The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast limes. TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 1928. A CORRECTIVE.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 January 1928, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast limes. TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 1928. A CORRECTIVE.

A verv timely corrective tor the study of the authorities controlling tourist traffic is contained in an article in another column in this issue, reproduced from the Christchurch “Sun." The special reference is to the policy of the Tourist organisations directing traffic through New Zealand, which allow such scant time for the Coast trip, and in particular the visit to the Franz Josef Glacier. The authorities are charged with hustling the tourist, and also with neglecting the great attractions of the glacier, which is styled the “Cinderella among resorts.” In fact, the writer went further, and m a lies pointed reference to the policy of the jtouirist organisations, which gives special attention to the Hermitage tours and scant consideration to the Franz Josef tours. It is well to see the matter taken up in such an influential manner, for the feeling here all along is that tourist matters in Westland are being very sadly neglected by the tourist organisations. Yet it is known and has lieen emphasised over and over again, that the Coast is unique and outstanding in the fare it can produce for the entertainment and interest of the tourist. It remains for the lit. Hon. Mr Amcry to distinguish Ix'tween the values of the Hermitage and the Franz Josef to decide where the better playground was. This district has occasion to remain ever grateful to the right lion, gentleman for the

special and splendid advertisement he gave South Westland, an advertisement which was evidently the foundation for the crisp and illuminating article tvo take pleasure to-day in reprinting front a Christchurch contemporary. The writer of the article has a clear and intimate knowledge of the Franz Josef country, and though lie extols it. he does not overpaint the picture. The scenic asset in the southern glacier set in such a glorious setting of hush, is undoubted, and visitors should not only be induced to go there, hut also stay and enjoy it. There are many walks and excursions in and about the locality which can claim the interested attention of the visitors, while the air and the change of scene are a verit-

able medicine. The value and effect to he derived from the change of air and scene is a.pprepl'iated mostly by those who elect not to hurry on, hut to stay and linger about and drink in all that is best in the holiday trip. Now that attention has been drawn to the mater so pointedly, it Is to he hoped the tourist organisations will take the earliest steps to revise the itinerary for the average tourist through New Zealand. There is example and precedent in the way Mr Aniery carried out his tour. He was independent of advice from the tourist organisations, hut carried out an independent tour, the charm of which he extolled to the highest. Had he been in the hands of the tourist organisations, no doubt his tour would have been reversed, and the Franz Josef would hardly have been in the picture. Fortunately, a J.'N. * "

stronger will prevailed, and so a measure of justice long deferred the district has been rendered. The present season has seen many visitors to the South rushed to the Franz Josef, and after a brief stay of a few hours, rushed away again. The offence is of daily occurrence. Probably the publicity now being given to the position will alter the procedure and some greater consideration he given the district. The article reprinted to-day which ro clcarclearly sets out (lie true position of affairs, cannot hut fail to catch the eve of the tourist authorities in Christchurch, and it will be the duty of that branch to advise headquarters of the charges levelled against the past policy. May wo hope for an early revision of the policy complained of? Probably it would lie wise for the authorities here to bring the matter lindvr the official notice of the Minister in Charge, so that there call lie no excuse for the policy of the past being reexamined and revised. Such action is certainly very necessary, and, in point of fact, is long overdue.