The Guardian And Evening Star, with winch is incorporated the West Coast Times. TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 1927. MORE PUBLICITY.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 April 1927, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with winch is incorporated the West Coast Times. TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 1927. MORE PUBLICITY.

The proposed conference at Wellington next month initiated by the Associated Chambers of Commerce to co-ordinate if possible, matters relating to tourist and publicity work, is certainly a step in the right direction. It is well, too, that this district is to have direct representation at the conference in question, so that the interests of the place can he watched with a personal attention to local requirements. The idea of the Associated Chambers is that the Government should set up a Tourist and Publicity Board to direct the operations of the two important branches of the public service referred tto. There is very general complaint that Xew Zealand suffers from a lack of publicity, and as a consequence ii tourist traffic lacks the volume which the natural attractions of the Dominion warrant. The Board b,v its advice and direction would he responsible for assisting to overcome defects of the nature referred to. Such a Board would lie capable of very good work, and it is to he hoped it will be established. It is a fact that this district lacks in a very marked manner the publicity it should have. In February last a party of Americans were on a conducted tour through New Zealand, and a section of the party visited Waiho Glacier. It is on record that their guide, Mr J. A. Wheeler, Junr. said he did not consider New Zealanders appreciated that they had one of the finest things in the world in the hush on the West Coast. The American party traversed Westland as far as Fox Glacier, going over that wonder niece of scenic road linking the Waiho with its fascinating glaciers and mountains. That feature was described as unique. With praise such as that from a much travelled guide, there is the cue to take up publicity work from such a starting point. Westland has the glaciers and the snowcapped mountains within easy reach, for those so desirous, and the hush is there in lavish quantity also. As these natural features are put first in the charm of New .Zealand, and a?

Westland has its till of these great assets. there is every reason to ex peel special attention to Westland in the future, both in regard to publicity matters and in llie development of its far stretching tourist resorts. In re-

gard to the former, there is the need for more oversea publicity. Visitors lre.ni Australia tell ns that very little i idol mat ion or reading matter in relation to Westland attractions, are to he found in Australia, despite the fact Hint expensive bureaus under Mow Zealand rnangeinent exist in Sydney and Melbourne. No doubt there is flit* same lack of information in tie United States and elsewhere. There ievery justification in asking tin* P> ard to be set no to make good the omission referred to. As regards development of tourist resorts and routes, much can be done in and about Westland. The l oad to the glaciers should he speedily completed ami the road improved at all narrow or difficult points-. The lakes about here should be opened up l.y mailing schemes. The proposal to circle Lake Kauieri with a motor road would open a resort of real charm to an indefinite number of visitors once the glory of the drive were known. Similarly a road to Lake Mnhinapila is imlixpensible, and the clearing of the lake and creek of the offending weed should be taken in baud with modern machinery now proved to be effect ive in Midi eases. The works already enumerated would be an excellent beginning and would be all worth while, returning the best results for the outlay—a regular inflow of tourists and holiday makers. The scenic assets of Westland have yet to return their full value, and with publicity, they will he quicker to do that. The proposed Board of Control appears to he an oxcelent idea ami gives the opening for a fresh starting point. It is good to see that Westland is not going to miss the opportunity of participating in the possible opportunities which will he opened up.