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Hokitika Guardian, 4 April 1923, Page 2

Tun remarks made in Christchurch last week by Mr .lulian Grande in regard to ttie beauties and attractions of South Westland as a tourist result, are very timely. Now that the principal rivers tire bridged as far as the Wat ho Gorge, and motor traiiie i, non wellestablished, the outside patronage to a quarter now receiving a special advertisement is sure to grow greatly. 'Hiis also, is Exhibition year, so it is sure to collie to pass that next season will be a record traffic year for the Southern district. The remarks of Mr Grande suggest very plainly that from a Tourist Department point of view, Smith Westland is sadly neglected. This has been realised here for a considerable time, bill it is difficult to wake up the somnolent department controlling tourist resorts in the Dominion. Now that the novelty of Rotorua and other artificially embellished resorts is beginning to pall, and the oversea traffic is ialling off in some respects, it will be to the advantage of the Tourist Department to take up the natural wonders of beautiful Westland which are to be brought within ready reach of the traveller bv tils' Midland railway shortly to he opened. Westland, even to many in the Dominion "ill he a newly discovered portion of New Zealand, and if the place were adequately advertised by the Department in the same way as the Hormtiage and Cold 1/ikes districts were, a renewed stream of valuable tourist traffic would be brought- into the country, and A\ est hind as a magnificent hrfliday resort would come into its own.

In connection with the advertising of the district as a means to attract holiday makers thither, wo must not be unmindful of the fact that private enterprise and the public press arc alike doing a groat deal for Westland just now. Mist of the illustrated papers are preparing special numbers to celebrate the opening of the Arthur's Pass tunnel and those arc bound to refer to the scenic glories of the Coast generally and Westland in particular. The motor companies here and in Nelson are taking special measures, also, to advertise West Coast tours and linking up with’’ the great highways of Nelson and Canterbury. Tho Progress Longue of Canterbury, also, never omits an opportunity to mention Westland in its publications. The Exhibition organisation will of necessity have an active advertising branch to draw attention to tho big event and to the particular district attractions. By these means a more than usual amount of publicity will be iLrnwa to the Golden West, and wo may, with every confidence, look forward to a friendly invasion of all parts of the district. The fact of the opening of the Mildand railway for through traffic, "ill in. itself give the Coast very special prominence, and at the si'-me time afl'erd ready and cheep means for transit. More and more people wjll be coining this way. It will be an ever increasing number, and the people up and down the Coast must needs prepare for so welcome an invasion. The best equipped places will enjoy the mere enduring patronage, a fact which suggests active attention in all quarters to cater for tho fluurishiug trade to 'bo derived.

The holiday train arrangements do not show any marked liberality towards this district. The “cut'’ seems to probe deeper and deeper as far as the local community is concerned. Ross had miserable treatment last week, rail traffic being at a standstill from Wednesday to Saturday. On Easter Monday there was a minimum of train connections north. The one. train to Greymouth moved so late that horses front here engaged in the first race nt Omoto were unable to reach the course in time. For the Hokitika races to-day

the service is again curtailed to a minimum. Folk fyom thq Otira and Roefton lines cannot make the connection to Hokitika, either inward or outward. A railway ring appears to encircle Hokitika as a barrier to sports from a distance reaching the town conveniently. This notwithstanding that this is holiday week and the ported in which the Government derives such a huge return from the racing proclivities of the community. Strange to say for next week which is not a race week, the most convenient train service possible to Reofton is provided. Kissing must go by favor surely, when with the attractions mutually alike, one town is specially favored, and the other -•coins to be under the special taboo of the railway authorities. Tito importance of the matter to the general welfare of the community needs to be taken tip and the ostracising of Hokitika brought prominently under the notice of those in high places.