The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. TUESDAY, MARCH 28, 1933. A PROMISING ORGANISATION.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 March 1933, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. TUESDAY, MARCH 28, 1933. A PROMISING ORGANISATION.

A promising organisation lately founded is being exp-urned. \ve refer to me League to. be established on a firm foundation to carry on its good work in connection with the tourist traffic to the South Island. The following are the objects of tile league as set out 111 the constitution :

(1) To foster, develop, and increase the number of visitors to New Zealancl, but more especially to the South island. (D To. co-ordinate the work of the various municipalities, progress leagues, spprfcing. and commercial interests, ioc-al bodies, societies, and individuals into a more thorough and effective effort in the interest of the tourist - radio of the South Island. (3) To supervise and direct the issue of all publications and to follow -up each issue. (4) 'To collaborate with all tourist transport and other interests, either in New Zealand or abroad in a continuous campaign of advertising New Zealand scenery, providing pictures, publications, films, and lectures for the campaign and arranging for the retention, convenience, and comfort of all travellers sent to the South Island from overseas.

In tihe p.wi, the encouragement and control of the class of traffic referred to, lias been carried on in rather a haphazard manner. The question of finance was a controlling feature, and i hat led to the efforts being of rather as spasmodic nature. There was certainly no co-ordination, and practically not any unity of action. Of 1 late, too, the .South Island hns been cut out of tiie tourist trade directed by oversea organisations. It has been notable that for some seasons past now, tile “luxury” liners have made the North Island only, their objective. Mainly to Auckland, and occasions I l f y to Wellington. this class of trade has been confined entirely to the North Island. So, also, with the intercolonial traffic, that is likewise ■direct to Wellington and Auckland, where' boats arrive regularly, and. always with a quota of holiday makers. The overflow of this class of traffic to the Smith Island is very small, and much should be possible to secure a larger section of that trade. In particular, the southern connection via the Sounds, enould be revived to attract more traffic by that route. The recent visits of excursion steamers to the Sounds were most successful from every point of view, and a regular service would draw liberal patronage because of the opportunity to visit the Sounds en route. Westland should he interested in the operations of the League, because is has natural features for the enjoyment of visitors which are unexcelled. Also, many of the mountain and glacial features are unique. There are also facilities for fine drives, and at the main stopping places g-ood accommodation has been established. Westland, certainly, has a part to play in attracting more tourists and holiday makers to this part of the South Island, ’and the opportunity to join a League of such promise should be taken the fullest advantage of. The point is that being representative of all parts, it should have enhanced influence, and be able to do more effective, work. If mere people can lie. brought to the South Island by the work of the League, the Coast will attract its share, for the special features here arc now becoming known world-wide. The organisation should be capable of accomplishing much, and the unity will give it an impetus to action, not possible hitherto.