AUCKLAND ADVICE

Hokitika Guardian, 6 May 1927, Page 4

AUCKLAND ADVICE

AN INDIGNANT MINISmi

WELLINGTON, May 1. “1 have definite information that tourists landing in. Auckland have been told that it was not worth their while going south.” remarked the Hon G. J. Anderson. .Minister of Publicity, at a conference which urged on the (loverninent a wider scheme of national publicity. It involved a Publicity Board, including representatives of private interests, and the Minister put many questions to ascertain how the delegation would get over what he called a real difficulty in representation. Mr Anderson added that Tie knew from an absolutely reliable source that

some persons catering for tourist requirements in Auckland told tourists that they need not bother visiting the South Island, because it was too cold, and tourists could see all there was to be seen in New Zealand by visiting Auckland, Rotorua and Wairnkei.

‘‘Such a practice is very reprehensible and indicates lack of national spirit,’’ continued Mr Anderson. “It is undesirable to introduce a parochial spirit into the tourist affairs of the Dominion. 'Each part of Now Zealand has its own attractions, and it ill becomes any portion of New Zealand to try to get benefit at the expense of another. These are facts.” The Tourist Department had been blamed for this, hut he was satisfied that no officer would do anything so foolish, and if he did lie would he luiekly pushed out of his position. This ;ort, of thing was usual. A deputationist: Not general.

The Minister: Tt is general in this particular case. la face of that we must have representation of the South Island bn your proposed Publicity Board. Have you thought of that?

Mr M'Gorman, chairman of the conference. said lie was satisfied that the interests which would contribute to the publicity fund would at.point representative* on the Publicity Board regardless of which island they came from. "In any case, the Government. will have a majority on toe board, and we can safely leave if to the Minister.” lie said. Mr Anderson (laughingly): You can hot your bottom dollar I’ll look after the South Island.

book to six of the great national ana university libraries which would of necessity bp among their best customers. We do not grudge this ; all that we ask is that it should he recognised as a heavy burden, though cheerfully li inie. Moreover, there is no tradesman or manufacturer who is asked so generally to give away his wares. There i- scarcely a bazaar or charity fete held but what we are asked to give books for sale. S'm h appeals are met in a very ready spirit."—Sir John Murray, in the -Quarterly Review.”