tho cost would be really trifling if the matter were so arranged that the hundreds who would gladly utilise such conveniences were made ito contribute. .Then again, with rivers flowing through the town, and a haibor that on fine -days is smooth enough for tho frailest crafts, there should be an ample supply of light pleasure boats. A gentleman called at this office tho other day to complain tlia-t ho wanted to hire a light pleasure boat, but could find none in tbe town. One would imagine that some business man would long ere this have snapped at the profits that- -appear to await the first one to cater for the requirements-of tho community in tb\j respect. When such (matters as tli.so have, been attended to, and so ue scheme lias been evolved for covering up tho unsightly mud flats that disfigure the rivers at low tide, Gisborne should- easily take its place as one of the most beautiful and also one of tlio pleasantest towns in the Dominion.