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Hokitika Guardian, 25 October 1921, Page 2

Tun proposal which has been mooted to merge the Tourist Department into the Railway Department did not appear to find general support in the Mouse. We noticed that Mr Seddon, the Member for Westland, opposed the idea, and we are disposed to believe he was on the right lines. This country can he made exceptionally attractive to world tourists. It lias natural features which lend themselves to the delight of the overseas visitors. To advertise the attractions abroad is quite the work of a special department, with officers specially trained for the work. Of late the Railway Department appears to have more than its hands full with its own parieiilar job and there is still much room for improvement. Saddled with the special and peculiar work of the Tourist Department, we fear the latter would have secondary consideration, and the great asset the country possesses in its varied natural features would not he traded to full value. We have unpleasant recollections of the occasion when the Mines Department was merged into the Public Works Department. That, was a. retrograde stop, and though the Mines Department was later rehabilitated, and it has never again regained is former vim such as it showed in the days of the late Messrs Cadman and McGowan. It ! is not improbable that a fate akin to ] that which befell the Mines Depart- ! incut would attend the Tourist Department. A keen and active Tourist Minister such as Sir .1. (!. Ward showed how imlisponsihle the Tourist Department could he made, and with interest mid energy on tho part of the management that will recur again.