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Hokitika Guardian, 29 April 1930, Page 4

Tttk tour of 11 10 officers of lho Tourist iiml Industrial T)opsirtin-onts through 11 10 disirrt, should likewise prove of benefit. The gentlemen though not executive officers in regard to the mi-

thoi'isation of works, are beads of important- branches of the public service, and their report and advice in respect to various matters, must carry considerable weight when decisions have to he made by the Government. The meeting on .Saturday night made it plain to the visitors that more was expected from the Tourist Department in the matter of attention and publicuy. it w.as indicated in effect that Westland was something of a Cinderella in regard to the provincial attention meted out in the past. The district had been greatly ignored in the past and concrete instances were given of that allegation. Air Clinkard, who impresses one as being very much in earnest, however, outlined something of the policy lie had in mind Tor the future in the administration of the Departments he had just taken control of. The intention to move the staff about engaged mainly in booking tours, is a good idea, as it will familiarise the officers with their various localities. The impresson, too, which ne lias formed personally of the round motor tour from Marl borough arid Nelson, through the Buller Gorge to Westport, and thence by the coastal road to Hokitika and South West-land, returning to Hokitika, travel by way of the Otira Gorge to Christchurch, and on via Kaikoura to the starting point, is also a good one, and opens up for the motorist and touring traveller a wonderful visita of charming scenery, the varied nature of which, as the Mayor remarked, presented advantages for great opportunities in outlining a tour of undoubted charm. Air Brine, too, put in a- timely appeal for the better recognition of the lakes of Westland, They are numerous and all very beautiful, each with a particfflar feature of some effective setting which gives them a special distinction. The speakers at- Saturday night’s meeting made it plain there was much that could be done to promote and develop more tourist traffic to the district. Mr Davidson was on right lines in urging more publiiity at the centres where tours are booked. There is no reason why the winter trip to South Westland should not be the most popular of all. 1 he mountains are then snow covered, and the hills clearer of fogs. The mountain scenery is certainly more captivating at- that-period, while other advantages add to the comfort , and Measure of visitors at this season of the year, suggested. Wei believe that in connection with the., present official visit, much good will come (put . of the tour, and the trip, should be, greatly to, the advance of Westland.