The Guardian And Evening Star, with which incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, JUNE 17, 1929

Hokitika Guardian, 17 June 1929, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, JUNE 17, 1929

ATTRACTIVE ADVERTISING. This proposal being organised by the Progress League and Tourist Society to have Westland specially advertised at the annual Canterbury Industrial Exhibition this year is a wise one, if space can be obtained. Application to that end is now being made through the Canterbury Progress League, with which the local League is affiliated. It would appear that the district - has to do a good deal to help itself in this matter of advertising. Westland has attractive/wares -lor the tourist and holiday maker, and as access is being improved, more tourists and holiday makers are coming this way. As the tide is in the flood, it is well to help it as much as possible, and the present move to get in touch with our largest neighbouring population seems to ho a very good one. Canterbury lolk Bis all New Zealanders) travel freely, and now that access to the Coast is so cheap and frequent, we should endeavour to see more of them this way. The step about to he taken in respect to a display at the proposed Exhibition at Christchurch, held when there are timings of people there in November next for the Show and races, is in lieu

of tlie newspaper advertising in the pictorial Christmas numbers. Doubtless the change to a fresh method oi advertising will have a good effect. '.Hie proposal appears a very attractive one, and pregnant with possibilities. It is suggested to seek the assistance of the Tourist, Publicity and Railway Advertising Departments with-the object ott obtaining their co-operation. In that way, no doubt, the scenic gems of the district could be well displayed pictorial Iv. Tlie Publicity Department lias lately secured a new series of South A Vest la nd views, both still and moving, and these alone would form the basis of a striking display. In the local Museum there is a line range oi pictures illustrating AVestland scenery, and displayed to advantage would attract a. large amount of interest. Printed matter relating to tours and scenic objects of special interest could be distributed in leaflet form, and would be read very widely. The medium for distribution appears to be excellent. It would be among a holidaymaking people who would be ready always to find some fresh ground to cover. The tourist industry hcie as far as it has developed, owes a great deal to local' effort. Much publicity has been done over a number of years, while enterprising people have built hostels in the back country, making local resorts and attractions popular. The cost of this enterprise is not infrequently left to the Government, and seeing that that large expenditure has been saved here, the Departments can lie asked reasonably to help with the present movement. Just at present Sir Joseph Ward has promised to put new life in the Tourist Department, so that the present is a very opportune time to press for assistance in the way proposed. A very good case can ho put forward for direct help in the way of publicity, including the effort the people are making to assist to develop the trade. The district is fortunate in having one of the best motor services in the Dominion available for travellers. ’The hotels are comfortable, and the public well catered for. Visitors often express surprise at the good meals supplied even in out-of-the-way places. Great improvements are being made in the roads, and there has ueen a minimum of accidents hereabouts. As to the scenic attractions and the pleasing atmosphere of the district, there can be no question. Tlie highest praise has been meted out to the exceptional glories rtf Westland. So that hero is a natural asset which it is a special duty really to advertise. The people will do well, therefore, to combine in this proposal, and make the most of so promising an opportunity to bring the beauties and wonders of Westland under the notice of an enlarged circle of possible travellci s.