BOOSTING PLAN

Hokitika Guardian, 19 December 1928, Page 5

BOOSTING PLAN

FOR AUSTRALIA. ATTRACTING INVESTORS AND SETTLERS. SYDNEY, Doc: 6. Australian business men are being asked to support a scheme to boost Australia overseas in a big wav in order to attract a greater number of investors and tourists, as well as new settlers with money who would he likely to assist in the development of tho Commonwealth At the request of vniious transportation, hotel, and business interests, the Development and Migration Commission has deputed Air C H. Holmes, chairman of the Victorian Railways Betterment and Publicity Board, to carry out tho preliminary organisation on behalf of the various concerns that are co-operating. It is proposed that when the scheme is consummated it shall he operated by a committee of Australia’s leading business men, to bo appointed by iho three intersts contributing the largest financial support, together with a representative of the Federal Government.

A director will he responsible to th'* committee, which will not l>e subject to Government control. The scheme provides for direct representation tin England and in the United. States, lAul in contact with all the travel agencies in the English-speaking world. A minimum amount of £IOO,OOO is to ho spent over a period of five years, hut ho financial hacking which is being given by the business community makes it probable that the amount stated will ho exceeded. The Australian railways propose’ to contribute £30,000 over a, period of five years, and overseas shipping lines and leading hotels throughout the Commonwealth are also providing substantial contributions, tho extent of which lias yet to he determined.

Up to tho present undertakings have been given for financial support to tho extent of £70,000 during the five years, and an indication of the popularity of the idea may be gained from the following typical five-year contributions from the leading business interests: — A bank £IOOO, an assurance company £IOOO, an oil company £750, a steel company £SOO, a mining company £SOO, a retail firm £SOO. One of Ibo first objectives of the proposed organisation is to create a. “ tourist conscience ” throughout Australia with a view in particular to hasten hotel development in the rural areas. Rtii n--ulation of travel among Australians themselves would also help in that direction. The main advantage arising from the effective advertising of Australia overseas* would he that new capital would he brought into the country for investment; export trade would he developed; money expended by tourists would he circulated amongst all sections, and Australia would gain, more investor-settlers. Australia is undoubtedly regarded abroad as a land of strikes and crudities more or less devoid of attraction, and there is certainly heed for making the Commonwealth better understood than it is today. Aloney spent in this direction will certainly lie well spent.